Differential Assembly Oil Management Inserts

Abstract

A motor vehicle drive axle includes a drive axle housing, which defines a gear set cavity and an axle bore, the axle bore having first and second bearing seats and an oil cavity arranged between the first and second bearing seats. The housing also defines a supply passage and a return passage configured to supply oil from the gear set cavity to the oil cavity and return oil from the oil cavity to the gear set cavity, respectively. The housing also includes an input shaft extending through the axle bore into the differential gear set cavity. The housing further includes first and second bearings, which are arranged in respective first and second bearing seats for supporting the input shaft. The housing further includes a lubrication adjustment insert, which is arranged inside the oil cavity. The insert defines first and second lubrication passages, which are configured to guide oil from the supply passage to respective first and second bearings.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an oil management insert for a motor vehicle differential assembly. Background Art

[0002] Motor vehicles may be configured as two-wheel drive (i.e., using a single drive axle or powered axle) or may be configured with multiple drive axles. Either type of vehicle may employ a conventional powertrain in which a single engine is used to propel the vehicle, an electric powertrain in which an electric motor is used to propel the vehicle, or a hybrid powertrain in which two or more different power sources (such as an internal combustion engine and an electric motor) are used to accomplish the same task. Motor vehicles may also employ multiple independent power sources (such as an internal combustion engine and an electric motor) to independently power separate vehicle drive axles.

[0003] Each powered axle typically includes a final drive assembly with a differential that allows the driven wheels on opposite sides (i.e., left and right sides) to rotate at different speeds when the vehicle makes a turn. Specifically, the differential permits the driven wheels traveling around the outside of the turn to roll farther and faster than the driven wheels traveling around the inside of the turn, while applying approximately equal torque to each of the driven wheels. The increase in speed of one driven wheel is balanced by the decrease in speed of the other driven wheel, and the average speed of the two driven wheels is equal to the input rotational speed of the drive shaft connecting the power source to the differential. The internal load-bearing and rotating components of such powered axles typically require consistent lubrication and cooling for reliable long-term operation. Summary of the invention

[0004] A motor vehicle drive axle includes a drive axle housing. The drive axle housing defines a differential gear set cavity and an axle bore, the axle bore including first and second bearing seats and an oil chamber disposed between the first and second bearing seats. The drive axle housing further defines: a supply passage configured to supply oil from the differential gear set cavity to the oil chamber; and a return passage configured to return oil from the oil chamber to the differential gear set cavity. The drive axle housing further includes: a differential gear set disposed within the differential gear set cavity; and an input shaft extending through the axle bore into the differential gear set cavity, operably connected to the differential gear set, and configured to transmit drive torque to the differential gear set.

[0005] The drive axle housing further includes a first bearing disposed in the first bearing seat and configured to support the input shaft relative to the drive axle housing. The drive axle housing further includes a second bearing disposed in the second bearing seat between the first bearing and the differential gear set cavity and configured to support the input shaft relative to the drive axle housing. The drive axle housing further includes a lubrication adjustment insert disposed inside the oil cavity. The lubrication adjustment insert defines: a first lubrication passage, the first lubrication passage being configured to direct oil from the oil supply passage to the first bearing; and a second lubrication passage, the second lubrication passage being configured to direct oil from the oil supply passage to the second bearing.

[0006] The lubrication adjustment insert may also define an oil dam configured to maintain a preset oil level within the shaft bore at the first bearing and thereby minimize oil starvation of the first bearing.

[0007] The lubrication adjustment insert may be shaped as a cylindrical shell arranged concentrically about a central axis.

[0008] The oil dam may be defined by an annular flange arranged orthogonally with respect to the cylindrical shell and extending toward the central axis.

[0009] The lubrication regulating insert may additionally define a lubrication outlet orifice in fluid communication with the oil return passage of the transaxle case.

[0010] The lubrication regulating insert may further define an oil collection trough configured to align with the supply passage of the transaxle housing. In such an embodiment, each of the first lubrication passage and the second lubrication passage may be in fluid communication with the oil collection trough.

[0011] The first lubrication passage may be arranged at an angle relative to the second lubrication passage.

[0012] The lubrication adjustment insert may be pressed into the oil chamber.

