How do I know what size rear axle I have?
Understanding the size of your rear axle is crucial for various maintenance tasks, including replacing parts or upgrading your vehicle. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or just want to ensure your car is in top shape, knowing how to identify your rear axle size can save you time and money. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to accurately determine the size of your rear axle.
Why Knowing Your Rear Axle Size Matters
The rear axle size affects several aspects of your vehicle, including:
- Performance: The axle size can influence your car's handling and stability.
- Compatibility: When replacing parts, knowing the axle size ensures you purchase the correct components.
- Upgrades: If you're considering performance upgrades, the axle size will determine what options are available.
Steps to Determine Your Rear Axle Size
Follow these steps to find out the size of your rear axle:
- Check the Owner's Manual: Your vehicle's manual often contains specifications, including rear axle size.
- Look for Identification Tags: Many vehicles have an identification tag on the rear axle itself. This tag usually includes the axle size and other relevant information.
- Measure the Axle: If you can't find the information in the manual or on a tag, you can measure the axle directly. Use a tape measure to determine the width of the axle housing. Common sizes include 7.5", 8.5", and 9.5".
- Consult a Professional: If you're still unsure, consider visiting a trusted auto service center like Kevin's Autos. Our experienced technicians can help you identify your rear axle size quickly and accurately.
Conclusion
Knowing the size of your rear axle is essential for maintaining your vehicle's performance and ensuring compatibility with replacement parts. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily determine your rear axle size and make informed decisions about your car's maintenance and upgrades. If you have any questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to us at Kevin's Autos!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I find my axle size?
You should find it on the driver's side of the trailer. A second way to determine the size axle you need is to measure the diameter of your existing axle. The tube in our video example measures at 2 and 3/8ths of an inch. You can use this measurement to identify the axle.
How do you tell what size rear axle you have?
Check the Differential Cover
The axle may have a sticker, and on the differential cover, you might have a small metal tag that's sticking out that will have the gear ratio stamped on it.
How do I know if I have a 7.5 or 8.5 rear end?
The 8.5s and 7.5s look remarkably similar, so you'll need a measuring tape to confirm. You can also check the RPO code list in the glovebox or trunk lid for the original rear, but you still need to verify the actual housing itself since it is easy to swap them out.
How to find axle code?
1. View the Safety Compliance Certification Label on the driver's side, front or rear door panel. 2. Find the word AXLE under the bar code.
How do you measure axle size?
You want to keep your tape parallel to the shaft. If you measure at an angle you're going to add length to your dimension. Don't do that depending on the length of your shaft. And the flange.
How to measure axle size?
Measure from the outside face of one brake flange to the outside face of the opposite brake flange. Most axles have a standard amount of space between the brake flanges and hubs, depending on the axle size.
How to find out thru axle size?
The Distance In-Between Your Frame or Fork
This is also know as O.L.D. or Over Locknut Dimension. For a front thru-axle, this is measured from the inside to inside of your fork. For a rear thru-axle, this is measured from the inside to inside of your frame at the drop-outs.
How to identify a thru axle?
However, thru axles are different than a skewer because rather than using a camming mechanism to hold the wheel on, a thru axle threads directly into your bike frame. Your bike has a thru axle if the “drop out” is a hole, rather than a U-shaped dropout.
How do I find my axle number?
Can't find your axle label? Your nine-digit axle serial number is etched into the axle tube near the center on the rear side. PROTIP: If the axle is older, try rubbing a piece of chalk over the number to help bring out the engraving better.
What rear axle ratio do I have?
Method 1: Count the number of teeth on the ring gear and the pinion. Divide the number of the ring gear's teeth by the number of the pinion's teeth. This will give you the axle ratio.
