How Does the Rear Axle Turn in Cars?

  • Context: Automotive 
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the mechanics of how rear axles turn in cars, particularly in the context of different drive configurations such as front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive. Participants explore concepts related to differentials, wheel movement, and the forces involved in turning.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that the rear wheels are turned by a differential, similar to the front wheels, unless the vehicle is front-wheel drive.
  • Others question how a rigid axle can turn without slipping, suggesting that a differential is necessary for both driven wheels to operate at different speeds.
  • There is a claim that in front-wheel drive cars, the rear axle does not require a differential because the rear wheels are not connected to the engine and can rotate independently.
  • Participants discuss how vehicles without differentials, such as carts, can still turn corners, implying that independent wheel rotation is sufficient.
  • One participant suggests using a toy car to visualize how wheels turn and the role of a differential in this process.
  • Clarifications are made regarding the mechanics of front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive vehicles, emphasizing that the rear wheels can free-wheel independently in front-wheel drive configurations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity of a differential for rear axles, with some asserting its importance while others argue that it is not required for rear wheels in front-wheel drive vehicles. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Some statements rely on assumptions about vehicle design and the definitions of differentials and axle configurations, which may not be universally applicable. The discussion also reflects varying levels of understanding among participants.

persia7
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in cars front axle turns by diffrential but how rear axle turns it is possible wite pure rolling?
 
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persia7 said:
in cars front axle turns by diffrential but how rear axle turns it is possible wite pure rolling?

Welcome to PF, Persia7.
You sort of lost me with that question. The rear wheels are turned by a differential, unless you have a front-wheel-drive vehicle. The front ones just free-wheel, unless the brakes are applied. The opposite is true for a FWD thing.
 
when two wheels are rigid to axle ,how axle can turn without slip?
 
persia7 said:
when two wheels are rigid to axle ,how axle can turn without slip?

It can't. This is why a differential arrangement is used, so both driven wheels can transmit power at different speeds.

Check out the 'how stuff works' article on the same, or build one out of Lego to understand better.

http://www.howstuffworks.com/differential.htm
 
in front wheel drive cars ,rear axle haven't diffrrential , how it can turn?
 
cart haven't diffrential but how it can turn in corner?
 
welcome persia
on front wheel drive cars, the rear wheels are simply wheels on bearings abd are free to rotate independatly of the drive wheels. They are just along for the ride..savvy?
 
if front axle need diffrential to turn (in corner) then why rear wheels doesnt?
 
the front wheels must transmit power to the road..since rear wheels are not connected to engine..no differential is required..only independent bearings
 
  • #10
please explain what force and how cause rear axle turns in corners ??
 
  • #11
:rolleyes:
This is like talking to a rock, but I'm going to assume that it's an "English as 2nd language" problem.
Okay... get yourself a Hot Wheels or Matchbook toy car and check out how the wheels turn. Now imagine a differential on one end of it. That's what we're talking about. Ignore the fact that they don't have steering mechanisms; it's irrelevant here.
 
  • #12
Front wheel drive vehicles have a differential as part of the transaxle. The rear wheels on a front wheel drive vehicle are not locked the same axle. Each one can free-wheel independent of the other.
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Rear wheel drive vehicles have a differential in the center of the rear axle. The front wheels on a rear wheel drive vehicle are obviously not locked to the same axle. If they were, steering would be impossible. -
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There, I tried.
 

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