The Axle Dilemma: A study in Fixed vs Loose axles
Wow! I'm so glad I found this article! Thank you guys for all your thoughts. This is something I have been wondering about for a long time. I started out gluing my axles, but I have been leaving them loose recently. One reason is so I can more easily recycle the car/axle.
The other reason is when I spin a wheel of a car, it usually spins somewhat well, without to much vibration. But if I put my finger on the opposite wheel, the spun wheel usually vibrates like crazy. I feel like the axle/wheels like to resonate at their own frequency, and they can't do so when anchored to the chassis.
This is just a theory I have. I'm still quite new to this, and I think the best way to find out is trial and error/experience. Everyone seems to have a different way of doing things, and they all seem to make it work some way or another.
I'd be interested to know what someone else thinks about this, and whether or not anybody's had the same experiences/theories.
- another thing is tracks are not flat, so loose may keep the wheels on the track better — dr_dodge
- So much "ick" when a blister fresh car with no free axle spin and loud wheels, this coming from a non-builder — Chris_Hood
- Dr_dodge, I've never thought about it that way before. What advantages would having all your wheels on the track give you? — Roberts_Diecast_Motorsport
Lots of interesting information I've seen certainly mixed results with fixing axles to the chassis. I would recommend hybrid testing to get a complete picture. Testing on a straight track will remove many variables present on a road track. Testing on a road track would be an interesting addition to the data
- I have gone to screws and axle retainer plate, this allows me to change a wheel set easily — dr_dodge
- "Axle Retainer Plate" I desire to know more, Doctor, if you're willing — Chris_Hood
- Good stuff Dodge! All assists testing! — CutRock_R_Marc_D
I started building with fixed axles the same time I started adding weight. I never even gave floating axles a thought. Am I missing something? A floating front axle might be desired in a build for a track with turns. Back to square one, ...again.
- Hey there. You have to assess what track you are racing on to better assess what you may need to be doing. I looked at it this way. If I want to be near the best in the 100m sprint (ie drags) I investigate what the best are doing. The same with ie a track and field event, which could be something else. (ie look at Gravity Throttle Racing) Part of the journey is investigating yourself, and yes, mistakes and all. But that makes the challenge worthwhile and satisfying when you improve. Cheers all the best to you out there.! Marc D — CutRock_R_Marc_D
- Racing on straight tracks is what sold me on 1/64 racing. Smooth, straight, speed. — alva1370
Good to see some testing results, and thanks for sharing. I'm in the loose axle camp, but will also secure axles with silicone or RTV. I think anything that helps mitigate vibration will keep you rolling faster. Wheel sanding also falls in that category.