Dana Corporation

Earl L Brazle

Eric Keith Manning

Kellie L Stevens

James G Koedam

Tyrone L Bowman

David Alvin Cole

A method for installing a noise reduction structure within a vehicle driveshaft tube includes the initial step of disposing a reducing sleeve adjacent to a first end of the driveshaft tube. The reducing sleeve may define an inner surface that is tapered from a first diameter, which is slightly larger than the uncompressed outer diameter of the noise reduction structure, to a second diameter, which is approximately equal to the diameter of the first end of the driveshaft tube. Alternatively, the reducing sleeve may define an inner surface that is tapered from a first diameter and then rounded to a second diameter. A source of vacuum is disposed adjacent to a second end of the driveshaft tube, opposite the first end. The source of vacuum may be an accumulator tank and compressor assembly or a venturi arrangement. In any event, the noise reduction structure is disposed within the reducing sleeve and a vacuum is generated such that the vacuum draws the noise reduction structure into the driveshaft tube. To control the position of the noise reduction structure within the driveshaft tube, a limit switch can be positioned at a desired location within the driveshaft tube. When the leading end of the noise reduction structure touches the limit switch, the vacuum may be vented to the atmosphere, thereby preventing further movement of the noise reduction structure. Once installed within the driveshaft tube, the noise reduction structure expands outwardly into a light interference fit therewith. If desired, several methods are proposed to increase the force exerted on the noise reduction structure by the source of vacuum.

Apparatus and method for installing a noise reduction structure within a

A fixture for press fitting an end yoke onto the end of a vehicle drive shaft tube includes a base having a plurality of tube supports secured thereto for supporting the tube thereon in a predetermined axial orientation. An end fitting is supported on a vertically-oriented, support pin assembly. The support pin assembly includes an upstanding pin having slot formed through the center of the upper end thereof. The slot has a lower edge which extends at an angle relative to the pin. A tab is retained within the slot and guided for sliding movement between a first extended position and a second retracted position. In the extended position, the tab defines a first width for the support pin assembly. In the retracted position, the tab defines a second width for the support pin assembly which is less than the first width. The end yoke is initially supported on the pin by aligning the openings formed through the yoke arms with the pin, then moving the end yoke downwardly such that the pin is received within the aligned yoke arm openings. The openings formed through the yoke arms define an inner diameter which is approximately equal to the first width defined by the support pin assembly when the tab is in the extended position. Thus, the support pin fits snugly within the openings of the yoke arms to insure proper alignment and phasing of the end yoke. At the completion of the press fitting operation, the end yoke is removed from the support pin assembly by raising it upwardly therefrom. When the end yoke is moved upwardly relative to the support pin assembly, the tab will be moved upwardly therewith. As a result, the effective width of the support pin assembly decreases from the first width to the second width, allowing free removal of the end yoke from the fixture.

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Whitleyville, TN, United States of America

Earl L Brazle