Housing for a differential mechanism of an automotive vehicle

摘要

A housing for differential mechanism is formed in two pieces using a cold flow-forming process. Each of the housing portions (32,34) is formed with an internal hemispherical surface, and semi-circular recesses (66,80), which when aligned form circular recesses within which a pinion shaft (48) is seated. A sub-assembly that includes the pinion shaft (48), pinion gears (50,52), side bevel gears (54,56), and a thin plastic liner (55) surrounding the sub-assembly is located within a lower housing portion (34) so that the pinion shaft (48) is seated in the recesses (66,80). The upper housing portion (32) is welded to the lower housing portion (34). A ring gear is joined to a housing portion (34).