Abstract: A friction clutch for a motor vehicle includes an adjustment mechanism compensating for wear of a friction disk. The adjustment mechanism (40) includes a first cam ring (52) rotatably fixed and a second cam ring (54) rotatable relative to the first cam ring (52). Both cam rings (52,54) have a plurality of cam surfaces configured such that rotation of the second cam ring (54) relative to the first cam ring (52) varies a height of the adjustment mechanism (40). A torsion spring (60) applies a biasing force to the second cam ring (54). A back drive prevention assembly (70) includes a back drive spring (80) attached to the pressure plate and first cam ring (52) to prevent back drive of the second cam ring (54) through a baffle (62) including a plurality of cam teeth (72) formed on a bottom surface of the baffle (62). The cam teeth (72) are formed at an angle A relative to a bottom surface of the baffle (62) decreasing displacement and loads of the back drive spring (80).

Abstract: A friction clutch for a motor vehicle includes an adjustment mechanism compensating for wear of a friction disk. The adjustment mechanism (40) includes a first cam ring (52) rotatably fixed and a second cam ring (54) rotatable relative to the first cam ring (52). Both cam rings (52,54) have a plurality of cam surfaces configured such that rotation of the second cam ring (54) relative to the first cam ring (52) varies a height of the adjustment mechanism (40). A torsion spring (60) applies a biasing force to the second cam ring (54). A back drive prevention assembly (70) includes a back drive spring (80) attached to the pressure plate and first cam ring (52) to prevent back drive of the second cam ring (54) through a baffle (62) including a plurality of cam teeth (72) formed on a bottom surface of the baffle (62). The cam teeth (72) are formed at an angle A relative to a bottom surface of the baffle (62) decreasing displacement and loads of the back drive spring (80).

Abstract: A twin plate separation system, comprising a pressure plate, an intermediate plate facing the pressure plate, and a spring separator assembly. The spring separator assembly comprises a mounting extending out from the intermediate plate towards the pressure plate. A spring surrounds the mounting, and the spring is biased to push the pressure plate and the intermediate plate apart. The mounting or another fixture can secure at least one drive strap to the intermediate plate. Alternatively, the mounting extends out of the pressure plate towards the intermediate plate, and the spring surrounds the mounting and is biased to push the pressure plate and the intermediate plate apart. In this alternative, the intermediate plate does not comprise a hole for receiving the mounting.

Abstract: A twin plate separation system, comprising a pressure plate, an intermediate plate facing the pressure plate, and a spring separator assembly. The spring separator assembly comprises a mounting extending out from the intermediate plate towards the pressure plate. A spring surrounds the mounting, and the spring is biased to push the pressure plate and the intermediate plate apart. The mounting or another fixture can secure at least one drive strap to the intermediate plate. Alternatively, the mounting extends out of the pressure plate towards the intermediate plate, and the spring surrounds the mounting and is biased to push the pressure plate and the intermediate plate apart. In this alternative, the intermediate plate does not comprise a hole for receiving the mounting.

Abstract: A driven disc assembly is provided. The backing plates have right angle depression sections that surround mounting holes of a clutch disc. The thickness of the backing plates are enlarged from their normal thickness causing a top surface of the backing plates to axially clear heads of conventional rivets. The thickness of the friction buttons on the backing plates can then be reduced to their minimal effective use thickness.

Abstract: A driven disc assembly is provided wherein a clutch disc has enlarged holes for connection of opposing backing plates. The backing plates have semi-pierced sections that are insertable within mounting holes of the clutch disc. The thickness of the backing plates are enlarged from their normal thickness causing a top surface of the backing plates to axially clear heads of conventional rivets. The thickness of the friction buttons on the backing plates can then be reduced to their minimal effective use thickness.

Abstract: A driven disc assembly is provided wherein a clutch disc has enlarged holes for connection of opposing backing plates. The backing plates have semi-pierced sections that are insertable within mounting holes of the clutch disc. The thickness of the backing plates are enlarged from their normal thickness causing a top surface of the backing plates to axially clear heads of conventional rivets. The thickness of the friction buttons on the backing plates can then be reduced to their minimal effective use thickness.

Abstract: A driven disc assembly is provided. The backing plates have right angle depression sections that surround mounting holes of a clutch disc. The thickness of the backing plates are enlarged from their normal thickness causing a top surface of the backing plates to axially clear heads of conventional rivets. The thickness of the friction buttons on the backing plates can then be reduced to their minimal effective use thickness.

Abstract: A driven disc assembly is provided. The backing plates have right angle depression sections that surround mounting holes of a clutch disc. The thickness of the backing plates are enlarged from their normal thickness causing a top surface of the backing plates to axially clear heads of conventional rivets. The thickness of the friction buttons on the backing plates can then be reduced to their minimal effective use thickness.

Abstract: A driven disc assembly is provided wherein a clutch disc has enlarged holes for connection of opposing backing plates. The backing plates have semi-pierced sections that are insertable within mounting holes of the clutch disc. The thickness of the backing plates are enlarged from their normal thickness causing a top surface of the backing plates to axially clear heads of conventional rivets. The thickness of the friction buttons on the backing plates can then be reduced to their minimal effective use thickness.

Abstract: A wet clutch assembly has an inner housing configured for rotation with an input torque member to the clutch assembly. The inner housing has a series of splines to support a portion of the plates in a clutch pack. Each spline defines a single aperture in fluid communication with at least one plate of the clutch pack, and apertures on adjacent splines are offset to distribute cooling fluid nearly equally between friction surfaces. Uniform flow distribution ensures efficient use of cooling fluid and prevents overheating of plates receiving lesser fluid flow.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a banjo-type drive axle housing for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The first step is the operation of forming the substantially identical upper and lower half members having a U-shaped cross-section along entire length thereof with radially extending wall sections. Each of the members is metal formed, such as by stamping or forging, from a blank sheet of steel. Next step is to select a desired box-section of an axle beam portions, and a desired size of an opening in a central portion of the axle housing. Then, if necessary, the wall sections of the housing half members are trimmed so that when assembled said housing half members provide the desired box section and size of the opening in the central portion of the axle housing. Finally, the trimmed housing half members are welded to each other to produce the axle housing.

Abstract: A part time four wheel drive vehicle has an axle disconnect in its auxiliary drive axle. The axle disconnect comprises a vacuum motor and a tubular shift fork that drives a clutch sleeve so that the clutch sleeve translates between a first position where clutch teeth of the clutch sleeve engage clutch teeth of an outer axle shaft and a second position where the clutch teeth disengage. The vacuum motor and shift fork are housed in a modular assembly disposed between the axle and disconnect casing to improve packaging and reduce the size of the connect mechanism while providing better protection of the disconnect assembly from the outside environment.