Abstract: An axle assembly having a gear reduction unit that is configured to operatively connect an electric motor to a drive pinion. The gear reduction unit includes at least two gear sets. At least one clutch is engageable to provide a torque path between the electric motor and the drive pinion.

Abstract: An axle assembly having a gear reduction unit that is configured to operatively connect an electric motor to a drive pinion. The gear reduction unit includes at least two gear sets. A shift collar is rotatable with the drive pinion and moveable along the drive pinion to couple a gear set to the drive pinion.

Abstract: An axle assembly having a gear reduction unit that is configured to operatively connect an electric motor to a drive pinion. The gear reduction unit includes at least two gear sets. A shift collar is rotatable with the drive pinion and moveable along the drive pinion to couple a gear set to the drive pinion.

Abstract: An axle assembly having a gear reduction unit that is configured to operatively connect an electric motor to a drive pinion. The gear reduction unit includes at least two gear sets. At least one clutch is engageable to provide a torque path between the electric motor and the drive pinion.

Abstract: An axle assembly having a gear reduction unit that is configured to operatively connect an electric motor to a drive pinion. The gear reduction unit includes at least two gear sets. A shift collar is rotatable with the drive pinion and moveable along the drive pinion to couple a gear set to the drive pinion.

Abstract: An axle assembly having a gear reduction unit that is configured to operatively connect an electric motor to a drive pinion. The gear reduction unit includes at least two gear sets. A shift collar is rotatable with the drive pinion and moveable along the drive pinion to couple a gear set to the drive pinion.

Abstract: An axle assembly having a gear reduction unit that is configured to operatively connect an electric motor to a drive pinion. The gear reduction unit includes at least two gear sets. At least one clutch is engageable to provide a torque path between the electric motor and the drive pinion.

Abstract: An axle assembly having a gear reduction unit that is configured to operatively connect an electric motor to a drive pinion. The gear reduction unit includes at least one countershaft gear set. At least one clutch is engageable to provide a torque path between the electric motor and the drive pinion.

Abstract: A joint apparatus includes an outer joint portion having an opening end, an outer joint axis, and an outer joint inside surface defining, at least in part, an internal vault. The joint apparatus also includes an inner joint portion including a spider interposed within the outer joint portion and a shaft extending through the opening end. The spider includes a trunnion. The trunnion is at least partially interposed within the vault. The shaft defines a shaft axis. The inner joint portion includes an angular range of motion limiting device that selectively restricts the articulation of the shaft relative to the outer joint to prevent the shaft from contacting the outer joint.

Abstract: A barrier membrane assembly for sealing a constant velocity joint assembly includes at least one selectively expandable and contractible barrier membrane body. The barrier membrane body has no openings therethrough and may selectively expand and contract in response to operational pressures acting against the barrier membrane body.

Abstract: A joint apparatus includes an outer joint portion having an opening end, an outer joint axis, and an outer joint inside surface defining, at least in part, an internal vault. The joint apparatus also includes an inner joint portion including a spider interposed within the outer joint portion and a shaft extending through the opening end. The spider includes a trunnion. The trunnion is at least partially interposed within the vault. The shaft defines a shaft axis. The inner joint portion includes an angular range of motion limiting device that selectively restricts the articulation of the shaft relative to the outer joint to prevent the shaft from contacting the outer joint.

Abstract: A shield for sealing a joint includes a first end, a second end and an annular shell. The first end is adapted for axial retention on an outer joint part, where the outer joint part is rotationally coupled to an inner joint part. The second end is adapted for abutting contact with a semi-spherical portion of the inner joint part. The annular shell extends between the first end and the second end thereby providing a seal for the joint. Also provided is a grease shield sealing system for a direct torque flow constant velocity joint.

Abstract: A connecting assembly between a shaft journal and a constant velocity universal joint having an outer joint part and an inner joint part engaged by the shaft journal. The inner joint part includes an elongated neck portion with at least one insertion groove formed therein, and the shaft journal has at least one corresponding insertion groove. A securing clip engages the corresponding insertion grooves to axially secure the inner joint part and shaft journal with respect to each other. A boot is axially secured to the inner joint part neck portion, substantially enveloping the inner joint part, and sealingly engaging an outer surface of the outer joint part to seal at least one side of a joint chamber of the constant velocity universal joint.

Abstract: A barrier membrane assembly for sealing a constant velocity joint assembly includes at least one selectively expandable and contractible barrier membrane body. The barrier membrane body has no openings therethrough and may selectively expand and contract in response to operational pressures acting against the barrier membrane body.

Abstract: A connecting assembly between a shaft journal and a constant velocity universal joint having an outer joint part and an inner joint part engaged by the shaft journal. The inner joint part includes an elongated neck portion with at least one annular groove formed therein, and the shaft journal has at least one corresponding annular groove. A securing clip engages the corresponding annular grooves to axially secure the inner joint part and shaft journal with respect to each other. A boot is axially secured to the inner joint part neck portion, substantially enveloping the inner joint part, and sealingly engaging an outer surface of the outer joint part to seal at least one side of a joint chamber of the constant velocity universal joint.

Abstract: A shield for sealing a joint includes a first end, a second end and an annular shell. The first end is adapted for axial retention on an outer joint part, where the outer joint part is rotationally coupled to an inner joint part. The second end is adapted for abutting contact with a semi-spherical portion of the inner joint part. The annular shell extends between the first end and the second end thereby providing a seal for the joint. Also provided is a grease shield sealing system for a direct torque flow constant velocity joint.

Abstract: A rolling boot assembly includes a shroud having a first portion and a second portion, and a radial boot having a first section and a second section. The second portion of the shroud has a free end. The first section of the radial boot is connected to the first portion of the shroud advantageously allowing the radial boot to roll axially toward the second portion of the shroud when the second section of the radial boot is selectively attached to a shaft or an inner joint part and the first portion of the shroud is selectively connected to an outer joint part. The second portion of the shroud remains unconnected. Also provided is a constant velocity joint assembly.

Abstract: A rigid joint sealing system is provided that includes an inner joint part, a hard boot, an outer joint part and a seal. The hard boot includes an internal surface and is axially secured to the inner joint part. The outer joint part includes an external surface and is rotationally secured to the inner joint part. Wherein the seal is connected to one of the surfaces while having sealing engagement with the other surface. Also, a hard boot for use with a rigid joint sealing system is provided. Further, a rigid joint sealing system is provided having a hard boot optimisation ratio.