[0013] The lubrication adjustment insert may be constructed from a polymer composite or a metallic material.

[0014] The lubrication adjustment insert may be a stamped, molded or sintered component.

[0015] Also disclosed is a motor vehicle using the drive axle.

[0016] The present invention also includes the following scheme:

[0017] Solution 1. A motor vehicle drive axle, comprising:

[0018] A drive axle housing, the drive axle housing defining:

[0019] Differential gear set cavity;

[0020] An axial hole, the axial hole comprising a first bearing seat, a second bearing seat and an oil chamber arranged between the first bearing seat and the second bearing seat;

[0021] a supply passage configured to supply oil from the differential gear set chamber to the oil chamber; and

[0022] a return passage configured to return oil from the oil chamber to the differential gear set chamber;

[0023] a differential gear set, the differential gear set being arranged in the differential gear set cavity;

[0024] an input shaft extending through the shaft bore into the differential gear set cavity, operatively connected to the differential gear set, and configured to transmit drive torque to the differential gear set;

[0025] a first bearing disposed within the first bearing housing and configured to support the input shaft relative to the transaxle housing;

[0026] a second bearing disposed within the second bearing seat between the first bearing and the differential gear set cavity and configured to support the input shaft relative to the transaxle housing; and

[0027] A lubrication adjustment insert is disposed inside the oil chamber and defines:

[0028] a first lubrication passage configured to guide oil from the oil supply passage to the first bearing; and

[0029] A second lubrication passage is configured to guide oil from the oil supply passage to the second bearing.

[0030] Option 2. The motor vehicle drive axle of Option 1, wherein the lubrication adjustment insert further defines an oil dam configured to maintain a preset oil level within the shaft bore at the first bearing and thereby minimize oil starvation of the first bearing.

[0031] Embodiment 3. A motor vehicle drive axle according to embodiment 2, wherein the lubrication adjustment insert is formed as a cylindrical shell arranged concentrically about a central axis.

[0032] Solution 4. The motor vehicle drive axle according to Solution 3, wherein the oil dam is defined by an annular flange arranged orthogonally relative to the cylindrical shell and extending toward the central axis.

[0033] Embodiment 5. The motor vehicle transaxle of embodiment 1, wherein the lubrication regulating insert further defines a lubrication outlet orifice in fluid communication with the oil return passage of the transaxle housing.

[0034] Option 6. A motor vehicle drive axle according to Option 1, wherein the lubrication adjustment insert further defines an oil collection groove configured to be aligned with the supply passage of the drive axle housing, and wherein each of the first lubrication channel and the second lubrication channel is fluidly connected to the oil collection groove.

[0035] Option 7. A motor vehicle drive axle according to Option 6, wherein the first lubrication passage is arranged at an angle relative to the second lubrication passage.

[0036] Option 8. A motor vehicle drive axle according to Option 1, wherein the lubrication adjustment insert is pressed into the oil cavity.

[0037] Option 9. A motor vehicle drive axle according to Option 1, wherein the lubrication adjustment insert is constructed of a polymer composite material or a metal material.

[0038] Embodiment 10. A motor vehicle drive axle according to embodiment 1, wherein the lubrication adjustment insert is a stamped, molded or sintered component.

[0039] Solution 11. A motor vehicle, comprising:

[0040] a power source configured to generate a drive torque;

[0041] a first wheel and a second wheel;

[0042] a drive axle operatively connected to the power source and configured to transmit the drive torque to the first and second wheels, the drive axle comprising:

[0043] A drive axle housing, the drive axle housing defining:

[0044] Differential gear set cavity;

[0045] An axial hole, the axial hole comprising a first bearing seat, a second bearing seat and an oil chamber arranged between the first bearing seat and the second bearing seat;

[0046] a supply passage configured to supply oil from the differential gear set chamber to the oil chamber; and

[0047] a return passage configured to return oil from the oil chamber to the differential gear set chamber;

[0048] a differential gear set, the differential gear set being arranged in the differential gear set cavity;

[0049] an input shaft extending through the shaft hole into the differential gear set cavity, operatively connected to the differential gear set, and configured to transmit the driving torque to the differential gear set;

[0050] a first bearing disposed within the first bearing housing and configured to support the input shaft relative to the transaxle housing;

[0051] a second bearing disposed within the second bearing seat between the first bearing and the differential gear set cavity and configured to support the input shaft relative to the transaxle housing; and

[0052] A lubrication adjustment insert is disposed inside the oil chamber and defines:

[0053] a first lubrication passage configured to guide oil from the oil supply passage to the first bearing; and

[0054] A second lubrication passage is configured to guide oil from the oil supply passage to the second bearing.

