Ford Motor Company Limited

Binod Kumar Agrawal

John H Tanzer

Tim Howard

John H Hosbach

Harold L Chambers

A differential mechanism, connected to a driveshaft, transmits power to two halfshafts laterally directed toward the driven wheels of a motor vehicle. Each halfshaft is driveably connected to a pinion, which continually engages a gear fixed to an axle shaft, the pinion and gear forming a speed reduction gearset located between the halfshaft and axle shaft. Each gearset is located in a drop gear housing. Opposite axial ends of each halfshaft are fixed to a differential housing and the drop gear housing. Two extension tubes, each press fitted in the differential housing and a corresponding drop gear housing, provide structural continuity therebetween.

Axle drivetrain having speed reduction gear unit for automotive vehicles

A wheel bearing (42) located between the wheel hub 14 and axle spindle (10) is supplied with lubricant located in an annular cavity between the hub and spindle. A lubricant seal (52) is fitted with slight interference between the hub and seal and defines a sealing lip (72), which is urged by a garter spring (70) into contact with an inner sleeve (76) of the seal. A slinger (58) is supported by tabs (88) on a surface of the bearing and provides a radial planar ring surface (86) located between the bearing race and seal. On assembly, the slinger provides a stop surface that limits axial movement of the inner sleeve of the seal toward the bearing.

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Rochester Hills, MI, United States of America

Binod Kumar Agrawal