Method of independently measuring bearing preload in an axle assembly

• US 20030154775A1
• Filed: 02/20/2002
• Published: 08/21/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 02/20/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLC (Dana, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Spicer Technology Incorporated
• Inventors: Catalano, Michael J., Cooper, Ken E., Passino, Ben J., Smith, Todd A.
• Granted Patent: US 6,907,773 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 73/118.1
• CPC Class Codes: F16C 2361/61 Toothed gear systems, e.g. support of pinion shafts in general F16H57/02
• CPC Class Codes: F16C 25/06 Ball or roller bearings
• CPC Class Codes: F16H 2048/423 characterised by bearing arrangement
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 13/04 Bearings

Abstract

A method and apparatus to independently measure the bearing pre-load of a pinion gear and differential case an assembled axle assembly. The ring gear and pinion gear are positioned within a backlash so that there is no engagement therebetween. The pinion shaft and differential case are rotated in synchronization maintaining the relative positions and the torque to rotate the pinion shaft and differential case are independently measured. Once the independent pre-loads are measured, the ring gear is allowed to freely rotate being driven by the pinion gear and the overall torque to rotate the entire axle assembly can be measured.

Claims

1. A method of measuring bearing preload of a ring gear and a pinion gear in an axle assembly, said method comprising the steps of:

positioning said ring gear and said pinion gear within a backlash therebetween so that said ring gear and said pinion gear do not contact each other;

rotating said ring gear and said pinion gear in synchronization to maintain a relative rotational position of said ring gear to said pinion gear within said backlash; and

measuring a torque to rotate said ring gear and a second torque to rotate said pinion gear while rotating said ring gear and pinion gear in synchronization.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said step of positioning said ring gear and said pinion gear further comprises the steps of:

firstly rotating at least one of said ring gear and pinion gear so that corresponding teeth engage each other,

secondly rotating at least one of said ring gear and said pinion gear so that successive teeth engage each other;

determining said backlash by measuring a distance to secondly rotate said at least one ring gear and pinion gear;

thirdly rotating said ring gear and said pinion gear relative to one another so that corresponding teeth are disposed intermediate said backlash.

3. A method of independently measuring bearing preload of bearings supporting a first and second gear in driving engagement in a gear assembly, said method comprising the steps of:

positioning said first gear and said second gear within a backlash therebetween so that said first gear and said second gear do not contact each other;

rotating said first gear and said second gear in synchronization to maintain a relative rotational position of said first gear to said second gear within said backlash; and

independently measuring a first torque to rotate said first gear and a second torque to rotate said second gear while rotating said ring gear and pinion gear in synchronization.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein said step of positioning said first and second gears further comprises the steps of:

firstly rotating at least one of said first and second gears so that corresponding teeth engage each other,

secondly rotating at least one of said first and second gears so that successive teeth engage each other;

determining said backlash by measuring a distance to secondly rotate said at least one of said first and second gears;

thirdly rotating said first and second gears relative to one another so that corresponding teeth are disposed intermediate said backlash.

5. A method of isolating corresponding teeth in successive gears in a gear assembly, said method comprising the steps of:

firstly rotating at least one of said successive gears so that said corresponding teeth engage each other,

secondly rotating at least one of said successive gears so that successive teeth of said corresponding teeth engage each other;

determining a backlash between said corresponding gears by measuring a distance to secondly rotate said one of said successive gears; and

thirdly rotating at least one of said successive gears so that corresponding teeth are disposed intermediate said backlash; and

rotating said successive gears in synchronization to maintain a relative rotational position of said successive gears such that successive teeth of said corresponding teeth remain within said backlash and no teeth between successive gears contact one another.