Torque-traction Technologies, Inc.

Dana Corporation

Spicer Technology Inc.

Sean Karl Hoefer

Gregory James Maser

Earl James Irwin

Timothy Allmandinger

Edward Eugene Stuart

Parvinder Singh Nanua

A rigid drive axle assembly includes a support beam member having a substantially flat central plate section, a differential assembly module secured to the central plate section through at least two threaded studs extending from the central plate section. The differential assembly module includes a differential carrier frame member having two bearing hubs receiving differential bearings. A method for verifying a predetermined bearing preload of the differential assembly module comprises the steps of preloading the differential bearings to the predetermined bearing preload, inserting mounting bores in the bearing hubs of the frame member onto the mounting studs, and determining that the differential bearings are properly preloaded if the mounting studs are received in the mounting bores in the differential carrier frame member without substantial resistance, or determining that the differential bearings are not properly preloaded if the mounting studs may not be received in the mounting bores easily.

Method for verifying predetermined bearing preload of differential assembly module

A drive axle assembly for motor vehicles, includes a support beam member having a substantially flat, enlarged central plate section and two opposite arm sections, a differential assembly module secured to the central plate section and enclosed into a housing formed by a rear cover and a front cover secured to opposite surfaces of the central plate section. A method for assembling the drive axle assembly comprises the steps of securing the front cover to a front mounting surface of the support beam member, fastening the differential assembly module to the central plate section of the support beam member, and fastening the rear cover to the rear mounting surface of the support beam member.

Drive axle for motor vehicles and method for assembling the same

A drive axle assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a support beam member, a differential assembly module secured to the support beam member and a cover member fastened to the support beam member to cover at least a portion the differential assembly module. The cover member includes two spaced access openings with adjustable sealing flange devices for sealing an interior cavity within the cover member between the access openings and corresponding axle shaft members. The sealing flange device is positionally adjustable relative to the cover member. A method for adjusting position of the sealing flange device relative to the cover member comprises the steps of securing the cover member to the axle support member, mounting the sealing flange device to the cover member, adjusting the position of the sealing flange device relative to the cover member and securing the sealing flange device to the cover member.

Adjustable flange device for cover member in drive axle assembly

A rigid drive axle assembly for motor vehicles, includes a support beam member having a substantially flat, enlarged central section and two opposite arm sections axially outwardly extending from the central section, a differential assembly secured to the flat central section of the support beam member, and two opposite axle shaft members outwardly extending from the differential assembly and rotatably supported by the arm sections in a spaced relationship with respect to the central section of the support beam member. The differential assembly includes a differential carrier frame member fastened to the central section of the support beam member, and provided for rotatably supporting a differential case and a drive pinion. The differential assembly is enclosed into a housing formed by a rear cover and a front cover secured to opposite surfaces of the central section of the support beam member. The rear cover incorporates two throughholes provided with self-centering seals.

Rigid drive axle assembly for motor vehicles

A universal differential bearing preload tool includes a pair of opposite cylindrical discs simulating differential bearing cups, a disc spreading device for adjusting a distance between the discs, and a force measuring device associated with the disc spreading device. The opposite cylindrical discs are removably fastened to the preload tool and selected from a plurality of discs having assorted external diameters simulating differential bearing cups of different sizes and manufactures. The bearing preload tool is used for mounting a differential case in a differential housing with a predetermined bearing preload.

Universal bearing pre-load tool and method for using thereof

A universal axle and differential carrier stand comprising a base provided with a pair of upright support arms secured to the base at their lower end, and being horizontally adjustable for providing a variable spacing between the pair of support arms. A pair of axle clamps for receiving and positively engaging the vehicle axle or a pair of differential carrier mounts for mounting the differential carrier are alternatively and interchangeably affixed to upper ends of the support arm. Furthermore, the axle clamps and the differential carrier mounts may be adjustable in height. The stand may be quickly and easily loaded and unloaded, because no tools are required to operate axle clamps. The base is provided with caster wheels that allow easy movement of the universal stand with or without vehicle components.

Growing community of inventors

Wabash, IN, United States of America

Sean Karl Hoefer