Abstract: An axle assembly includes an axle housing having a main body and defining an internal cavity. The axle housing includes a first and second opening defined in the main body and adapted to support a first and second differential bearing respectively. A differential assembly is supported in the axle housing with the first and second differential bearings. The main body defines an inner mounting surface, an outer face and an inner circumferential surface extending between the inner mounting surface and the outer face. The inner circumferential surface defines a third opening. The main body defines a relief formed through the inner mounting surface and extending through a portion of the inner circumferential surface. The relief defines a fluid communication path for delivering fluid to a pinion bearing assembly arranged in the third opening.