Patent ID: 7866231
Filing Date: 2011-01-11
Classification: F16H,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An axle assembly comprising: an axle housing defining a cavity and an access aperture; a differential assembly received in the cavity, the differential assembly supported for rotation in the axle housing; a cover with a flange and a body, the flange coupled to the axle housing such that the cover closes the access aperture, the body having an opening that is in fluid connection with the cavity; a gasket having a gasket member and a tab, the gasket member being disposed between the axle housing and the flange, the tab extending inwardly from the gasket member and covering at least a portion of the opening; and a vent valve mounted to the body and in fluid communication with the opening; wherein the tab is adapted to shield the opening and the vent valve from splash lubrication during operation of the axle assembly.