CHAPTER 5 REPAIR OF THE AXLES Section I.  DRIVE AXLE ASSEMBLY 5-1.  Description The    drive    axle    assembly    consists    of    a    differential assembly,  two  axle  shafts,  and  two  spindles  (fig.    5-1). The  axle  shafts  connect  the  differential  assembly  (first reduction)  and  the  bull  gear  (second  reduction)  in  the drive wheel.  The drive wheel rotates  around  a  spindle,  which  is  mounted  to  the  axle housing.    The  differential  assembly  consists  of  a  carrier assembly and a case assembly.  The carrier assembly is mounted   at   the   center   of   the   drive   axle   housing   and supports the case assembly. Figure 5-1.  Drive unit. 5-1