Patent ID: 7229376
Filing Date: 2007-06-12
Classification: F16H

Abstract:
1. A lubrication system for an axle assembly comprising: a differential carrier rotatably supporting a differential case therewithin; an axle tube extending outwardly from said differential carrier; a bearing assembly for rotatably supporting said differential case within said differential carrier; and a drain-back baffle including a baffle plate extending across an opening in a proximal end of said axle tube and having an outboard side facing said axle tube and an inboard side facing said bearing assembly, said baffle plate formed with a central opening therethrough and a drain-back hole passing axially through said baffle plate so as to extend between said outboard side and inboard side thereof; said drain-back hole radially spaced from said central opening and defining an oil delivery passage between said differential carrier and said axle tube; said drain-back baffle being selectively positionable within said axle assembly to provide changeable oil flow characteristics.