[0055] Embodiment 12. The motor vehicle of embodiment 11, wherein the lubrication adjustment insert further defines an oil dam configured to maintain a preset oil level (oil quantity) within the shaft bore at the first bearing and thereby minimize oil starvation of the first bearing.

[0056] Embodiment 13. The motor vehicle of embodiment 12, wherein the lubrication adjustment insert is shaped as a cylindrical shell arranged concentrically about a central axis.

[0057] Embodiment 14. The motor vehicle according to embodiment 13, wherein the oil dam is defined by an annular flange arranged orthogonally relative to the cylindrical shell and extending toward the central axis.

[0058] Embodiment 15. The motor vehicle of embodiment 11, wherein the lubrication regulating insert further defines a lubrication outlet orifice in fluid communication with the oil return passage of the transaxle case.

[0059] Embodiment 16. A motor vehicle according to embodiment 11, wherein the lubrication adjustment insert further defines an oil collection groove configured to be aligned with the supply passage of the drive axle case, and wherein each of the first lubrication passage and the second lubrication passage is in fluid communication with the oil collection groove.

[0060] Embodiment 17. The motor vehicle of embodiment 16, wherein the first lubrication passage is arranged at an angle relative to the second lubrication passage.

[0061] Embodiment 18. The motor vehicle of embodiment 11, wherein the lubrication adjustment insert is pressed into the oil cavity.

[0062] Embodiment 19. The motor vehicle of embodiment 11, wherein the lubrication adjustment insert is constructed of a polymer composite material or a metal material.

[0063] Embodiment 20. The motor vehicle of embodiment 11, wherein the lubrication adjustment insert is a stamped, molded or sintered component.

[0064] The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments and the best mode for carrying out the described disclosure when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0065] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a motor vehicle employing a powertrain according to the present disclosure including a power source coupled to a transmission assembly and operatively connected to a drive axle via a drive shaft.

[0066] Figure 2 According to the content of this disclosure Figure 1 A schematic close-up partial cross-sectional view of the drive axle shown in , specifically illustrating the input shaft supported by bearings within the differential housing, and the lubrication adjustment insert disposed between the bearings.

[0067] Figure 3 is a schematic close-up perspective view of an input shaft supported by bearings and a lubrication adjustment insert arranged relative thereto, with the differential housing structure removed to allow for viewing of details of the arrangement of the insert relative to the bearings.

[0068] Figure 4 is a schematic close-up perspective view of a lubrication adjustment insert disposed inside a differential housing with the input shaft and bearings removed to view details of the insert and corresponding features of the differential housing.

[0069] Figure 5 According to the content of this disclosure Figure 2-Figure 4 Schematic close-up elevation view of an embodiment of a lubrication adjustment insert shown in . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] Referring to the drawings, wherein like elements are identified with like reference numerals throughout, Figure 1 and Figure 2 A wheeled motor vehicle 10 is shown. The vehicle 10 is generally arranged along a longitudinal vehicle axis X. As shown in the figure, Figure 1 , the vehicle 10 includes a power source 12 that is configured to produce a power source drive torque T, is coupled to a transmission assembly 13, and is operably connected to a drive axle 16 via a drive shaft 14. The drive axle 16 is in turn operably connected to respective left and right side wheels 18-1, 18-2 that are configured to provide vehicle propulsion. Although a single power source 12 and a single drive axle 16 are shown, nothing prevents the vehicle 10 from employing a combination of several power sources and multiple drive axles for its propulsion. The specific wheels 18-1, 18-2 that receive the drive torque T from the power source 12 to provide power to the vehicle 10 downward along the road surface 20 can be defined as "drive" wheels.

