Abstract: An axle assembly and method of reworking an axle assembly. The axle assembly has an axle housing and a differential carrier assembly. A central portion of the axle housing has an opening that is defined by an axle flange that has a first mating surface. The differential carrier assembly has a differential mounted on a carrier. The carrier has a carrier flange that has a second mating surface. The first mating surface is sealed to the second mating surface by seal. At least one of the first and second mating surfaces includes a groove.

Abstract: An axle assembly that may have a housing and a carrier housing. The axle assembly may include one or more quiet lubricant reservoirs that may not receive rotating components of the axle assembly. A seal may be provided in a channel that may be disposed between the housing and the carrier housing.

Abstract: An axle assembly and method of reworking an axle assembly. The axle assembly has an axle housing and a differential carrier assembly. A central portion of the axle housing has an opening that is defined by an axle flange that has a first mating surface. The differential carrier assembly has a differential mounted on a carrier. The carrier has a carrier flange that has a second mating surface. The first mating surface is sealed to the second mating surface by seal. At least one of the first and second mating surfaces includes a groove.

Abstract: An axle assembly including a housing having a first axle tube and a second axle tube, a crown wheel mounted in the housing, a pinion in meshing engagement with the crown wheel, a first reservoir for retaining fluid in contact with the crown wheel for lubricating the crown wheel, a second reservoir for retaining fluid remote from the crown wheel, a first system for transferring fluid in the first reservoir to the second reservoir, a second system for transferring fluid in the second reservoir to the first reservoir, a sensor for generating a signal representative of an axle assembly characteristic, the axle assembly further including a control system for receiving said signal and operating said first system and or said second system to transfer fluid to or from the first reservoir in response to said signal.

Abstract: An axle assembly that may have a housing and a carrier housing. The axle assembly may include one or more quiet lubricant reservoirs that may not receive rotating components of the axle assembly. A seal may be provided in a channel that may be disposed between the housing and the carrier housing.

Abstract: An axle assembly including a housing having a first axle tube and a second axle tube, a crown wheel mounted in the housing, a pinion in meshing engagement with the crown wheel, a first reservoir for retaining fluid in contact with the crown wheel for lubricating the crown wheel, a second reservoir for retaining fluid remote from the crown wheel, a first system for transferring fluid in the first reservoir to the second reservoir, a second system for transferring fluid in the second reservoir to the first reservoir, a sensor for generating a signal representative of an axle assembly characteristic, the axle assembly further including a control system for receiving said signal and operating said first system and or said second system to transfer fluid to or from the first reservoir in response to said signal.

Abstract: A braking apparatus for a vehicle, in particular a heavy goods vehicle, includes a drive axle having a transmission gear, such as a differential, around which an amount of oil for lubrication is variable. The brake apparatus further includes at least one friction brake and at least one retarder that is capable of operating to slow the vehicle through the transmission gear. The braking apparatus comprises a brake operating device for operating the at least one friction brake and the least one retarder, and a determining feature to determine an oil level around the transmission gear. The brake operating device, on operation by a user, is arranged to apply the retarder when the oil level around the transmission gear is above a threshold level, and, if the oil level is below the threshold level, the brake operating device is arranged to initiate an increase in the oil level around the transmission gear.

Abstract: A braking apparatus for a vehicle, in particular a heavy goods vehicle, includes a drive axle having a transmission gear, such as a differential, around which an amount of oil for lubrication is variable. The brake apparatus further includes at least one friction brake and at least one retarder that is capable of operating to slow the vehicle through the transmission gear. The braking apparatus comprises a brake operating device for operating the at least one friction brake and the least one retarder, and a determining feature to determine an oil level around the transmission gear. The brake operating device, on operation by a user, is arranged to apply the retarder when the oil level around the transmission gear is above a threshold level, and, if the oil level is below the threshold level, the brake operating device is arranged to initiate an increase in the oil level around the transmission gear.

Abstract: A disc brake includes inventive backing plates. The backing plate includes tabs located at each end with a spring supported on a top edge of the backing plate between the tabs. The spring maintains the brake pad assemblies in proper orientation with respect to the disc and reduce the amount of noise created by the brake pad assembly components while the vehicle is in operation.

Abstract: A gear driven adjusting system adjusts the position of adjusting pistons and a load plate in a disc brake. A gear toothed section is mounted to selectably rotate with the eccentric of the disc brake system. Clearance between the eccentric and the gear toothed sector allows some rotation of the eccentric without corresponding rotation of the gear toothed section. Thus, clearance is provided between the friction material and the brake drum in a non-braking position. The gear tooth connection provides a positive drive to the adjustment system and also predictability in the amount of adjustment. An over-torque clutch is positioned in the transmission between the gear toothed section and an adjustment gear. The over-torque connection insures there will not be too much adjustment of the adjusting piston.