Voorassen

Voorassen, in Dutch automotive terminology, are the front axles of a wheeled vehicle. They form the connection between the front wheels and the chassis, and they provide mounting points for the steering system and, in many cases, the front suspension.

There are two main configurations used for voorassen: a rigid front axle (beam axle) and an independent front suspension. A rigid axle uses a single axle beam across the width of the vehicle, typically paired with leaf springs, offering robustness and simple maintenance. Independent front suspension uses separate suspension members for each wheel, improving ride quality and handling; common implementations include MacPherson struts and double-wishbone layouts.

When the front axle is driven, as in most front-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive vehicles, the axle also carries the differential and drive shafts. In rear-wheel-drive layouts, the front axle is usually non-driven and mainly supports steering and weight transfer, though it may still carry a differential in specific designs.

Maintenance considerations for voorassen include inspecting bearings and joints, checking for wear in the steering knuckles and tie-rod ends, inspecting CV joints and boots on driven axles, and ensuring proper lubrication of any moving parts. Misalignment, worn components, or leaks can affect steering response and tire wear.

Origin and usage. The term is used in Dutch technical literature and vehicle repair manuals. In English-language contexts the equivalent term is front axle.