|
|
WHAT IS AXLE WRAP AND WHEEL HOP
Axle wrap and wheel hop is a problem that plagues vehicles with rear leaf spring suspension. Before we drive into the actual definitions we should clear up some terminology. Axle wrap is the twisting motion of the axle housing when it reacts to torque from the engine during acceleration or braking force on deceleration. Wheel hop refers to the rapid up and down motion of the tires caused by Axle wrap. Axle hop is the term that refers to both axle wrap and wheel hop.
Axle wrap occurs when the rotational force of the tires causes the axle housing to twist and rotate. It’s most noticeable during hard acceleration from a standing start and on hill climbs while accelerating. This rotation of the axle housing forces the springs to bend into and S-shape. When the axle housing rotates far enough, two things happen: The spring force tries to push the housing in the opposite direction, and the U-joint attempts to make a straight line between the axle-assembly yoke and driveshaft. These forces cause the tires to loose traction, and “jump”, or “hop”. Once the traction is lost, the leaf springs snap back into their original position. This happens over and over until the truck either gains better traction or the drive reduces torque input by letting off the throttle. Axle wrap can also occur during deceleration, such as hard braking.
Axle wrap has a negative effect on several components. As the axle housing rotates under load, the pinion angle changes. This means the yoke on the axle housing moves up or down in relation to the driveshaft. During acceleration, axle wrap can cause driveline vibrations because of the increased U-joint angle at the pinion yoke. In the extreme cases, this increased angle exceeds the limits of the U-joint and causes it to fail or rapidly wear out. Wheel hop places shock loads on the internal components of an axle assembly, putting the components under excessive strain. Which can lead to failure. The springs are affected because the extra stress caused by bending under load wears them out more quickly. Finally, traction is reduced because the tires don’t transfer torque to the ground efficiently.
How to eliminate Axle Wrap and Wheel Hop
By installing a Roadmaster Active Suspension (RAS), on any vehicle with rear leaf suspension, we guaranteed to eliminate Axle Wrap and Wheel Hop.
How can Roadmaster Active Suspension eliminate Axle Wrap and Wheel Hop
Roadmaster Active Suspension effectively eliminates Axle Wrap and wheel Hop, by preventing the additional force of the increased torque, twisting the axle housing and by so doing, will now not allow the leaf springs to distort. RAS with the two powerful variable rated coil springs will now hold the leaf springs in the original bowed shape. The distorted S-shape twist and subsequent hop, is thereby eliminated. Traction to the tires are now increased and torque is transferred to the ground efficiently.