[0071] As shown, the drive axle 16 is arranged generally transverse to the longitudinal vehicle axis X so that the drive axle rotates separate first and second axle shafts 22-1, 22-2, thereby turning the corresponding first and second drive wheels 18-1, 18-2. According to the present disclosure, the drive axle 16 includes a drive axle housing 24. The drive axle 16 also includes a differential gear set 26 having a pinion 27. Although not shown in its entirety, the differential gear set 26 is generally a reduction gear train having three shafts and having the following properties: the rotation speed of one shaft is the average of the speeds of the other shafts or a fixed multiple of the average. The differential gear set 26 is operably connected to the power source 12 via the drive shaft 14 to receive and distribute the drive torque T between the axles 22-1 and 22-2. In other words, the first axle 22-1 receives a portion of the drive torque T and transmits the torque portion to the first drive wheel 18-1, while the second axle 22-2 receives another portion of the torque T and transmits the other portion of the torque to the second drive wheel 18-2.

[0072] like Figure 2 As shown in , the drive axle housing 24 defines a differential gear set cavity 28, which also includes a main oil groove. The differential gear set 26 is arranged in the differential gear set cavity 28. The drive axle housing 24 also defines an axial bore 30, which includes a first bearing seat 32-1 and a second bearing seat 32-2, and an oil cavity 34 arranged between the first and second bearing seats. The drive axle housing 24 further defines a supply passage 36-1 (shown in Figure 2 and Figure 4 ) and a return passage 36-2 (shown in Figure 4 The input shaft 38 extends through the shaft hole 30 into the differential gear set cavity 28 and is operatively connected to the differential gear set via the pinion 27. The input shaft 38 is specifically configured to transmit the driving torque T to the differential gear set 26.

[0073] The drive axle 16 also includes a first bearing 40-1 arranged in the first bearing seat 32-1 and a second bearing 40-2 arranged in the second bearing seat 32-2. As shown, the second bearing 40-2 is arranged between the first bearing 40-1 and the differential gear set cavity 28. The first bearing 40-1 and the second bearing 40-2 can be configured as angular contact rollers or thrust bearings, and are jointly configured to support the input shaft 38 relative to the drive axle housing 24. The drive axle 16 further includes a lubrication adjustment insert 42 arranged and fixed inside the oil cavity 34. Specifically, the lubrication adjustment insert 42 can be pressed into the oil cavity 34. The lubrication adjustment insert 42 can be constructed of a moldable high temperature polymer composite material or a formable metal material. The lubrication adjustment insert 42 can be a stamped, sintered, machined or molded component.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 3 with respect to the XYZ coordinate axes, the insert 42 defines a first lubrication passage 44-1 configured to direct oil from the oil supply passage 36-1 to the first bearing 40-1. The insert 42 also defines a second lubrication passage 44-2 configured to direct oil from the oil supply passage 36-1 to the second bearing 40-2. As shown, the lubrication adjustment insert 42 may be formed as a cylindrical shell 46 that is substantially concentrically arranged around the central axis X. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the lubrication adjustment insert 42 may further define an oil dam 48. The oil dam 48 is configured to maintain a preset oil level 50 and oil volume (at Figure 2 ), and thereby minimize oil starvation of the target bearing during operation of the vehicle 10 and the drive axle 16.

[0075] Although not specifically shown, for proper engagement and operation of the drive shaft 14, the drive axle 16 can be mounted in the vehicle 10 at a predefined angle relative to the road surface 20. In such an application, the oil inside the drive axle 16 will have a general tendency to flow away from the first bearing 40-1 and in the direction of the second bearing 40-2. Therefore, the oil dam 48 can also block at least some of the oil from leaving the first bearing 40-1 and flowing down the shaft hole 30. Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown in , the oil dam 48 may be defined by an annular flange 52 disposed orthogonally relative to the cylindrical housing 46 and extending toward the central axis X, configured to maintain the first bearing 40 - 1 at least partially immersed in oil during operation of the drive axle 16 .

[0076] The lubrication regulating insert 42 may additionally define a lubrication outlet orifice 54 (shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5 ), which is in fluid communication with the oil return passage 36-2 of the drive axle housing 24. Figure 3 When viewing the lubrication adjustment insert 42 in FIG. 1 , the lubrication outlet orifice 54 may be arranged between 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock to permit a proper balance to be maintained between the amount of oil in the oil cavity 34 bounded by the insert 42 that lubricates the second bearing 40-2 and the amount of oil that is returned to the main groove. The lubrication outlet orifice 54 positioned at approximately 6 o'clock is shown in FIG. Figure 4 , while the position of the lubrication outlet port 54 between 4 and 5 o'clock is shown in Figure 5 middle.

