Abstract: A lubricant pump assembly for use with a power distribution unit for a vehicle, comprising a pump, a first rotating component, a second rotating component, and a lubricant. The pump has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet and the outlet are in fluid communication with a housing of the power distribution unit. The first rotating component is disposed in the housing of the power distribution unit. The second rotating component is disposed in the housing of the power distribution unit adjacent the first rotating component. The lubricant is disposed within the housing of the power distribution unit. The pump transfers a portion of the lubricant from the inlet to the outlet. The outlet is disposed adjacent the first rotating component and the second rotating component to dispose a portion of the lubricant therebetween.

Abstract: A lubricant pump assembly for use with a power distribution unit for a vehicle, comprising a pump, a first rotating component, a second rotating component, and a lubricant. The pump has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet and the outlet are in fluid communication with a housing of the power distribution unit. The first rotating component is disposed in the housing of the power distribution unit. The second rotating component is disposed in the housing of the power distribution unit adjacent the first rotating component. The lubricant is disposed within the housing of the power distribution unit. The pump transfers a portion of the lubricant from the inlet to the outlet. The outlet is disposed adjacent the first rotating component and the second rotating component to dispose a portion of the lubricant therebetween.

Abstract: An improved method and structure for setting pinion bearing preload and fastener clamp load in a vehicle differential is provided. The apparatus and method provide a preload spacer readily accessible outboard of the pinion bearings and input yoke. Pinion bearing preload is set according to the present invention by the force of the pinion gear on the inner cone of an inner bearing and the force of an input yoke on the outer cone of an outer bearing. As a nut is torqued into contact with the input yoke, a preload spacer limits the movement of the nut as the input yoke engages the outer cone. This provides for consistent preload on the bearings and allows for increased clamp load for retaining the nut.

Abstract: A brake assembly having a single brake capable of applying a braking torque to both axle half shafts in a drive axle is provided. The brake assembly includes a piston that selectively actuates both a differential locking clutch and a braking clutch each of which may comprise a friction plate assembly. The piston urges the differential locking clutch against a friction surface formed on a differential hub that is mounted on a differential carrier and is axially movable relative to the carrier. The braking clutch is then urged by movement of the differential hub against another braking surface formed on a stationary brake housing. The plates of the braking clutch are coupled to the differential carrier allowing a braking torque to be transmitted through the carrier to both axle half shafts using a single braking device.

Abstract: A trunnion assembly for an oscillating axle, pivotable about an axis, is provided. The trunnion assembly includes a trunnion that is mounted to the axle housing and is disposed about the pivot axis of the axle. The trunnion has first and second axial ends and includes a recess disposed between the two ends. The recess is configured to receive a seal used to retain lubricants. The location of the recess limits exposure of the seal to foreign objects and elements thereby prolonging the life of the seal and related components of the trunnion assembly.

Abstract: A multi-axis suspension system for a vehicle includes a wishbone assembly rotatably connected to the frame about a longitudinal axis. An axle housing is connected to the wishbone assembly via a pair of four bar linkages. A pair of extendable hydraulic cylinders forms a supplemental connection between the rigid axle housing and the wishbone assembly. A hydraulic control circuit controls the length of the hydraulic cylinders to selectively control the relative distance between the axle housing and the wishbone assembly.

Abstract: A steering cylinder retention system is provided that replaces the conventional bolted joint with a pin and snap ring arrangement that requires fewer parts and is easier to assemble. The retention system provides a pair of annular axle brackets whereby the steer cylinder is received in both axle brackets. The steer cylinder is retained in the axle brackets by a shoulder, pin and snap ring assembly. More specifically, the steer cylinder is formed with a seating shoulder that abuts one of the axle brackets, and a slot is provided between the cylinder and axle bracket to prevent rotational movement of the cylinder with respect to the axle bracket. A snap ring arrangement fastens the cylinder against axial movement with respect to the axle cylinder.

Abstract: An improved locking differential for driving a pair of vehicle axles. The differential includes a rotatable case. A differential pinion is supported by the case and meshes with side gears to drive the axles. A clutch assembly is carried by the case and connects the side gear with the case upon actuation. Fluid power actuates the clutch assembly to connect the case and side gear. The improvement comprises the fluid power means having a seal retainer which encircles a portion of the case. The seal retainer has a system for evenly distributes forces applied to the axially extending portion of the case during delivery of pressurized fluid to the clutch assembly to minimize relative movement between the seal retainer and the case. The system comprises oppositely facing surfaces formed in the seal retainer being substantially equal in area to offset oppositely directed forces acting within the seal retainer when pressurized fluid is communicated to the clutch assembly.

Abstract: A spring applied - hydraulically released (SAHR) type wet disc brake for a wheeled vehicle having a large braking torque and energy absorption capacity. The brake unit includes a piston housing in which an annular piston is mounted for reciprocal movement towards and away from a disc housing defining a disc chamber in which a plurality of interleaved non-rotating and rotating discs are disposed. A pressure plate is mounted for reciprocating movement towards and away from the discs and is operative to apply clamping forces to the discs in order to generate braking torque. A plurality of biasing springs urges the pressure plate towards engagement with the disc pack. Pressurized fluid applied to the piston maintains the pressure plate in a released position. Selective reduction of pressure to the piston effects braking action. A piston-to-reaction plate seal inhibits coolant flow between an inner face of the pressure plate and the adjacent disc.

Abstract: A limited slip differential of the speed sensitive torque biasing type in which a plate type clutch between the case and a side gear is applied jointly by the force of a spring and by the thrust force on the side gear, when the differential is at the stall or low speed condition. As the differential begins to operate and its speed increases the clutch is gradually released by pressurized fluid which is responsive to the speed of rotation, and which releases the clutch by providing a hydrodynamic film on the friction surfaces of the clutch.