Technology in conversation (2) - Axis rigidity or the De Dion axis
Summary
Back in the 19th century, Count Albert De Dion invented a rigid axle that offered many advantages without the disadvantages normally associated with it. However, the De Dion axle experienced its heyday in the sixties and seventies. It is still used in cars today and yet many people are unaware of its characteristics. But let's let the two buddies Albert and Exbert clarify the topic in conversation ...
Estimated reading time: 4min
Preview (beginning of the article)
Colleagues Albert and Exbert are once again discussing cars and their technology, more specifically rigid and non-rigid rear axles ... Albert: Yesterday we had a huge row with Robert. He stubbornly claimed that a De Dion axle is not a rigid axle. That's just silly . Exbert: Albert, that's not silly. It's complicated. A: I don't like complicated. E: I know. You prefer "silly" or "not silly". But sometimes it'sjust complicated. A: Is it simple or complicated now? E: Don't be silly. Let's start from the beginning. A rigid axle consists of a differential and a tube in which the left and right drive axles run. This axle is sprung either with leaf springs, which in simpler cases also take over the longitudinal and transverse guidance, or with coil springs and trailing arms.
Continue reading this article for free?
Photos of this article


























![Alfa Romeo Disco Volante (1953) - Die De-Dion-Hinterachse des Disco Volante [Le Mans 1953]](/bild/Alfa-Romeo-Disco-Volante-1953-Die-De-Dion-Hinterachse-des-Disco-Volante-Le-Mans-1953/009c18ce-608e-4f69-a048-59d0476ab7f9-big-teaser.jpg?nohash=true&from=carousel&urlcontext=%2Fen%2Farticles%2Ftechnical%2FTechnik-im-Gespraech-Achsen-Starrsinn-oder-die-De-Dion-Achse.html)
![Alfa Romeo Disco Volante (1953) - Die De-Dion-Hinterachse des Disco Volante [Le Mans 1953]](/bild/Alfa-Romeo-Disco-Volante-1953-Die-De-Dion-Hinterachse-des-Disco-Volante-Le-Mans-1953/009c18ce-608e-4f69-a048-59d0476ab7f9-teaser.jpg?nohash=true&from=carousel&urlcontext=%2Fen%2Farticles%2Ftechnical%2FTechnik-im-Gespraech-Achsen-Starrsinn-oder-die-De-Dion-Achse.html)




























