Axle assembly with drive pinion and preload nut and assembly method

Abstract

A vehicle axle assembly and an assembly method. The vehicle axle assembly may include a drive pinion and a preload nut. The drive pinion may have a recessed portion. The preload nut may have a deformable ring. The deformable ring may engage with the drive pinion inside the recessed portion to prevent the preload nut from rotating.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an axle assembly having a drive pinion and a preload nut and a method of assembly. background

[0002] US Patent No. 10,316,950 discloses an axle assembly having a drive pinion and a bearing preload element.

[0003] Overview

[0004] In at least one embodiment, an axle assembly is provided. The axle assembly may include a drive pinion and a preload nut. The drive pinion may be rotatable about an axis and may include a shaft extending from the gear. The shaft may have a threaded portion and a recessed portion disposed adjacent to the threaded portion. The preload nut may have threads that mate with the threaded portion and a deformable ring disposed adjacent to the threaded portion. The deformable ring may engage the shaft within the recessed portion to prevent the preload nut from rotating relative to the drive pinion about the axis.

[0005] In at least one embodiment, a method of assembling an axle assembly is provided. The method may include threading a preload nut onto a threaded portion of a drive pinion such that a deformable ring of the preload nut is disposed outside of and extends around at least a portion of a recess in the drive pinion. The deformable ring may deform into the recess and engage the drive pinion therein to prevent the preload nut from rotating relative to the drive pinion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example of an axle assembly.

[0007] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the axle assembly along section line 2-2.

[0008] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 FIG. 1 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 1 showing the drive pinion and the preload nut before the preload nut is secured to the drive pinion.

[0009] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of a portion of the .

[0010] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 5-5 without the bearing assembly supporting the drive pinion.

[0011] Figure 6 is an enlarged view showing the preload nut secured to the drive pinion.

[0012] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 7 - 7 and additionally illustrates the engagement features securing the preload nut to the drive pinion.

[0013] Figure 8 yes Figure 3 Exploded perspective view of the parts shown in . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to illustrate details of particular components. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

[0015] refer to Figure 1 , shows an example of an axle assembly 10. The axle assembly 10 may be provided for a motor vehicle, such as a truck, a bus, farm equipment, mining equipment, a military transport or armored vehicle, or cargo loading equipment for land, air, or marine vessels. In one or more embodiments, the motor vehicle may include a trailer for transporting cargo.

[0016] The axle assembly 10 can provide torque to one or more traction wheel assemblies, which can include tires mounted on wheels. The wheels can be mounted to hubs that can be rotatable about a wheel axis.

[0017] One or more axle assemblies may be provided with a vehicle. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As best shown, the axle assembly 10 may include a housing assembly 20, a differential assembly 22, and at least one half-shaft 24. Figure 2 As best shown, the axle assembly 10 may also include a drive pinion 26 and a preload nut 28 .

[0018] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The housing assembly 20 can receive the various components of the axle assembly 10. In addition, the housing assembly 20 can facilitate installation of the axle assembly 10 to the vehicle. For example, the housing assembly 20 can include an axle housing 30, a differential carrier 32, and optionally an electric motor housing 34 (if an electric motor is provided with the axle assembly 10).

[0019] refer to Figure 2The axle housing 30 may at least partially receive the differential assembly 22 . Optionally, the axle housing 30 may receive and support the half-shafts 24 .

[0020] A differential carrier 32 may be mounted to the axle housing 30 . The differential carrier 32 may support the differential assembly 22 .

[0021] The differential assembly 22 can be at least partially received in the housing assembly 20. The differential assembly 22 can be rotatable about a differential axis 40 and can transmit torque to the half-shafts 24 and the wheels. The differential assembly 22 can be operatively connected to the half-shafts 24 and can allow the half-shafts 24 to rotate at different rotational speeds in a manner known to those skilled in the art. The differential assembly 22 can have a ring gear 42 that can have teeth that mate or mesh with the teeth of the gear of the drive pinion 26. Accordingly, the differential assembly 22 can receive torque from the drive pinion 26 via the ring gear 42 and transmit the torque to the half-shafts 24.

[0022] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the half shaft 24 can transfer torque from the differential assembly 22 to the corresponding wheel hub and wheel. Two half shafts 24 can be provided, so that each half shaft 24 extends through a different arm portion of the axle housing 30. The half shafts 24 or a portion thereof can extend along an axis (such as the differential axis 40) and can be rotatable about the axis. Each half shaft 24 can have a first end and a second end. The first end can be operatively connected to the differential assembly 22. The second end can be arranged opposite to the first end and can be operatively connected to the wheel. Optionally, a gear reduction can be provided between the half shaft 24 and the wheel.

