Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle wheel sensor apparatus and a method that determine if a vehicle wheel sensor is active or passive, while efficiently providing the necessary connectivity, power, and communication between the sensor and a controller, without requiring a change in controller hardware. For an active sensor, the apparatus provides power and receives speed signals, high frequency vibration or acceleration signals, or other analog signals. For a passive sensor, the apparatus receives speed signals.

Abstract: A combined tire inflation system and a wheel speed sensor for a vehicle steer axle has a steerable spindle with a substantially hollow interior portion. A shaft, located in the hollow interior portion, connects a rotatable hub cap adjacent the spindle and a sensor at least partially within the spindle. A magnet is secured to the shaft and rotates with the shaft. A sensor is mounted adjacent the magnet for sensing the rotation of the magnet. The shaft has a hollow interior that connects an air source with a tire associated with the hub cap.

Abstract: An improved bushing assembly for the outboard end of a brake cam shaft is provided with a bushing which establishes a grease flow pathway within the bushing assembly. Grease enters an aperture formed in a boss of the brake spider which holds the bushing through a grease zerk which is aligned with a first radial hole in the bushing, so the fresh grease injected goes directly to a grease reservoir between the bushing and the shaft. Flow channels provided in the bushing interior surface guide the grease around the shaft to a second radial hole which is diametrically opposite the first radial hole. Sealing means on the shaft restrict grease flow axially from the bushing along the shaft. Grease may be purged through the second radial hole to an annular space between a flanged inboard end of the bushing and the periphery of the aperture, from which the grease may exit. The flanged end of the bushing has tabs for engaging slots in the boss to align the bushing and to prevent rotation within the aperture.

Abstract: A dust shield for the inboard side of a brake assembly of a vehicle wheel end is formed from a pair of planar members which are shaped and adapted to be fitted together to form an annular disc having an external diameter and an internal diameter. An internal periphery is defined by the internal diameter which preferably includes a flanged surface for affixing the annular disc to the wheel end. The pair of planar members are semicircular annular portions, having an arcuate outer edge and an inner edge, the inner edge comprising two straight portions with an intermediate semicircular portion. Complementary means, preferably sets of corresponding tabs and mating slots, for affixing the first and second planar members to each other to form the annular disc are provided on the inner edges of the planar members.

Abstract: A new SAE 1541M alloy steel composition consisting essentially of 0.40-0.48% carbon, 1.35-1.61% maganese, 0.16-0.30% silicon, 0-0.23% chromium and the balance iron and other materials not affecting hardenability of the steel, especially adapted for forming axle shafts in the 1.70-2.05" diameter range to be used as drive axles with an axle load carrying capacity between 30,000 and 44,000 pounds.

Abstract: A new SAE 1541M alloy steel composition consisting essentially of 0.40-0.48% carbon, 1.35-1.61% maganese, 0.16-0.30% silicon, 0-0.23% chromium and the balance iron and other materials not affecting hardenability of the steel, especially adapted for forming axle shafts in the 1.70-2.05" diameter range to be used as drive axles with an axle load carrying capacity between 30,000 and 44,000 pounds.

Abstract: An axle locking device designed for installation in a standard vehicular differential case is defined by two mating unitary bodies piloted between a cross member and the interior walls of the case. In a preferred form, the halves are symmetrical, each half including a pair of pilot surfaces defined by cradles which engage the cross member. Other pilot surfaces are disposed in three orthogonal planes for engagement with the interior wall surfaces of the case, particularly the axle and cross member bore areas. Collectively, the pilot surfaces of the locking device eliminate any requirement for positive securement by fasteners of the locking device to either the cross member of the interior walls of the case.