Vehicle axle classifications generally encompass four primary functional designs utilized across different automotive and industrial applications. These include front axles, which steer and support the front end of a vehicle; rear axles, which typically transfer engine power to drive the wheels; stub axles, which support front wheels on independent suspension systems; and dead axles, which are non-driven load-bearing components utilized extensively in heavy trailers and commercial configurations. Each design is engineered with specific metallurgical and geometric properties to handle designated load capacities, torque requirements, and suspension geometries.