{"id":5118,"date":"2023-07-10T11:42:31","date_gmt":"2023-07-10T01:42:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.driverknowledgetests.com\/resources\/?p=5118"},"modified":"2023-07-10T12:22:09","modified_gmt":"2023-07-10T02:22:09","slug":"what-are-rear-steer-axles-and-why-are-they-used","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.driverknowledgetests.com\/resources\/what-are-rear-steer-axles-and-why-are-they-used\/","title":{"rendered":"What are rear-steer axles and why are they used?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Some vehicles have one or two axles at the rear which steer passively, i.e. they are not turned by the steering wheel. For example, when a trailer is pulled to the right, the rear-steer axle pivots the wheels to the left to help the trailer turn, and to reduce sideways scrubbing on the tyres. This means reduced tyre wear (estimated at 4 tyres per 100,000km) and lower fuel consumption (estimated at up to 1000 litres per 100,000km, or 1%). It also provides for a tighter turning radius, assisting with manoeuvring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The maximum steering angle is usually set between 8 and 27 degrees, depending on the type of vehicle. Modern systems have a steering lock which activates when driving in reverse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The axle itself functions like a regular axle in terms of its specification – it will have its own brakes and be capable of supporting a standard axle loading. It can have single tyres or duals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The rear axle of this quad semitrailer can be seen turning<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The axle may be able to be locked using a switch on the side of the vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Steering axle lock switch on a Domett trailer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Steering axle mechanism<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The types of vehicles that tend to have rear steering axles are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n