Abstract: A vehicle component includes an opening that receives a plug. A relief valve is mounted to the plug and has at least one elongated passage extending through a flexible membrane that is movable between a venting position and a sealed position.

Abstract: A center support assembly includes a bearing that supports a driveshaft for rotation about an axis. A shield is fixed to the bearing and a seal is positioned between the shield and the bearing. The shield and seal cooperate to retain lube within the bearing and prevent external contaminants from entering the bearing. A lube passage is formed between an outer surface of the bearing and an inner surface of the shield. At least one externally accessible fitting is in fluid communication with the lube passage and is used to supply additional lubricant to the bearing when needed.

Abstract: A center support assembly includes a bearing that supports a driveshaft for rotation about an axis. A shield is fixed to the bearing and a seal is positioned between the shield and the bearing. The shield and seal cooperate to retain lube within the bearing and prevent external contaminants from entering the bearing. A lube passage is formed between an outer surface of the bearing and an inner surface of the shield. At least one externally accessible fitting is in fluid communication with the lube passage and is used to supply additional lubricant to the bearing when needed.

Abstract: A vehicle component includes an opening that receives a plug. A relief valve is mounted to the plug and has at least one elongated passage extending through a flexible membrane that is movable between a venting position and a sealed position.

Abstract: A seal assembly includes a shield that is mounted to an outer race on each side of a self-centering bearing and a resilient seal that is mounted between a bearing inner race and a shield on each side of the bearing. The shield and seal form a protected annulus volume adjacent the outer race and ball bearing in which grease is packed.

Abstract: An improved hardened insert and brake shoe adapted for use in bi-directional backstopping clutches is disclosed. The inserts are formed from a base material of high speed alloy tool steel, which is relatively inexpensive and easy to machine. The base material is formed into the desired shape for the insert, then hardened and tempered by conventional processes to achieve a desired hardness. Then, a coating of titanium nitride is applied to the insert by a physical vapor deposition process or a chemical vapor deposition process. The titanium nitride coating provides a very hard surface to the insert, which permits the insert to be used in the backstopping clutch. In an alternative embodiment, the brake shoes are formed in the manner described above, and no inserts are used in the clutch.

Abstract: An improved hardened insert adapted for use in bi-directional backstopping clutches is disclosed. The inserts are formed from a base material of high speed alloy tool steel, which is relatively inexpensive and easy to machine. The base material is formed into the desired shape for the insert, then hardened and tempered by conventional processes to achieve a desired hardness. Then, a coating of titanium nitride is applied to the insert by a physical vapor deposition process or a chemical vapor deposition process. The titanium nitride coating provides a very hard surface to the insert, which permits the insert to be used in the backstopping clutch.

Abstract: A bi-directional back stopping clutch having improved output pins connecting between brake shoes and an output member. During driving, the output pins transfer torque to the output member. When a sufficient back driving force is applied to the output member, the output pins skew to move the brake shoes into contact with a brake drum. The contact surfaces between the pins and the output member and between the pins and the brake shoes are rounded and the spacings between the contact surfaces are adjusted to provide a desired braking action. In one embodiment, the contact surface between each pin and the output member is of a smaller diameter than the contact surfaces between the pin and the brake shoes.

Abstract: A thrust/retaining washer for use in an overrunning clutch is formed as an annular having a single split or opening therein. The washer is formed of an acetal resin material and the split allows it to be expanded to fit over the outside of a tubular inner race and snap into a radially extending circumferential groove formed in the outer cylindrical surface of the inner race. The washer thereby prevents rollers and/or spacers from escaping from the raceway between the inner race and outer race. The washer also abuts an inwardly facing surface of an end cap secured to the outer race to provide an axial thrust surface for the clutch. Radially extending lubrication grooves are formed in both radially extending planar surfaces of the washer to provide a path for lubrication to reach the internal elements of the clutch. The grooves are formed in both surfaces to permit the washer to be installed on the inner race without first orienting the washer.

Abstract: An axle is disclosed having a housing defining a lubricant reservoir. A shaft extends through a bore in the housing and is supported by two bearings within the bore. The shaft has a radially extending surface which partially defines a lubricant chamber for pressurizing and pumping lubricant. The housing has a lubricant passageway in communication with the lubricant chamber. A seal is positioned within the lubricant chamber and has a lip which contacts the radial surface.