Abstract: An axle system includes an axle shaft offset located within an axle center beam housing. The axle shaft is located in a recess in a top wall of the axle center beam shaped with slopes to maximize clearance to the bottom of the vehicle floor panels. The pneumatic brake cylinders define a cylinder axis angled within an angular range from a generally vertical orientation for enhanced packaging.

Abstract: A drive unit for a vehicle wheel assembly includes an input gear set driven by an electric motor, a planetary gear set driven by the input gear set, and an output shaft driven by the planetary gear set. An adapter is used to attach a wheel rim and a brake component for rotation with the output shaft, which is rotatably supported by a wheel bearing. The input gear set and the planetary gear set are positioned outboard of the electric motor and inboard of the brake component. The brake component can be easily removed without requiring removal of the planetary gear set or any wheel bearings. Only the wheel rim and the adapter have to be removed in order to remove the brake component.

Abstract: A tire inflation system for a portal drive axle assembly includes fluid flow passages that are formed within rotating wheel shafts, which drive a pair of wheel end assemblies. The portal drive axle assembly includes a driving input that drives a pair of axle shafts. A wheel gear assembly operably couples each axle shaft to the respective wheel shaft. The wheel gear assemblies transfer the driving force from the axle shafts to the wheel shafts, which are positioned at different vertical location relative to the axle shafts. A first end of each wheel shaft is in fluid communication with a vehicle air supply and a second end of each wheel shaft is in fluid communication with a tire assembly. Seal assemblies are mounted for rotation with the wheel shaft at the first end of the wheel shafts.

Abstract: An inverted portal drive axle includes an off-center driving input that is coupled to first and second axle shafts. The first axle shaft drives a first gear box that is coupled to a first wheel assembly. The second axle shaft extends underneath a vehicle floor and drives a second gear box that is coupled to a second wheel assembly. An axle housing extends between the first and second gear boxes. The second axle shaft includes an exposed central portion that is positioned directly between the vehicle floor and the axle housing. Seal assemblies seal first and second ends of the second axle shaft to the axle housing.

Abstract: An axle assembly is provided that includes an axle. The axle assembly may be of an inverted portal axle configuration. The axle includes a boss having a threaded aperture. A suspension component, such as a suspension arm, may be secured to the axle by a fastener received by the threaded aperture. A bracket may be arranged in engagement with the boss between the suspension arm and the axle. The bracket may be used to connect a torsion bar to the axle. The bracket includes an aperture with the fastener disposed within the bracket aperture. The fastener, which is common for the suspension arm and bracket, creates a clamping load on the bracket. Moreover, the suspension arm and the torsion bar bracket share a common boss.

Abstract: A compound gear assembly includes two gears, each gear respectively including interlocking features, which may be complimentary arcuate sections, for transferring torque between the gears. A clearance between the respective arcuate sections permits the gears to move radially relative to one another, which ensures that the gears mesh in a desired manner with the gears to which they are coupled. A retainer is inserted into an annular groove located circumferentially about the respective arcuate sections, which secures one gear to another.

Abstract: An axle assembly is provided that includes an axle. The axle assembly may be of an inverted portal axle configuration. The axle includes a boss having a threaded aperture. A suspension component, such as a suspension arm, may be secured to the axle by a fastener received by the threaded aperture. A bracket may be arranged in engagement with the boss between the suspension arm and the axle. The bracket may be used to connect a torsion bar to the axle. The bracket includes an aperture with the fastener disposed within the bracket aperture. The fastener, which is common for the suspension arm and bracket, creates a clamping load on the bracket. Moreover, the suspension arm and the torsion bar bracket share a common boss.

Abstract: A compound gear assembly includes two gears, each gear respectively including interlocking features, which may be complimentary arcuate sections, for transferring torque between the gears. A clearance between the respective arcuate sections permits the gears to move radially relative to one another, which ensures that the gears mesh in a desired manner with the gears to which they are coupled. A snap ring is inserted into an annular groove located circumferentially about the respective arcuate sections, which secures one gear to another.

Abstract: A steering system is provided for a vehicle including a frame. Upper and lower control arms have first end portions that are pivotally supported on the frame at first spaced apart connections. The control arms also each include second end portions that are pivotally connected to an intermediate support member at second spaced apart connections. A steer knuckle is pivotally supported by the intermediate support member at third spaced apart connections that define a king pin axis. A drive motor is mounted on the intermediate support member and is coupled to the steering knuckle to rotate the steering knuckle about the king pin axis relative to the intermediate support member. A gear set may also be used in conjunction with the drive motor and steering knuckle. The intermediate support member is constrained against forward and aft movement, but is permitted to move upward and downward with the control arms.