Abstract: In a drive mechanism where there are relatively rotating components, it is common practice to use roller bearings to accommodate relative rotation between various components. In order to properly maintain the position of the bearing assembly with respect to the components, some form of locking mechanism is commonly employed. Normally, the locking mechanism requires additional components, such as a locking washer, to be used in conjunction with those used to mount the bearing assembly. This results in an increase in the size and complexity of the drive mechanism. In addition, when a locking washer is utilized, sufficient space must be available to properly "set" the locking washer with respect to the bearing assembly after it has been properly adjusted. Many times use of such locking components requires the machining of adjacent components which serves to anchor the locking mechanism. The additional machining requires the components to be of a larger size to obtain proper fatigue lift.

Abstract: A mounting bracket (14,14') for attaching an axle housing (10) to a frame (16,16') includes a rigid column structure (26,26') attached to each of a front (22) and a rear side (24) of the axle housing (10) and having a longitudinal opening (30,30'), a plate (40,40') arranged above and below the column structures and axle housing, and threaded fasteners (50,52) which extend through the upper plate (40,40'), lower plate (40,40'), and frame (16,16'). The plates (40,40') are each attached only to the ends of the column structures (26,26') while the column structures (26,26') are attached to the front (22) and rear (24) sides of the axle housing (10) about a neutral axis (25). A continuous, endless weld joint (36,36') is deposited in a closed loop figure which is laterally bounded by a wall (34,34') of the column structure (26,26') defining the longitudinal opening (30,30') to join each column structure (26,26') to the adjacent axle housing side (22,24).