[0077] The lubrication adjustment insert 42 may further define an oil collection groove 56. The oil collection groove 56 is arranged at approximately 12 o'clock (shown in Figure 4 ), and is configured to align with the supply passage 36-1 of the drive axle housing 24. As shown, each of the first lubrication passage 44-1 and the second lubrication passage 44-2 can be in fluid communication with the oil collection groove 56. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first lubrication passage 44-1 may be arranged at an angle θ relative to the second lubrication passage 44-2 along the same side of the lubrication adjustment insert 42 downward. Alternatively, the first lubrication passage 44-1 and the second lubrication passage 44-2 may be arranged on opposite sides of the lubrication adjustment insert 42, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 as shown in .

[0078] like Figure 4 As shown in , the drive axle housing 24 may further define a first feed passage 58-1 and a second feed passage 58-2, such as by being cast and / or machined therein. The first feed passage 58-1 is configured to transfer oil from the first lubrication passage 44-1 to the first bearing 40-1, while the second feed passage 58-2 is configured to transfer oil from the second lubrication passage 44-2 to the second bearing 40-2. Figure 2-Figure 5As can be seen in the drawings, the lubrication adjustment insert 42 may include a protrusion 60. The protrusion 60 may be configured to engage and locate in a groove (not shown) cast and / or machined in the drive axle housing 24. The protrusion 60 is intended to index the insert in the shaft bore 30 so that the sump 56 is aligned with the supply passage 36-1, the lubrication outlet orifice 54 with the return passage 36-2, and the first and second feed passages 58-1, 58-2 with the respective first and second lubrication passages 44-1, 44-2.

[0079] In general, the lubrication adjustment insert 42 is purposefully constructed and positioned in the drive axle case 24 to direct lubrication and cooling oil to the first and second bearings 40-1, 40-2. The specific shape and arrangement of the lubrication adjustment insert 42 is intended to minimize oil starvation at the first bearing 40-1 and to supply metered oil to the second bearing 40-2 during operation of the motor vehicle 10. In other words, as the drive torque T is distributed between the first axle 22-1 and the second axle 22-2 for propulsion of the motor vehicle 10, the differential oil will circulate through the first and second bearings 40-1, 40-2 to ensure proper durability and reliability of the drive axle 16.

[0080] The specific embodiments and the drawings or figures are supportive and descriptive of the present disclosure, but the scope of the present disclosure is limited only by the claims. Although some best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the claimed disclosure have been described in detail, there are various alternative designs and embodiments to practice the disclosure defined in the appended claims. In addition, the embodiments shown in the drawings or the features of the various embodiments mentioned in this specification do not have to be understood as embodiments that are independent of each other. On the contrary, it is possible that each of the features described in one example of the embodiment can be combined with one or more other desired features of other embodiments, thereby producing other embodiments that are not described in words or by reference to the drawings. Therefore, such other embodiments fall within the framework of the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A motor vehicle drive axle, comprising: A drive axle housing, the drive axle housing defining: Differential gear set cavity; An axial hole, the axial hole comprising a first bearing seat, a second bearing seat and an oil chamber arranged between the first bearing seat and the second bearing seat; a supply passage configured to supply oil from the differential gear set cavity to the oil cavity; as well as a return passage configured to return oil from the oil chamber to the differential gear set chamber; a differential gear set, the differential gear set being arranged in the differential gear set cavity; an input shaft extending through the shaft hole into the differential gear set cavity, operatively connected to the differential gear set, and configured to transmit driving torque to the differential gear set; a first bearing disposed within the first bearing housing and configured to support the input shaft relative to the transaxle housing; a second bearing disposed within the second bearing housing between the first bearing and the differential gear set cavity and configured to support the input shaft relative to the transaxle housing; as well as A lubrication adjustment insert is disposed inside the oil chamber and defines: a first lubrication passage configured to direct oil from the supply passage to the first bearing; as well as a second lubrication passage configured to direct oil from the supply passage to the second bearing, Wherein the lubrication adjustment insert additionally defines an oil dam configured to maintain a preset oil level within the shaft bore at the first bearing and thereby minimize oil starvation of the first bearing. 2 . The motor vehicle drive axle of claim 1 , wherein the lubrication adjustment insert is shaped as a cylindrical shell concentrically disposed about a central axis. 3 . The motor vehicle drive axle of claim 2 , wherein the oil dam is defined by an annular flange disposed orthogonally relative to the cylindrical shell and extending toward the central axis.

