Which axle drives during normal operation of a tandem axle vehicle?
1 Answers
Tandem axle vehicles are driven by both axles during normal operation. Here are the specific details: 1. Inter-axle differential: The "inter-axle differential" present in tandem drive axles primarily functions to allow speed differentiation between the middle and rear axles during operation. For tandem drive axles equipped with an inter-axle differential lock, when the differential lock is engaged, the differential's cross-shaft planetary gears mesh with both half-shaft gears, providing differential action on uneven road surfaces - at this point both the middle and rear axles drive simultaneously. 2. Characteristics: For tandem drive axles where both middle and rear axles drive together, the middle axle transition case must contain gear sets connecting to the middle axle, which externally manifests as an additional protruding "large bulge" on the chassis appearance.