ArvinMeritor

An axle assembly (5) comprises a sensor (18) and provision of an electrical ground connection from a sensor to a vehicle ground potential in order to provide data about an axle (10) and/or a wheel hub connected to the axle. In particular, an inner surface (14) of an internal cavity (16) of an axle (10) is used as an electrical grounding point for a sensor (18), thereby protecting the ground connection and sensor from harsh environments. In an embodiment, an axle assembly (5) comprises a support member (12) adapted to be disposed within the interior cavity (16) of the axle (10), and the sensor (18) is operatively connected to said support member (12). The sensor (18) comprises an electrical ground input (20) electrically connected to a surface (14) of the axle (10) within the cavity (16). Such an axle assembly (5) may be provided as a constituent component in a vehicle.

A disc brake assembly for a heavy commercial vehicle, the disc brake assembly comprising first and second brake pads for contacting a rotor during a braking operation; a brake carrier for receiving at least the first brake pad; a brake housing arranged to slide with respect to the brake carrier; and a removable insert located between the first and second brake pads and configured to separate the first and second brake pads from one another prior to installation of the disc brake assembly on a vehicle; wherein at least one portion of the insert extends to an exterior of the brake housing.

A brake system and a method of control. The brake system comprises a friction brake, a sensor unit, and a controller. The sensor unit is disposed on a brake pad assembly of the friction brake and comprises a first sensor and a second sensor that is electrically connected to the first sensor.

A dual axle steering system for a vehicle, the steering system comprising a first axle and a second axle, wherein both the first axle and the second axle are steerable; a first linkage for transmitting steering motion to wheels supported on the first and second axles at a first side of said vehicle; and a second linkage for transmitting steering motion to wheels supported on the first and second axles at a second side of said vehicle. Each linkage comprises a fore tie rod for transmitting steering motion to a fore wheel supported on the first axle, an aft tie rod for transmitting steering motion to an aft wheel supported on the second axle, and a connection arrangement between the fore and aft tie rods for transmitting steering motion to the fore and aft tie rods. At least one connection arrangement is articulated.

A tang on a spindle nut washer of a wheel end assembly facilitates retention and alignment of bearing and seal components within a wheel hub during installation and removal of the hub onto and/or from a wheel spindle. In one embodiment, the tang protrudes from an outer circumferential portion of the washer to interact with a circumferential slot in the wheel hub. The washer is installed within the hub at an offset orientation to position the tang within the slot, which assures axial retention of the washer within the hub. The washer can then engage an outboard wheel bearing cone to facilitate wheel hub installation on the spindle, and can also facilitate subsequent hub removal from the spindle. Upon completion of wheel end assembly, the washer thickness can also provide confirmation that wheel bearings and seal components are fully seated to recommended bearing preload and/or wheel end play limits.

A method of lubricating a transmission system including: scavenging, via a lubrication tube of a lubrication system disposed within the transmission system, oil from at least one of a plurality of gears; directing the scavenged oil from the lubrication tube to a plurality of oil conduits extending from the lubrication tube; and translating a shift assembly in a longitudinal direction such that the shift assembly actuates a plurality of poppet valve assemblies disposed in the plurality of oil conduits between a closed position and an open position. The scavenged oil circumventing the plurality of poppet valve assemblies in the open position and the plurality of poppet valve assemblies form a seal with the plurality of oil conduits in the closed position.

A brake system and method of control. A brake pad assembly is actuatable from a retracted position to an extended position with a fluid. The method includes determining whether a running clearance is acceptable based on a first fluid supply pressure associated with the brake pad assembly being in a retracted position and a second fluid supply pressure associated with the brake pad assembly being in an extended position.

An axle assembly comprising a support structure, a mounting plate, an electric motor module, a transmission module, and a wheel end assembly. The electric motor module extends from a first side of the mounting plate. The transmission module extends from the second side of the mounting plate. The wheel end assembly extends from the transmission module.

Aspects of the present invention relate to a controller for controlling a differential lock system of a vehicle with a plurality of wheels. The controller comprises one or more processors collectively configured to receive a wheel status information specific to at least two wheels. Further, it is configured to determine, based at least on the wheel status information, a differential lock setpoint, indicating whether a differential lock should be engaged or disengaged. Also, it is configured to output the differential lock setpoint to the differential lock system to control the differential lock system to engage or disengage the differential lock based on the differential lock setpoint. The invention further relates to a differential lock system, an axle assembly, a method and computer readable instructions.

A wheel hub assembly for a non-drive axle of a vehicle, the wheel hub assembly comprising a wheel flange for rotatably supporting a tire with respect to a vehicle chassis; a spindle for supporting the wheel flange with respect to the chassis; and an air flow path for supplying pressurised air from an air supply to said tire. The spindle is rotatable with the wheel flange with respect to the chassis; and a section of the air flow path is defined by the spindle.