Patent ID: 6991574
Filing Date: 2006-01-31
Classification: B60R,F16H,F16N,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A drive axle assembly for a vehicle comprising: an input to be operably coupled to a power source; at least one axle shaft driven by said input; an axle housing substantially enclosing said at least one axle shaft; at least one wheel end including a gear set driven by said at least one axle shaft wherein said gear set is substantially enclosed within a gear housing; and a pumping mechanism driven by said at least one axle shaft wherein said pumping mechanism includes an impeller shared as an auger and mounted for rotation with said at least one axle shaft wherein said impeller pumps a lubricating fluid from a first predetermined fluid level in said axle housing to a second predetermined fluid level in said gear housing, said second predetermined fluid level being vertically higher than said first predetermined fluid level.