DIFFERENTIAL AXLE ASSEMBLY, FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE ASSEMBLY, AND COMBINATION OF DIFFERENTIAL AXLE ASSEMBLY WITH WHEEL END ASSEMBLY

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a differential assembly equipped with a differential case 3 whereon an energizing preload is applied so as to synchronize the speeds of different shafts.;SOLUTION: A thrust washer 6 provided with a gradient is installed between each side gear 7 and the differential case 3. The thrust washer generates a preload between side gear 7 and the case to serve for the side gear 7 and output semi-shafts 111a and 111b to operate at the same speed certainly when the differential case is in rotation. The energizing preload is set so that it enlarges to a minor degree owing to the difference in the resisting force acting on the different output semi-shafts. That is, when a transfer case 150 is put in engagement and the differential case 3 is brought to the target speed, the differential gears are prevented from rotating, and the semi-shafts rotate at the same speed identical to the automobile road speed.;COPYRIGHT: (C)2002,JPO