Rear axle (Description): Description and operation

Description

General

The rear axle consists of an axle casing with a differential unit attached to the right of the vehicle centre line. A wheel hub is installed in each end of the axle casing and connected to the differential unit by a drive shaft.

Axle casing

The axle casing is of welded construction, with brackets on the casing exterior for attachment to the rear suspension.

A differential cover on the rear of the axle casing contains an oil level plug for checking and replenishment of the differential unit lubricating oil. A magnetic drain plug is installed on the underside of the axle casing.

The interior of the axle casing is ventilated through a breather tube inserted in a red plastic sleeve in the top of the casing. The open end of the breather tube is located between the chassis and the left rear wheelarch.

Differential unit

The differential unit is of the spiral bevel type, lubricated by splash oil. The unit consists of a differential carrier attached to a pinion housing. In the pinion housing, the pinion is splined to a pinion flange which is secured with a bolt and washer. An oil seal prevents leakage past the pinion flange.

Centralising peg

The centralising peg is a press fit in the centre of the pinion flange and provides a positive location for the rear propellor shaft to ensure it is centralised with the flange.