Abstract: A reinforced vehicle axle housing assembly includes a housing having an arm section including an axial portion adapted to receive a brake flange and a sleeve disposed in a cavity defined by the arm section. The sleeve at least partially overlaps the axial portion and is in reinforcing engagement with the arm section. The housing is formed by first and second housing halves joined together by a housing weld along the neutral axis. The housing weld penetrates through the arm section and secures the sleeve to the housing. A method for reinforcing a vehicle axle housing includes the steps of positioning a sleeve in the cavity so as to be encircled by the axial portion and securing the sleeve within the cavity so as to reinforce the arm section.