Abstract: A drive axle assembly is provided that improves lubrication of the bearing surfaces of the inter-axle differential gears, the side gears meshed with the differential gears, and the input and output shafts. Lubricant splashed from the ring gear is collected and is then distributed by a bearing supporting the output side gear for rotation within the housing for the assembly. The bearing directs lubricant to the differential gears where seals and/or close tolerances retain the lubricant an allow it to flow to the surfaces of the input shaft and the helical side gear disposed about the input shaft. The output side gear disposed about the output shaft may also include a passage allowing lubricant to flow through the gear to the bearing surfaces of the output shaft and output side gear.

Abstract: A drive axle assembly is provided that improves lubrication of the bearing surfaces of the inter-axle differential gears, the side gears meshed with the differential gears, and the input and output shafts. Lubricant splashed from the ring gear is collected and is then distributed by a bearing supporting the output side gear for rotation within the housing for the assembly. The bearing directs lubricant to the differential gears where seals and/or close tolerances retain the lubricant an allow it to flow to the surfaces of the input shaft and the helical side gear disposed about the input shaft. The output side gear disposed about the output shaft may also include a passage allowing lubricant to flow through the gear to the bearing surfaces of the output shaft and output side gear.

Abstract: An input bearing adjuster system includes a differential carrier assembly having a set of threads on an interior surface and an input bearing adjuster having a complementary set of threads on an exterior surface. The system also includes an input bearing system of a differential which includes an outer race in contact with the input bearing adjuster and an inner race in contact with an input shaft and an input bearing. Additionally, a locking mechanism is used to selectively secure the input bearing adjuster to the differential carrier. The threads of the bearing adjuster are engaged with the threads of the differential carrier to adjust both the preload and/or the endplay of the input bearing.