Patent ID: 6342022
Filing Date: 2002-01-29
Classification: F16H

Abstract:
A pressure relief valve assembly in a differential axle assembly comprising:a differential case containing a differential gear assembly driven by an input shaft and adapted to allow differential rotational speed between a pair of opposing output shafts; a hydraulically actuated limited slip device disposed within said differential case for retarding said differential rotational speed between said output shafts; a self contained modular pressure relief valve assembly secured to said differential case and in communication with a passageway leading to said hydraulically actuated limited slip device to relieve pressure in said limited slip device, wherein when fluid pressure in limited slip device reaches a predetermined value said valve assembly permits fluid to pass there through to an exterior of said differential case and when said fluid pressure in said limited slip device is below said predetermined value said valve assembly prevents fluid flow between said limited slip device and said exterior of said differential case.