[0023] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 8 , the drive pinion 26 can transmit torque between the power source or torque source and the differential assembly 22 via the ring gear 42. The power source can be of any suitable type. For example, the power source can be an electric power source or a non-electric power source. An example of an electric power source is an electric machine, such as an electric motor. An example of a non-electric power source is an internal combustion engine. Figure 2In the illustrated configuration, the power source is configured as an electric motor provided for the axle assembly 10; however, it is contemplated that a power source (whether electric or non-electric) may not be provided to the axle assembly 10. For example, the power source may be located remote from the axle assembly 10 and may be operatively connected to the axle assembly 10 via a connecting rod (e.g., a shaft). The power source configured as an electric motor may include a stator 50 and a rotor 52. In the illustrated configuration, the stator 50 is received inside the housing assembly 20, and the rotor 52 is received inside the stator 50. The rotor 52 may extend about an axis and may be rotatable relative to the stator 50 about the axis. The rotor 52 may be operatively connected to the drive pinion 26 in any suitable manner, such as via a transmission or gear reduction module 60.

[0024] refer to Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 8 , the drive pinion 26 can be rotatable about an axis 70, which can also be referred to as a drive pinion axis. The axis 70 can be arranged substantially perpendicular to the differential axis 40. In configurations where the axle assembly 10 includes an electric motor, the axis 70 can be the same as the axis about which the rotor 52 can rotate, or can be different from the axis about which the rotor 52 can rotate.

[0025] The drive pinion 26 can extend along or about the axis 70. In at least one configuration, the drive pinion 26 can include a gear 80 and a shaft 82.

[0026] A gear 80 may be disposed at or near an end of the shaft 82. The gear 80 may have a plurality of teeth that may mate with corresponding teeth on the ring gear 42. The gear 80 may be integrally formed with the shaft 82 or may be provided as a separate component that may be fixedly disposed on the shaft 82.

[0027] The shaft 82 may extend from the gear 80. For example, the shaft 82 may extend from the gear 80 in a direction extending away from the differential assembly 22. Figure 3 and Figure 8 In at least one configuration best shown, shaft 82 can include a first outer surface 90, a second outer surface 92, a third outer surface 94, a threaded portion 96, a recessed outer surface 98, one or more recesses 100, and splines 102. As discussed below, some of these features are optional.

[0028] The first outer surface 90 can extend from the gear 80 and can be an outer circumference of a portion of the shaft 82. A first drive pinion bearing 110 can be disposed on the first outer surface 90 and can rotatably support the drive pinion 26. The first drive pinion bearing 110 can have any suitable configuration. For example, the first drive pinion bearing 110 can be configured as a roller bearing assembly that can include a plurality of rolling elements 112, which can be disposed between an inner race 114 and an outer race 116. The inner race 114 can extend around the first outer surface 90 and can be disposed on the first outer surface. The outer race 116 can extend around the rolling elements 112 and can be disposed on a support member (such as the differential carrier 32).

[0029] The second outer surface 92, if provided, can be located along the axis 70 or axially between the first outer surface 90 and the third outer surface 94. The second outer surface 92 can be an outer circumference of a portion of the shaft 82 and can have a smaller diameter than the first outer surface 90. One or more spacers 120 can be disposed on the second outer surface 92. The spacers 120 can be configured as rings that can surround the shaft 82 and can be axially positioned between the inner races 114, 114' of the drive pinion bearings 110, 110' to prevent the inner races 114, 114' from moving axially toward each other.

[0030] The third outer surface 94 (if provided) can be axially positioned between the second outer surface 92 and the threaded portion 96. The third outer surface 94 can be the outer circumference of a portion of the shaft 82 and can have a smaller diameter than the second outer surface 92. The second drive pinion bearing 110' can be arranged on the third outer surface 94 and can rotatably support the drive pinion 26. The second drive pinion bearing 110' can have any suitable configuration. For example, the second drive pinion bearing 110' can be configured as a roller bearing assembly that can include a plurality of rolling elements 112', which can be arranged between an inner race 114' and an outer race 116'. The inner race 114' can extend around the third outer surface 94 and can be arranged on the third outer surface. The outer race 116' can extend around the rolling elements 112' and can be arranged on a support component (such as the differential carrier 32). In at least one configuration, the inner race 114' of the second drive pinion bearing 110' can have a smaller inner diameter than the inner race 114 of the first drive pinion bearing 110, the outer race 116' of the second drive pinion bearing 110' can have a smaller outer diameter than the outer race 116 of the first drive pinion bearing 110, or both.

[0031] It should be noted that the second outer surface 92, the third outer surface 94, or both may be omitted. For example, the axial length of the first outer surface 90 may be increased, and the second drive pinion bearing 110', the spacer 120, or both may be disposed on the first outer surface 90.

[0032] refer to Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 8 , the threaded portion 96 can be axially positioned between the third outer surface 94 and the splines 102. The threaded portion 96 can facilitate installation of the preload nut 28. For example, the threaded portion 96 can include threads that can mate or engage with corresponding threads on the preload nut 28. In at least one configuration, the threaded portion 96 can have an outer diameter that can be smaller than a diameter of the first outer surface 90, the second outer surface 92, the third outer surface 94, or a combination thereof.

