US 12,269,337 B2
Axle assembly having a drive pinion and a preload nut
David M Zueski, Troy, MI (US); Thomas Johns, Troy, MI (US); and Robert Martin, Troy, MI (US)
Assigned to ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
Filed by ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC, Troy, MI (US)
Filed on Jan. 25, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/159,450.
Prior Publication US 2024/0246410 A1, Jul. 25, 2024
Int. Cl. B60K 17/16 (2006.01); B60K 17/24 (2006.01); F16H 48/12 (2012.01); F16H 48/42 (2012.01); F16H 57/022 (2012.01); F16H 57/029 (2012.01)
CPC B60K 17/16 (2013.01) [B60K 17/24 (2013.01); F16H 48/12 (2013.01); F16H 48/42 (2013.01); F16H 57/029 (2013.01); F16H 2048/423 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An axle assembly comprising:
a differential carrier;
a drive pinion that is rotatable about an axis, the drive pinion including:
a gear; and
a shaft that extends from the gear, the shaft having a threaded portion;
a bearing assembly that encircles the shaft and that rotatably supports the drive pinion on the differential carrier;
a preload nut that has a thread that mates with the threaded portion and that engages the bearing assembly and exerts a preload force on the bearing assembly;
a yoke that encircles and is mounted to the shaft, wherein the yoke inhibits rotation of the preload nut; and
a seal assembly that encircles the preload nut and extends from the preload nut to the differential carrier, wherein the seal assembly encircles and engages the preload nut and the yoke.