Silverado 1500 Axles: Overview Guide

Your rear axle is a long metal bar that connects your tires to your drivetrain system. They are a mechanical part responsible for tire rotation.

Rotational energy from the driveshaft transmits to the axle shaft, which rotates the tire.Essentially, they are responsible for transferring torque and power from your Silverado 1500’s engine to your tires.

Axles take abuse from everyday vehicle use. They are directly involved in braking, steering, and acceleration, which can begin to wear on the metal overtime. They also have to withstand the entire weight of the vehicle, including cargo and passengers.

There are two types of axles: drive axles and dead axles. A dead axle has its own independent rotation separate from the engine. They are strictly used for load bearing purposes on larger trucks or sometimes found on front-wheel drive vehicles.

A drive axle is your rear axle, which is connected to the driveshaft. The driveshaft connects to your Silverado’s engine and transmission and transfers power from these components to turn the axle.

There are also two types of drive axles: a live axle and split axle. Live axles were common in older vehicles and were solely involved in transferring torque and acceleration from the engine to the wheels.

A split axle includes a rear differential, which essentially splits the system into a right and left axle, performing the same function. That’s why it’s critical to purchase an axle that conforms to your rear differential.

As we learn more about axles, you’ll find a concurrent theme common among all enthusiasts: the bigger the axle the better.

Well, this also holds true of spline count. Generally, a higher spline count indicates a stronger axle. Mechanically, having more splines allows you to push more torque through your driveshaft.

The spline count represents the number of splines on the carrier or shaft of the axle. These parts need the same spline count so you don't damage your axle system. Without equal count, they won't fit congruently and could cause damage to your axle over time.

• More splines = stronger axles
• Stock axles are not very durable
• Aftermarket axles are equipped to handle heavier loads
• Axles with higher spline counts offer greater torque and acceleration for your Silverado
• Warranties available

There are a number of factors you need to take in when selecting a new axle.

Spline Count: A higher spline count offers more torque and greater strength for your Silverado. It’s also imperative that your axle shaft and carrier have the same spline count.

Metal: While most stock axles come in carbon steel, we offer high-carbon steel that offers more strength and can withstand the stress of off-roading and heavy towing. There’s also the insanely strong chromoly axles that offer up to 210,000 psi yield strength. They consist of a blend of chromium, nickel, and molybdenum.

Spline Cut: There are two different ways to spline an axle shaft: cutting and rolling. Cutting is the most common method where individual splines are cut individually following the hardening process. Cut splines are not able to withstand weight and stress like a rolled spline.

Rolled splines are much stronger because they’re manufactured before hardening using a cold-rolling process. These can be molded and hardened into the optimal shape to provide more resilience.

Budget: Axles come in all different strengths so it depends on your budget how much value you’ll get from your axles. Fortunately, axles are relatively cheap at around $200.

Rear Differential: You need to ensure your axles line up with your rear differential as they are technically part of the axle system. If not, you’ll need to swap out your rear differential.

Axle shafts are susceptible to wear after repeated stress. In a Silverado, it’s almost guaranteed between the amount of towing or hauling you may be doing. Here are some common signs your axle may be wearing out:

• Excessive vibration when operating your vehicle
• Small clicking noise while turning
• Rear wheel tires are unaligned
• A clunking or crashing noise when shifting gears
• Fluid on the inside of your tires

If you encounter any of these problems take it to mechanic for immediate inspection. A broken axle could noticeably affect handling and performance, but your tires could also fall off the driveline if the carrier separates.