Support structure of differential gear unit

摘要

In a trans-axle casing having an open end closed by a removable cover member secured thereto, a differential gear unit is rotatably supported at its side-journals by a pair of tapered roller bearings which are removably coupled within each cylindrical bore in a pair of axially spaced carrier portions of the casing. The carrier portions each are formed with a radial slit which extends inwardly from an upright seating face of the casing and opens into an annular groove in the cylindrical bore. A shim plate of substantially rectangular shape is inserted into each of the carrier portions through the radial slit and engaged at a semi-circular inner end thereof with the annular groove to retain each of the bearings in place by engagement therewith, the shim plate being formed in a predetermined length to be retained in place by engagement with the cover member of the casing at its outer end when it has been fully engaged at its inner end with the annular groove.