POWER TRANSFER UNIT DISCONNECT

摘要

A power transfer unit in a front-wheel-drive based all-wheel-drive vehicle is operatively coupled to a transmission to continuously transfer rotational movement through a link shaft to a front wheel when the vehicle is in motion. The power transfer unit also selectively transfers rotational movement from the transmission to a rear driveline system. When the rear driveline system is connected to the transmission, lubricant contained within the housing is automatically distributed throughout the housing to lubricate components therein. When the rear driveline system is disconnected from the transmission, the lubricant contained within the housing is not distributed throughout the housing. Since rotation of the link shaft continues independently of the rear driveline system, bearings rotatably supporting the link shaft are isolated from the interior of the housing such that the bearings are lubricated by lubricant that is provided from outside the housing.