10 Cast Net: Stub Axle

Monday, 8 October 2012

Stub Axle

A stub axle is most commonly found on a trailer. This is an axle that is connected to an assembly that mounts on one side of the trailer. This does not go all the way across the trailer like a typical straight axle does. The stub axle typically is part of an assembly that includes the spring and shock mounts and is connected so that it can move freely as an integral part of the trailer's suspension. By utilizing a stub axle assembly on a trailer, it is able to traverse rough roads without disturbing its load. The stub axle works much like an independent suspension on a sports car and allows each tire and wheel assembly to move independently. This drastically improves cornering as well as braking characteristics, especially on slippery roads. Most stub axle units are cast into the axle assembly and the entire piece is one single part, while others are independent assemblies that fit into a receptacle on the trailer and are a separate component. In either case, the stub axle is one that typically has a single wheel and tire bolted to it. Occasionally this axle can be used in a dual-wheel application as well.