| 摘要 |
<p>An axle lubrication system is provided utilizing an especially configured differential carrier housing adapted to be mounted to an axle housing with the axle housing oriented either upside-down or right-side-up. In either orientation, the lubrication system of the present invention provides a positive lubrication flow to the differential in either a forward or reverse direction of operation. The differential bearing support defines first and second lubricant passages and a differential carrier housing defines first and second lubricant troughs, communicating, respectively, with the first and second lubricant passages. Each of the lubricant troughs has an opening adjacent the pinion gear such that the first lubricant trough receives splash from the pinion gear, for either direction of rotation of the pinion gear, with the axle mechanism in the right-side-up position and the second lubricant trough receives the splash from the pinion gear, in either direction of rotation, with the axle mechanism in the upside-down position. Thus, the use of pick up director members is eliminated and positive lubricant flow, independent of lubricant temperature, is provided in all four modes of operation.</p> |
