What component changes the direction of power from the propeller shaft to the driving axle?

The final drive is the component responsible for changing the direction of power from the propeller shaft to the driving axle. It plays a crucial role in the drivetrain system of a vehicle. When power is transmitted from the engine through the transmission, the propeller shaft carries this rotational force to the final drive.

In typical operations, the final drive includes a series of gears that not only change the direction of the power but also reduce the speed of the rotation, allowing the wheels to turn efficiently. This gear reduction is essential for proper torque distribution to the driving wheels, enabling the vehicle to move.

While other components like the differential also contribute to power distribution by allowing the wheels to rotate at different speeds, especially during turns, they do not primarily change the direction of the power from the propeller shaft itself. The axle housing serves to protect and contain these components, while the transfer case is specifically involved in redistributing power between the front and rear axles in four-wheel drive systems. Thus, the final drive's function of redirecting power specifically to the driving axle makes it the correct choice.