Drive axles are broadly classified into two categories: non-disconnectable and disconnectable.
Non-disconnectable drive axles should be selected when the drive wheels use a non-independent suspension. A non-disconnectable drive axle, also known as a solid drive axle, has its half-shaft sleeves and main reducer housing rigidly connected to the axle housing as a single beam. Therefore, the half-shafts on both sides and the drive wheels can swing relative to each other, connected to the frame via elastic elements. It consists of a drive axle housing, main reducer, differential, and half-shafts.
Disconnectable drive axles use independent suspension, where the main reducer housing is fixed to the frame, and the half-shafts on both sides and the drive wheels can move relative to the vehicle body in the lateral plane. This is called a disconnectable drive axle.
To cooperate with independent suspension, the main reducer housing is fixed to the frame (or body). The drive axle housing is segmented and connected by hinges, or there may be no other drive axle housing besides the main reducer housing. To accommodate the independent vertical movement of the drive wheels, the half-shaft segments between the differential and the wheels are connected by universal joints.
