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De Dion suspension
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A de Dion tube is a form of non-independent automobile suspension. It is a considerable improvement over the swing axle, Hotchkiss drive, or live axle.[1] Because it plays no part in transmitting power to the drive wheels, it is sometimes called a "dead axle".[2]
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![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b5/DeDion_Axle_Diagram.png/640px-DeDion_Axle_Diagram.png)
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A powered de Dion suspension uses universal joints on both ends of its driveshafts (at the wheel hubs and at the differential), and a solid tubular beam to hold the opposite wheels in parallel. Unlike an anti-roll bar, a de Dion tube is not directly connected to the chassis, and is not intended to flex. In suspension geometry it is a beam axle suspension.