In the car, I take the wheel (4)
I believe the answer is:
axle
'i take the wheel' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
I don't understand the rest of the clue.
(Other definitions for axle that I've seen before include "need of wheeled cart?" , "Rod making wheels turn" , "Rotating rod carrying wheels" , "Pin on which a wheel turns" , "Shaft on which wheels rotate" .)