Abstract: A wheel speed sensor for a wheel mounted on the end of an axle shaft of a drive axle can be utilized in an anti-wheel lock brake control system. The sensor includes an electromagnetic sensing device which is mounted on the drive axle housing in alignment with the axle shaft inwardly of the wheel. An excitor rotor of the sensor is preferably mounted on the differential casing about the axle shaft in alignment with the sensing device for rotation while maintaining the distance between the sensing device and the rotor within a predetermined limit without allowing contact therebetween. A C-shaped spring partially encircles the rotor as a pair of tabs at its ends extend inwardly through the rotor to make contact with a corresponding pair of grooves in the axle shaft. The C-shaped spring member drives the rotor in response to rotary movement of the axle shaft but allows removal of the axle shaft for maintenance while the rotor is retained within the protective interior of the housing.

Abstract: A bracket for mounting a wheel speed sensor module to a vehicle axle. The bracket is a stamped metal part including a central portion which is secured to the axle and end portions for mounting the sensor module. A tab formed integrally with the central portion of the bracket locates the bracket on the axle.

Abstract: An improved wheel mounting means is provided for a wheel speed sensor which is capable of being mounted at the end of a spindle and includes wiring which passes through a central passageway in the spindle. The sensor is of a type to be employed with a toothed ring or rotor mounted in the hub cap for relative rotation between the sensor and the rotor to generate a signal indicative of wheel speed. The improvement to the sensor includes providing the sensor with a support structure which can be bolted to a keyed lock ring of the wheel mounting assembly and which encircles an extended portion of the spindle to provide the desired coaxial alignment of the sensor and rotor. A sealing member between the support structure and the extended portion of the spindle prevents wheel bearing lubricating fluid in the hub cap area from escaping through the passageway in the spindle.

Abstract: An axle assembly including an anti-skid brake control valve mounted directly to the axle. The brake control or relay valve is mounted by means of a flange formed integrally with the valve body and is secured between the axle and a U-shaped mounting plate which reinforces the flange the resist road shock and axle vibration.

Abstract: A wheel speed sensor for a wheel mounted on the end of an axle shaft of a drive axle can be utilized in an anti-wheel lock brake control system. The sensor includes an electromagnetic sensing device which is mounted on the drive axle housing in alignment with the axle shaft inwardly of the wheel. An excitor rotor of the sensor is preferably mounted on the differential casing about the axle shaft in alignment with the sensing device for rotation while maintaining the distance between the sensing device and the rotor within a predetermined limit without allowing contact therebetween. A C-shaped spring partially encircles the rotor as a pair of tabs at its ends extend inwardly through the rotor to make contact with a corresponding pair of grooves in the axle shaft. The C-shaped spring member drives the rotor in response to rotary movement of the axle shaft but allows removal of the axle shaft for maintenance while the rotor is retained within the protective interior of the housing.

Abstract: An improved wheel speed sensor is mounted at the end of a spindle and includes wiring which passes through a central passageway in the spindle. The sensor is of a type to be employed with a toothed ring or rotor mounted in the hub cap for relative rotation between the sensor and the rotor to generate a signal indicative of wheel speed. The improvement includes providing the sensor with a support structure which can be bolted to a keyed lock ring of the wheel mounting assembly and which encircles an extended portion of the spindle to provide the desired coaxial alignment of the sensor and rotor. A sealing member between the support structure and the extended portion of the spindle prevents wheel bearing lubricating fluid in the hub cap area from escaping through the passageway in the spindle.

Abstract: An improved wheel speed sensor assembly for installation in association with a wheel rotatably mounted on a hollow axle which has an open-ended spindle is of a type which includes an excitor ring mounted within a hub cap of the wheel and a magnetic sensor device capable of electrically transmitting a speed signal through electrical wiring extending through the interior of the axle. The improvement includes the sensor device being disposed within a sensor housing which is, in turn, disposed within the hub cap and mounted thereon for relative rotation about a central axis of hub cap with the sensor device in alignment with the excitor ring. The sensor housing has a connector portion generally extending toward and aligned with the open-ended spindle and electrically coupled to the wiring when the hub cap is secured on the wheel.