Rear end Question

[Kal]

What is the difference between a flanged axle style and a hub axle style rear end? I've heard that flanged style axles shouldn't be used for road racing/ circle track racing. Anyone have any info on this?

Thanks

[big gear head]

I'm assuming that you mean semi-floating axles and full floating axles. The semi-floating axles bear the weight of the car on the axle shaft itself, where the full floating axles only use the axle shaft to turn the tires. Full floating axles have 2 tapered bearings inside a hub on each end of the housing that bear the weight of the car and the cornering loads. This is what is used in NASCAR and other forms of racing where high corner loads occur. It is also used in the top alcohol and top fuel classes of drag racing.

[myclone]

A flanged axle would be the type that not only does the axle support the weight of the vehicle it retains the wheel and absorbs the engine torque.

A hub style is what I would guess some ppl call a floating style axle where a hub/bearing assembly supports the weight of the car and retains the wheel and the axle only absorbs the engine torque.

As far as which is better for road racing I'll let the experts chime in on that but be aware that should a flange style axle break then you will soon be minus a wheel/tire assembly (not good at any speed). Should a hub or floating style axle break the wheel/tire stay attached to the vehicle and the only thing you lose is the ability to transfer engine power to the road surface.

[Kal]

Thanks for the help guys!

Does anybody know of any good books on this subject?

[big gear head]

I got one started, but haven't had time to finish it. I don't know of any other.