Abstract: An axle assembly can include a housing, differential assembly in the housing, drain plug, cover, and gasket. The housing can include a main flange having threaded bores. A bottom threaded bore can extend through the main flange to be in fluid communication with a housing interior. The plug can include a shaft and a head. The shaft can threadably engage the drain bore. The cover can include a cover flange. The head of the drain plug can overlap the cover flange. The gasket can include a seal portion in sealing contact with the flanges, a standoff, and a fastener seal member. The shaft can extend through the standoff. The standoff can be a rigid material disposed between the flanges and can extend radially outward of the drain bore. The fastener seal member can be a resilient material in sealing contact with the standoff and the drain plug.

Abstract: An axle assembly that is configured with reduced weight and an internal configuration that is configured to reduce losses through, for example, higher efficiency gearing, low viscosity lubricant and reduced lubricant levels as compared with current production automotive axle assemblies that are configured with a similar overall gear ratio and capacity.

Abstract: An axle assembly that is configured with reduced weight and an internal configuration that is configured to reduce losses through, for example, higher efficiency gearing, low viscosity lubricant and reduced lubricant levels as compared with current production automotive axle assemblies that are configured with a similar overall gear ratio and capacity.

Abstract: A wheel speed measurement system for a drive axle is provided within a differential assembly. The system includes a differential side bearing adjustment ring configured for adjusting the position of a differential carrier bearing assembly. A tone ring is provided having an inner bore to accommodate a coaxial axle shaft. A retainer ring member is snap-fit between the differential side bearing adjustment ring and the tone ring, permitting relative rotation of the tone ring. Sensors are provided in sensor mounts integrally formed on an exterior of a differential assembly housing.

Abstract: A fastener with a threaded nut, a clip, a first engagement feature and a second engagement feature. The nut has front and rear surfaces and a first lock structure that is disposed between the front and rear surfaces. The clip has a body, which defines an aperture, a second lock structure and an engagement member. The second lock structure is coupled to the body and engages the first lock structure to axially retain the clip to the nut. The engagement member extends into the aperture in the body. The first engagement feature is coupled to either the nut or the clip and comprises at least one tooth. The second engagement feature is associated with the other one of the nut and the clip and is engaged with the first engagement feature to inhibit rotation between the nut and the clip.

Abstract: A wheel speed measurement system for a drive axle is provided within a differential assembly. The system includes a differential side bearing adjustment ring configured for adjusting the position of a differential carrier bearing assembly. A tone ring is provided having an inner bore to accommodate a coaxial axle shaft. A retainer ring member is snap-fit between the differential side bearing adjustment ring and the tone ring, permitting relative rotation of the tone ring. Sensors are provided in sensor mounts integrally formed on an exterior of a differential assembly housing.

Abstract: A fastener with a threaded nut, a clip, a first engagement feature and a second engagement feature. The nut has front and rear surfaces and a first lock structure that is disposed between the front and rear surfaces. The clip has a body, which defines an aperture, a second lock structure and an engagement member. The second lock structure is coupled to the body and engages the first lock structure to axially retain the clip to the nut. The engagement member extends into the aperture in the body. The first engagement feature is coupled to either the nut or the clip and comprises at least one tooth. The second engagement feature is associated with the other one of the nut and the clip and is engaged with the first engagement feature to inhibit rotation between the nut and the clip.