Abstract: A differential carrier assembly having a differential, a differential carrier, and a differential bearing support. The differential carrier has a bearing support mount that may extend from a mounting flange of the differential carrier. The differential bearing support is mounted to the bearing support mount and receives a bearing assembly that rotatably supports the differential.

Abstract: An axle assembly and a method of control. The axle assembly may include a lubrication pump that may be operated to distribute lubricant in the axle assembly based on ambient air temperature and lubricant temperature or when a spinout condition is present.

Abstract: An axle assembly and a method of control. The axle assembly may include a lubrication pump that may be operated to distribute lubricant in the axle assembly based on ambient air temperature and lubricant temperature or when a spinout condition is present.

Abstract: An axle assembly having a housing, a bearing, and a bearing adjuster mechanism. The bearing adjuster mechanism may include an adjuster ring and a lock ring. The adjuster ring may have a set of teeth and exert a preload force upon the bearing. The lock ring may include a lock tab portion that extends between two teeth and engages a lock ring positioning feature disposed on the housing to inhibit rotation of the adjuster ring.

Abstract: An axle assembly having a housing, a bearing, and a bearing adjuster mechanism. The bearing adjuster mechanism may include an adjuster ring and a lock ring. The adjuster ring may have a set of teeth and exert a preload force upon the bearing. The lock ring may include a lock tab portion that extends between two teeth and engages a lock ring positioning feature disposed on the housing to inhibit rotation of the adjuster ring.

Abstract: A lubrication system for the helical gear thrust washer, helical gear journal and inter-axle differential in tandem drive axles. The leading drive axle input shaft is journalled in a bearing supplied on one side with a gravity flow of lubricant from a passage receiving lubricant slinging from the power divider periphery, which receives lubricant slinging from the axle ring gear. The opposite side of the bearing has an annular lubricant chamber therearound formed by an annular baffle member surrounding the input shaft on the interior side of the bearing. The bearing is operative to pump lubricant to the annular chamber. An axial passage formed through a portion of the input shaft communicates the annular chamber with the differential gears. In one form the annular baffle member rotates with the input shaft and in the other form it is stationary.

Abstract: A shift unit (60) for a tandem drive axle (10) interaxle differential lockout clutch (48) is provided. The shift unit includes an actuator piston (72) dividing a cylinder (78) into a constantly open chamber (80) and a selectively pressurized and exhausted chamber (82). The constantly open chamber (80) is in constant fluid communication with a protected relatively clean pocket of air (62) located within the power divider portion (26A) of the drive axle housing (26).

Abstract: A lubricant pump of the gerotor type is mounted concentrically over the output shaft of the leading axle in a tandem drive axle arrangement having in inter-axle power dividing differential. The outer rotor of the pump is connected by an annular drive band to the differential carrier to assure full time pump operation. Passages are provided for flow through an externally mounted filter.

Abstract: A rotary wheel-end assembly (90) is provided that includes a disc-like member (26) that when secured to a vehicular wheel hub (16) is operative to rotate relative a stationary axle spindle as well as provide a first chamber (28) about the end of axle (2). Assembly (90) has a passageway (36) therethrough for conveying pressurized air to the tire from axle (2) and includes a cover (42) secured in spaced-apart relationship to a side of member (26) facing away from axle (2) to provide a second chamber (46). Chambers (28) and (46) are adapted to hold a lubricant for lubricating frictional interaction between rotary assembly (90) and stationary axle (2) as well as wheel bearings (12) and at least one opening (40) is provided through member (26) for providing fluid communication between chambers (28) and (46) in addition to the preferable inclusion of at least one resilient closable member (48) through cover (42) for conveying lubricant into chamber (46).

Abstract: An onboard tire inflation system (10) for controlling and/or monitoring the inflation pressure of a tire (18) from a remote control (22, 24) is provided. The system includes automatic valve means (32, 88) for isolating the interior chamber (20) of the tire and relieving fluid pressure on the rotary seals (78, 80, 82) during system steady state ("off") operating conditions.