Transmission/Driveline/Rear Axle
35
Axle Mounting Maintenance
Maintenance of the axle mountings consists primarily of a regular and systematic inspection of the air
suspension units and the radius and transverse rods as discussed in the Suspension chapter.
Differential Carrier
The differential assembly, drive pinion gear, and pinion cage assembly are mounted in the differential
carrier. By removing the axle shafts, the carrier can be removed for inspection, adjustment, or replace-
ment without having to remove the axle housing from the vehicle. Refer to the Meritor manual,
Single
Reduction Differential Carriers, Maintenance Manual 5 (supplied with the bus) for maintenance and
repair information.
Differential Assembly
The differential is a conventional four-pinion type carried in a two-piece case mounted in tapered roller
bearings. The drive (ring) gear is bolted to the flanged half of the differential case. The ring and pinion
gears are manufactured in matched, lapped sets and should always be installed as such to assure satisfac-
tory operation. Thrust washers are used between the side gears and differential case and also between the
differential pinion gears and case. The case halves are secured by cap screws and hardened washers.
The differential is supported in tapered roller bearings which accept both thrust and radial loads. The
bearings are mounted in supports in the carrier, while thrust loads are born by the adjusting rings thread-
ed into the carrier supports and bearing caps.
Pinion and Cage Assembly
The drive pinion is installed straight into the differential carrier. It is straddle mounted between two
tapered roller bearings at the outer end and one straight roller bearing at the inner end. The tapered bear-
ings are adjusted by shimming, while the roller bearing is held in place with a snap ring. Shims are used
between the drive pinion and the differential to adjust tooth contact and gear backlash. The pinion shaft
and cage assembly cannot be removed from the carrier until the differential assembly is removed from
the carrier also.
Axle Housing and Shafts
The axle housing is a one-piece design with the differential bowl centered. The housing has outer end
tubes which are threaded to accept wheel bearing adjusting nuts. The axle shafts are the same for left or
right sides. The flange at the outer end is attached to the hub by studs, tapered dowels, and nuts. The in
-
ner end is splined to the differential side gears.
Summary of Contents for LOW FLOOR
Page 18: ...Specifications 18...
Page 58: ...Preventive Maintenance 58...
Page 110: ...Engine 110...
Page 138: ...Transmission Driveline Rear Axle 138...
Page 182: ...Suspension 182...
Page 260: ...Air System 260...
Page 420: ...Electrical System 420 Deutsch DT Series Connectors...
Page 421: ...Electrical System 421...
Page 422: ...Electrical System 422 Deutsch HD 10 Series Connectors...
Page 423: ...Electrical System 423...
Page 424: ...Electrical System 424 Deutsch HD 30 Series Connectors...
Page 425: ...Electrical System 425...
Page 442: ...Heating Air Conditioning 442...
Page 492: ...Body and Interior 492 Figure 11 33 USSC Seat Assembly...
Page 493: ...Body and Interior 493 Figure 11 34 USSC Seat Suspension Assembly...
Page 495: ...Body and Interior 495 Figure 11 37 Seat Air Connections...