Abstract: A drain plug for a carrier assembly is used to control fluid flow from a reservoir to a sump. The carrier assembly includes a carrier housing with an internal cavity that houses a gear assembly. The sump is located within the internal cavity to lubricate the gear assembly. The reservoir is separated from the sump by a channel. The drain plug is attached to the carrier housing, and extends into the channel, to provide a fluid flow restriction between the reservoir and the sump.

Abstract: A drive unit for an independent suspension includes a single reduction carrier with an offset pinion configuration. The single reduction carrier includes a pinion input gear defining a pinion gear axis of rotation. The pinion gear drives a ring gear, which is coupled to a differential. The differential is laterally positioned to be centered along a longitudinally extending vehicle centerline and the pinion gear axis of rotation is significantly offset from the longitudinally extending vehicle centerline in a lateral direction.

Abstract: A gear box assembly as used in an inverted portal axle or transfer case includes a drive gear and at least one driven gear in meshing engagement with the drive gear at a contact point. A gear housing closely surrounds portions of an outer circumference of the drive and driven gears to form a baffle area. The gear housing includes an discharge orifice that is located near the contact point and a fluid gallery that extends from the discharge orifice to other locations within the gear housing. As the drive gear drives the driven gear, fluid is pumped into the discharge orifice and through the fluid gallery to fluid outlets positioned at desired locations to lubricate other gear box components. Radial inlets with elongated chamfers and stator vanes can be formed within the gear housing to draw air ingested during pumping away from the discharge orifice. Additionally, a bypass loop can be used to scavenge unwanted air ingested into meshing gear teeth.

Abstract: A carrier assembly has a unique architecture which allows the carrier assembly to be defined by a very small packaging envelope. The carrier includes a main carrier housing with an internal cavity for receiving a differential and a carrier cover that closes the internal cavity once the differential has been installed. Examples of architectural features include a differential lock actuator that is mounted to the carrier cover, dowel pins that accommodate differential leg thrust loads and align the carrier cover relative to the main carrier housing, and bolt-in differential leg structures to facilitate pinion installation. Further, the carrier assembly can be utilized with an independent suspension to provide a increased jounce travel range.

Abstract: A drive unit for an independent suspension includes a single reduction carrier with an offset pinion configuration. The single reduction carrier includes a pinion input gear defining a pinion gear axis of rotation. The pinion gear drives a ring gear, which is coupled to a differential. The differential is laterally positioned to be centered along a longitudinally extending vehicle centerline and the pinion gear axis of rotation is significantly offset from the longitudinally extending vehicle centerline in a lateral direction.

Abstract: A drain plug for a carrier assembly is used to control fluid flow from a reservoir to a sump. The carrier assembly includes a carrier housing with an internal cavity that houses a gear assembly. The sump is located within the internal cavity to lubricate the gear assembly. The reservoir is separated from the sump by a channel. The drain plug is attached to the carrier housing, and extends into the channel, to provide a fluid flow restriction between the reservoir and the sump.

Abstract: A carrier assembly has a unique architecture which allows the carrier assembly to be defined by a very small packaging envelope. The carrier includes a main carrier housing with an internal cavity for receiving a differential and a carrier cover that closes the internal cavity once the differential has been installed. Examples of architectural features include a differential lock actuator that is mounted to the carrier cover, dowel pins that accommodate differential leg thrust loads and align the carrier cover relative to the main carrier housing, and bolt-in differential leg structures to facilitate pinion installation. Further, the carrier assembly can be utilized with an independent suspension to provide a increased jounce travel range.

Abstract: A loose wheel detection assembly includes a sensor assembly secured to a mounting hub. The sensor detects relative movement between the hub and the wheel and emits a signal indicative of the sensed movement. The signal is received by a controller that processes the received information and alerts a vehicle operator of the relative movement through a warning device within the vehicle cabin.

Abstract: An axle system includes an axle lubrication level within an axle housing which is lower than a wheel end lubrication level within the wheel end assemblies. An opening through the wheel end assembly housing provides a fluid communication path between the wheel end assembly and the axle housing. A differential assembly rotates adjacent an opening such that lubrication at the wheel end lubrication level is rotated into the opening. The lubricant within the wheel end assemblies is maintained at the wheel end lubrication level. The shaft enters the wheel end assembly housing through a shaft opening which provides a communication path for the lubricant from the wheel end assembly back into the axle housing.

Abstract: An axle system includes an axle lubrication level within an axle housing which is lower than a wheel end lubrication level within the wheel end assemblies. An opening through the wheel end assembly housing provides a fluid communication path between the wheel end assembly and the axle housing. A differential assembly rotates adjacent an opening such that lubrication at the wheel end lubrication level is rotated into the opening. The lubricant within the wheel end assemblies is maintained at the wheel end lubrication level. The shaft enters the wheel end assembly housing through a shaft opening which provides a communication path for the lubricant from the wheel end assembly back into the axle housing.

Abstract: A disc brake system includes a hub having a plurality of extensions and a multi-portion rotor which can be separated without disturbing the hub, bearing or other axle assemblies. The extensions engage the brake rotor assembly to transfer braking torque between the rotor assembly and the hub. Each extension is received between abutments which extend from an inner surface of the brake rotor portions opposite the engagement surface which contacts a brake pad. Threaded fasteners and hollow concentric bushings are mounted transverse the parting line to mount the brake rotor portions together. Another disc brake assembly includes four extensions arranged in a cruciform pattern about the hub. An offset parting line allows for an angled approach of the joint between the assembled rotor portions as it rotates into brake pads to provide less wear from any potential joint mismatch.