The rear axle in the Mercedes-Benz G-Class W465 plays a key role in the vehicle's drivetrain, handling the distribution of power to the rear wheels and contributing significantly to the overall vehicle's stability and off-road performance. Given the G-Class's off-road capabilities, the rear axle is designed to be extremely durable and capable of handling rough terrains, heavy loads, and high torque.

Key Features and Components of the G-Class W465 Rear Axle:

1. Solid Rear Axle:
   • The G-Class W465 typically uses a solid rear axle design, also known as a live axle. In this setup, both rear wheels are connected by a single axle shaft, and the axle housing holds all the components, including the differential and suspension.
   • This design is robust and capable of enduring heavy off-road conditions. It provides greater strength and load-bearing capacity, essential for the demanding off-road capabilities of the G-Class.
2. Rear Differential:
   • The rear differential is housed within the rear axle and is responsible for distributing the engine's torque between the two rear wheels. This allows the wheels to rotate at different speeds, which is crucial for turning and maneuvering.
   • In off-road situations, the G-Class W465 may be equipped with a locking rear differential. This feature locks both rear wheels to rotate at the same speed, which can significantly improve traction in challenging conditions like mud, sand, or snow.
3. Limited-Slip Differential (LSD):
   • Some G-Class W465 variants feature an electronic or mechanical limited-slip differential (LSD). The LSD helps improve traction by allowing some wheel slip, while still ensuring that power is transferred effectively to the wheels with more grip.
   • This is particularly useful for off-road driving, where maintaining traction is crucial on uneven surfaces.
4. Suspension and Axle Integration:
   • The rear axle is an integral part of the vehicle's suspension system. It is paired with the coil springs and shock absorbers at the rear, working together to provide a comfortable and controlled ride, even in rough terrain.
   • The rear suspension in the G-Class W465 is typically an independent suspension or a multi-link suspension, which enhances comfort and stability during off-road driving and ensures that the rear axle can absorb shocks effectively.
5. Heavy-Duty Bearings and Hubs:
   • The wheel hubs and bearings are located at the ends of the rear axle and support the rotation of the wheels. These components are designed to handle heavy loads, particularly when off-roading or carrying heavy cargo.
   • The wheel hubs are connected to the rear axle shafts, which in turn are connected to the differential.
6. Axle Shafts:
   • The rear axle shafts connect the differential to the wheels. They are responsible for transmitting the torque from the differential to the wheels. These shafts are designed to be extremely robust to handle the high forces encountered during off-road driving.
7. Drive Shaft:
   • The rear driveshaft connects the rear axle to the transfer case or transmission. It transmits the rotational power from the engine to the axle and wheels. The driveshaft typically has universal joints (U-joints) that allow for smooth rotation as the suspension moves up and down.
8. Axle Bearings and Seals:
   • The axle is equipped with bearings and seals to ensure smooth operation and prevent dirt and debris from entering the axle housing. These components also help to prevent leaks of oil or lubricants from the differential.
9. Heavy-Duty Construction:
   • The entire rear axle assembly is designed to handle extreme off-road stresses, including high torque loads and harsh environments. It is often made of high-strength steel and treated to withstand corrosion and wear.

Benefits for the G-Class W465:

• Off-Road Durability: The solid rear axle provides enhanced durability and strength, ensuring the G-Class W465 can perform reliably on rough terrains, such as mud, sand, snow, or rocks.
• Traction Control: The option of a locking rear differential or limited-slip differential ensures that the vehicle maintains traction, especially in low-grip situations.
• Load Handling: The rear axle's strong design allows the G-Class W465 to handle heavy payloads and tow large loads, a key feature for off-road and utility use.
• Improved Stability: With the rear axle working in tandem with the suspension, the G-Class maintains stability during off-road excursions while also providing a smooth ride on paved roads.

Overall, the rear axle in the G-Class W465 is engineered to provide high performance, durability, and reliability, enabling the vehicle to tackle challenging off-road conditions while maintaining smooth driving on paved roads.