4. The motor vehicle transaxle of claim 1 wherein the lubrication regulating insert additionally defines a lubrication outlet orifice in fluid communication with the return passage of the transaxle housing.

5. The motor vehicle transaxle of claim 1 , wherein the lubrication adjustment insert further defines a sump configured to align with the supply passage of the transaxle housing, and wherein each of the first lubrication passage and the second lubrication passage are in fluid communication with the sump.

6. The motor vehicle transaxle of claim 5, wherein the first lubrication passage is disposed at an angle relative to the second lubrication passage.

7. The motor vehicle transaxle of claim 1 wherein the lubrication adjustment insert is pressed into the oil cavity.

8. The motor vehicle transaxle of claim 1, wherein the lubrication adjustment insert is constructed of a polymer composite or a metallic material.

9. The motor vehicle transaxle of claim 1 wherein the lubrication adjustment insert is a stamped, molded or sintered component.

10. A motor vehicle comprising: a power source configured to generate a drive torque; a first wheel and a second wheel; a drive axle operatively connected to the power source and configured to transmit the drive torque to the first and second wheels, the drive axle comprising: A drive axle housing, the drive axle housing defining: Differential gear set cavity; An axial hole, the axial hole comprising a first bearing seat, a second bearing seat and an oil chamber arranged between the first bearing seat and the second bearing seat; a supply passage configured to supply oil from the differential gear set chamber to the oil chamber; and a return passage configured to return oil from the oil chamber to the differential gear set chamber; a differential gear set, the differential gear set being arranged in the differential gear set cavity; an input shaft extending through the shaft hole into the differential gear set cavity, operatively connected to the differential gear set, and configured to transmit the driving torque to the differential gear set; a first bearing disposed within the first bearing housing and configured to support the input shaft relative to the transaxle housing; a second bearing disposed within the second bearing seat between the first bearing and the differential gear set cavity and configured to support the input shaft relative to the transaxle housing; and A lubrication adjustment insert is disposed inside the oil chamber and defines: a first lubrication passage configured to direct oil from the supply passage to the first bearing; and a second lubrication passage configured to direct oil from the supply passage to the second bearing, Wherein the lubrication adjustment insert additionally defines an oil dam configured to maintain a preset oil level within the shaft bore at the first bearing and thereby minimize oil starvation of the first bearing.

11. The motor vehicle of claim 10, wherein the lubrication adjustment insert is shaped as a cylindrical shell disposed concentrically about a central axis.

12. The motor vehicle of claim 11, wherein the oil dam is defined by an annular flange disposed orthogonally relative to the cylindrical shell and extending toward the central axis.

13. The motor vehicle of claim 10, wherein the lubrication regulating insert additionally defines a lubrication outlet orifice in fluid communication with the return passage of the transaxle case.

14. The motor vehicle of claim 10, wherein the lubrication adjustment insert further defines a sump configured to align with the supply passage of the transaxle case, and wherein each of the first lubrication passage and the second lubrication passage are in fluid communication with the sump.

15. The motor vehicle of claim 14, wherein the first lubrication passage is disposed at an angle relative to the second lubrication passage.

16. The motor vehicle of claim 10, wherein the lubrication adjustment insert is pressed into the oil cavity.

17. The motor vehicle of claim 10, wherein the lubrication adjustment insert is constructed of a polymer composite or a metallic material.

18. The motor vehicle of claim 10, wherein the lubrication adjustment insert is a stamped, molded, or sintered component.

19. The motor vehicle of claim 10, wherein the lubrication adjustment insert additionally defines an oil dam configured to maintain a preset amount of oil within the shaft bore at the first bearing and thereby minimize oil starvation of the first bearing.

Images