Front axle and final drive (Description): Description and operation

DESCRIPTION

The welded steel front axle casing houses a separate spiral bevel type differential unit, which is off set to the right of the vehicle centre line. The differential unit drives the front wheels via the axle shafts and constant velocity joints which are totally enclosed in the spherical and swivel housings.

The front wheels are pivoted on a taper roller bearing at the bottom and a ’Rialco’ bush at the top of the swivel housing. The top swivel also houses the wheel sensor used by engine management. The wheel hubs are supported by 2 taper bearings and driven by drive flanges which are splined to the one piece stub shaft/constant velocity joint.

Lubrication

The differential, swivel pin housing and wheel hubs are individually lubricated and separated by oil seals to prevent oil transfer across the axle when the vehicle is traversing steep inclines. The wheel bearings are lubricated with grease and the and differential with oil. The swivel housings are lubricated with grease unless the housing is fitted with filler and level plugs then oil is used.

Ventilation

Ventilation of the differential is through a plastic pipe which terminates at a high level in the vehicle. The swivel housings ventilate through the axle shaft oil seals into the differential and the hub bearings vent via the oil seals into the swivel housing.