Input pinion shaft and method of manufacturing an input pinion shaft

摘要

An input pinion shaft (44) for a differential assembly. The input pinion shaft (44) includes a discretely formed stem (150) and a discretely formed gear (152). The stem (150) includes an engagement surface (172). The gear (152) includes a plurality of gear teeth (190) and a mounting aperture (192) that is sized to receive the stem (150) such that the engagement surface (192) and the contact surface (194) are engaged to one another so as to facilitate transmission of rotary power therebetween. A coupling element, such as a weld, a key or a threaded fastener may also be employed to fix the stem (150) and the gear (152) to one another. A method for forming an input pinion shaft (44) is also provided.