Crossword Genius

Cut left in making wheel support rod (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

axle

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'rod' is the definition.
(axle is a kind of rod)

'cut left in' is the wordplay.
'cut' becomes 'axe' (both can mean to cancel or remove).
'left' becomes 'L' (common abbreviation).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'axe' enclosing 'l' is 'AXLE'.

'making wheel support' acts as a link.
I am not very happy about this link. Some or all of it may belong to another bit of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for axle that I've seen before include "Rod supporting wheels" , "Rotating spindle" , "I take the wheel" , "Rotating shaft" , "Bar on which wheel revolves" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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