Abstract: An axle assembly includes an axle housing having a passage. An axle extends through the passage. A bearing supports the axle in the passage. An adaptive bearing preload adjustment system is mounted adjacent the bearing. The adaptive bearing preload adjustment system is selectively activatable to adaptively adjust a preload force on the bearing.

Abstract: An axle assembly includes an axle housing having a passage. An axle extends through the passage. A bearing supports the axle in the passage. An adaptive bearing preload adjustment system is mounted adjacent the bearing. The adaptive bearing preload adjustment system is selectively activatable to adaptively adjust a preload force on the bearing.

Abstract: An axle assembly having a tube, a shaft received in the tube, a wheel bearing disposed between the tube and the shaft. The axle assembly also includes a thrust washer, a retaining ring and a snap ring, each of which is mounted about the shaft. The wheel bearing supports the shaft for rotation in the tube. The thrust washer abuts both a shoulder on the shaft and an inner bearing race of the wheel bearing. The retaining ring abuts the inner bearing race such that the wheel bearing is disposed between the thrust washer and the retaining ring. The snap ring abuts the retaining ring and limits movement of the retaining ring in a direction away from the wheel bearing.

Abstract: An axle assembly for a vehicle includes an axle housing having a tubular portion. A bimetallic sensor mount having a first region of corrosion resistant material and a second region of weldable material is welded to the tubular portion. A differential unit including a side gear is disposed in a central cavity of the axle housing. An axleshaft having a shaft portion and a target portion with a plurality of teeth is disposed in the tubular portion of the axle housing. The shaft portion is coupled to the side gear. A sensor is coupled to the sensor mount and extends through an aperture in the mount and the tubular portion to locate an end portion of the sensor a predetermined distance from the teeth of the target portion. A method of making an axle assembly having a sintered bimetallic sensor mount is also disclosed.

Abstract: An axle assembly comprises an axle housing, a differential assembly, a cover, and a gasket. The axle housing defines a cavity and an access aperture. The differential assembly is received in the cavity and is supported for rotation in the axle housing. The cover has a flange and a body. The flange is coupled to the axle housing such that the cover closes the access aperture. The body has an opening that is in fluid connection with the cavity. The gasket has a gasket member and a tab. The gasket member is disposed between the axle housing and the flange. The tab extends inwardly from the gasket member and covers at least a portion of the opening. The tab is configured to shield the opening from splash lubrication during operation of the axle assembly.

Abstract: An axle assembly comprises an axle housing, a differential assembly, a cover, and a gasket. The axle housing defines a cavity and an access aperture. The differential assembly is received in the cavity and is supported for rotation in the axle housing. The cover has a flange and a body. The flange is coupled to the axle housing such that the cover closes the access aperture. The body has an opening that is in fluid connection with the cavity. The gasket has a gasket member and a tab. The gasket member is disposed between the axle housing and the flange. The tab extends inwardly from the gasket member and covers at least a portion of the opening. The tab is configured to shield the opening from splash lubrication during operation of the axle assembly.

Abstract: An axle assembly for a vehicle includes an axle housing having a tubular portion. A bimetallic sensor mount having a first region of corrosion resistant material and a second region of weldable material is welded to the tubular portion. A differential unit including a side gear is disposed in a central cavity of the axle housing. An axleshaft having a shaft portion and a target portion with a plurality of teeth is disposed in the tubular portion of the axle housing. The shaft portion is coupled to the side gear. A sensor is coupled to the sensor mount and extends through an aperture in the mount and the tubular portion to locate an end portion of the sensor a predetermined distance from the teeth of the target portion. A method of making an axle assembly having a sintered bimetallic sensor mount is also disclosed.

Abstract: An axle assembly for a vehicle includes an axle housing having a tubular portion. A bimetallic sensor mount having a first region of corrosion resistant material and a second region of weldable material is welded to the tubular portion. A differential unit including a side gear is disposed in a central cavity of the axle housing. An axleshaft having a shaft portion and a target portion with a plurality of teeth is disposed in the tubular portion of the axle housing. The shaft portion is coupled to the side gear. A sensor is coupled to the sensor mount and extends through an aperture in the mount and the tubular portion to locate an end portion of the sensor a predetermined distance from the teeth of the target portion. A method of making an axle assembly having a sintered bimetallic sensor mount is also disclosed.