Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to generate an operation parameter histogram for each of a plurality of vehicle operation parameters, operate a test vehicle according to the operation parameter histograms, input each operation parameter histogram and a plurality of test vehicle environment data to a machine learning program, output from the machine learning program a classification for each operation parameter histogram from the machine learning program, input the classifications to a predictive damage model of a three-dimensional schematic of a vehicle component, and adjust one of a size or a shape of the three-dimensional schematic based the output of the predictive damage model. The operation parameter histograms are based on collected data about operation of a plurality of vehicles. Each operation parameter histogram includes an array of elements.

Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to generate an operation parameter histogram for each of a plurality of vehicle operation parameters, operate a test vehicle according to the operation parameter histograms, input each operation parameter histogram and a plurality of test vehicle environment data to a machine learning program, output from the machine learning program a classification for each operation parameter histogram from the machine learning program, input the classifications to a predictive damage model of a three-dimensional schematic of a vehicle component, and adjust one of a size or a shape of the three-dimensional schematic based the output of the predictive damage model. The operation parameter histograms are based on collected data about operation of a plurality of vehicles. Each operation parameter histogram includes an array of elements.

Abstract: Steerable knuckle apparatus and related methods are disclosed. An apparatus includes a steerable knuckle for a vehicle. The knuckle has a first portion to be movably coupled to a yoke of the vehicle and a second portion removably coupled to the first portion. The second portion receives a wheel hub of the vehicle. The apparatus also includes a first aperture disposed on the first portion to receive a first joint for movably coupling the knuckle to the yoke.

Abstract: Steerable knuckle apparatus and related methods are disclosed. An apparatus includes a steerable knuckle for a vehicle. The knuckle has a first portion to be movably coupled to a yoke of the vehicle and a second portion removably coupled to the first portion. The second portion receives a wheel hub of the vehicle. The apparatus also includes a first aperture disposed on the first portion to receive a first joint for movably coupling the knuckle to the yoke.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a vehicle powertrain includes an engine having a first locking feature defining first mating surfaces, and a differential coupled to a transfer case via a driveshaft. The differential includes a second locking feature defining second mating surfaces. The first and second locking features are engaged such that the first and second mating surfaces are disposed against each other connecting the engine and the differential. A fastener is disposed within the engine and the differential.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a vehicle powertrain includes an engine having a first locking feature defining first mating surfaces, and a differential coupled to a transfer case via a driveshaft. The differential includes a second locking feature defining second mating surfaces. The first and second locking features are engaged such that the first and second mating surfaces are disposed against each other connecting the engine and the differential. A fastener is disposed within the engine and the differential.

Abstract: A differential mechanism includes a case including first and second portions, the first portion including a first surface interrupted by recesses, the second portion including a second surface interrupted by second recesses, contacting the first surface, and secured to the first portion, a pin extending though the recesses, and a ring gear secured to the portions and overlapping the surfaces and the pin.

Abstract: A differential mechanism includes a case including first and second portions, the first portion including a first surface interrupted by recesses, the second portion including a second surface interrupted by second recesses, contacting the first surface, and secured to the first portion, a pin extending though said recesses, and a ring gear secured to said portions and overlapping said surfaces and said pin.

Abstract: An axle differential mechanism includes a carrier, a bearing supporting the carrier in rotation about an axis, a bearing adjuster including a adjuster sleeve held against rotation and axial displacement, and an adjuster nut formed with first teeth, and engaged by screw threads with the adjuster sleeve such that rotation of the adjuster nut about the axis causes the adjuster nut to contact the bearing and produce a preload force on the bearing between the adjuster nut and the carrier, and a locking device secured against displacement for engaging the adjuster nut, said engagement preventing rotation of the adjuster nut relative to the bearing and maintaining the preload on the bearing.

Abstract: A differential assembly includes a first case portion, a second case portion secured to the first case portion, the first case portion and the second case portions enclosing a cavity and supported for rotation about a first axis, a spider pin located within and extending beyond the cavity at an axial position to engage the ring gear and secured to at least one of the first case portion and the second case portion for rotation therewith, and a ring gear secured to at least one of the first case portion and the second case portion, located radially outboard of the spider pins and at the axial position of the spider pins.

Abstract: An axle differential mechanism includes a carrier, a bearing supporting the carrier in rotation about an axis, a bearing adjuster including a adjuster sleeve held against rotation and axial displacement, and an adjuster nut formed with first teeth, and engaged by screw threads with the adjuster sleeve such that rotation of the adjuster nut about the axis causes the adjuster nut to contact the bearing and produce a preload force on the bearing between the adjuster nut and the carrier, and a locking device secured against displacement for engaging the adjuster nut, said engagement preventing rotation of the adjuster nut relative to the bearing and maintaining the preload on the bearing.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a differential assembly, comprising producing a first case portion by cold flow forming a first workpiece on a first mandrel, producing a second case portion by cold flow forming a second workpiece on a second mandrel, installing in a cavity formed in the first case portion a spider assembly including radially extending spider pins located at an axial position, pinions supported for rotation on the spider assembly, and a first side gear engaged with the pinions, installing in a cavity formed in the second case portion a second side gear engaged with the pinions, and securing the second case portion to the first case portion.

Abstract: A differential assembly includes a first case portion, a second case portion secured to the first case portion, the first case portion and the second case portions enclosing a cavity and supported for rotation about a first axis, a spider pin located within and extending beyond the cavity at an axial position to engage the ring gear and secured to at least one of the first case portion and the second case portion for rotation therewith, and a ring gear secured to at least one of the first case portion and the second case portion, located radially outboard of the spider pins and at the axial position of the spider pins.