What is the difference between an external brake axle and an internal brake axle?

Jun 17, 2024 Leave a message

The main difference between an external brake axle and an internal brake axle lies in the arrangement of the brake drum (or disc) and brake mechanism, which directly affects their maintenance convenience, heat dissipation performance, and overall design flexibility. Here are several key differences between the two:
1. Brake component position:
External brake axle: Its brake drum or brake disc, as well as related brake shoes or calipers, are installed on the outer side of the axle and directly attached to the center or near the wheel. This design makes the brake components more visible and easy to inspect and repair.

Built in brake axle: The brake components are integrated inside the axle, usually meaning that the brake drum or disc and brake mechanism are located inside the axle tube, which is relatively concealed.

 

2. Maintenance convenience:
The external design, due to its openness, makes it easier and faster to replace brake shoes, inspect wear, or perform cleaning work, reducing the downtime and cost of vehicle maintenance.Built in design may require more disassembly work to access brake components, making maintenance relatively cumbersome and time-consuming.

 

3. Heat dissipation performance:
The exposed braking components of the external brake axle are more conducive to air circulation, helping to quickly dissipate the heat generated during the braking process and reducing the decrease in braking efficiency caused by overheating.The heat dissipation efficiency of the built-in brake axle is relatively low, especially during continuous heavy loads or long downhill driving, which may face a greater risk of thermal decay.

 

4. Design and application flexibility:
The external design allows for more flexible adjustment of wheelbase and assembly of advanced braking systems such as ABS according to vehicle requirements, resulting in stronger adaptability.Although built-in designs may be more compact in terms of space occupancy, they may not be as flexible as external designs for specific customization needs.

 

5. Durability and strength:
Built in axles are often considered to have higher overall strength and durability in certain specific applications, especially under extreme conditions, due to their structural characteristics. However, this does not mean that external designs are inferior in durability, only that the two have different design focuses.

 

Overall, both external and internal brake axles have their own advantages, and the choice of which type depends on the specific usage environment, maintenance convenience requirements, and manufacturer's design preferences of the vehicle.