[0033] The recessed portion outer surface 98 may be positioned axially between the gear 80 and a distal end of the shaft 82 that may be disposed opposite the gear 80. For example, the recessed portion outer surface 98 may be positioned axially between the threaded portion 96 and the splines 102 and may extend between the threaded portion 96 and the splines 102. The recessed portion outer surface 98 may be an outer circumference of a portion of the shaft 82 and may have a smaller diameter than the first outer surface 90, the second outer surface 92, the third outer surface 94, the threaded portion 96, or a combination thereof.

[0034] One or more recesses 100 may be provided with the recessed outer surface 98. In the illustrated configuration, two recesses 100 are shown; however, it is contemplated that a greater or lesser number of recesses 100 may be provided. The recess 100 may be disposed adjacent the threaded portion 96 and may be axially positioned further away from the gear 80 than the threaded portion 96 is positioned further away from the gear 80. For example, the recess 100 may be axially positioned between the threaded portion 96 and the spline 102. In at least one configuration, as Figure 4 As best shown, the recess 100 may extend past the end of the preload nut 28 , in which case the recess 100 may be disposed closer to the splines 102 than the preload nut 28 is disposed closer to the splines 102 .

[0035] The recess 100 can extend from the recess outer surface 98 toward the axis 70 and can have any suitable configuration. For example, the recess 100 can be configured as a blind hole or a through hole. In addition, the recess 100 can have any suitable shape. In the configuration shown, each recess 100 is depicted as an elongated slot having a generally elliptical configuration in which the length of the recess 100 in the axial direction is greater than its width in the circumferential direction. For example, the axial length of the recess 100 can be at least twice its width. It is also contemplated that the recess 100 can be provided with other shapes and can also have an axial length that is less than its width. For example, the recess 100 can be configured as a groove that can extend continuously around the axis 70. In at least one configuration, the recess 100 can be at least partially defined by a recess bottom surface 130, a first lateral side 132, and a second lateral side 134, the recess bottom surface, the first lateral side, and the second lateral side being referenced. Figure 4 and Figure 5 is best shown.

[0036] The recess bottom surface 130 may be disposed at the bottom of the recess 100. As such, the recess bottom surface 130 may be disposed closer to the axis 70 than the recess outer surface 98.

[0037] The first lateral side 132 can extend between the recess outer surface 98 and the recess bottom surface 130. For example, the first lateral side 132 can extend from the recess outer surface 98 to a first end or first edge of the recess bottom surface 130.

[0038] The second lateral side 134 can be disposed opposite the first lateral side 132. The second lateral side 134 can extend between the recess outer surface 98 and the recess bottom surface 130. For example, the second lateral side 134 can extend from the recess outer surface 98 to a second end or second edge of the recess bottom surface 130.

[0039] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 8 , a spline 102 (if provided) can be disposed between the threaded portion 96 and the distal end of the shaft 82. The spline 102 can include a plurality of teeth. In at least one configuration, the teeth of the spline 102 can be arranged substantially parallel to the axis 70 and can mate with corresponding splines of another component, such as a coupling or shift collar that can operatively connect the drive pinion 26 to a power source. The spline 102 can have an outer diameter that can be larger than the diameter of the recessed portion outer surface 98. It is also contemplated that the spline 102 can be omitted and the drive pinion 26 can be coupled to another component in a different manner, such as using fasteners, and that the recessed portion outer surface 98 can be disposed adjacent the end of the shaft 82 or can extend away from the end of the shaft.

[0040] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 8 , the preload nut 28 can be mounted to the drive pinion 26. In at least one configuration, the preload nut 28 can include a first end 140, a second end 142, a hole 144, threads 146, and a deformable ring 148. The preload nut 28 can optionally include a flange 150, a tool engagement portion 152, a transition region 154, or combinations thereof.

[0041] When the preload nut 28 is installed on the drive pinion 26 , the first end 140 may face away from the gear 80 , the first drive pinion bearing 110 , and the second drive pinion bearing 110 ′.

[0042] The second end 142 can be disposed opposite the first end 140. When the preload nut 28 is installed on the drive pinion 26, the second end 142 can face the gear 80, the first drive pinion bearing 110, and the second drive pinion bearing 110'. For example, the second end 142 can face the washer 160 and can engage or contact the washer, which can be axially positioned between the second drive pinion bearing 110' and the preload nut 28.

[0043] The bore 144 may be a through-hole that may extend from the first end 140 to the second end 142. The shaft 82 of the drive pinion 26 may be received in the bore 144 and may extend therethrough.

[0044] Threads 146 may be disposed in the bore 144. The threads 146 may cooperate with the threaded portion 96 of the drive pinion 26 to help secure the preload nut 28 to the drive pinion 26. In at least one configuration, the threads 146 may extend generally from the first end 140 toward the second end 142. The threads 146 may not be provided with a deformable ring 148.

[0045] The deformable ring 148 can extend from the first end 140 toward the second end 142. For example, the deformable ring 148 can extend from the first end 140 to the threads 146. As such, the deformable ring 148 can be disposed adjacent to the threads 146, the threaded portion 96, or both. In at least one configuration, the deformable ring 148 can extend continuously about the axis 70; however, it is contemplated that the deformable ring 148 can be discontinuous. The deformable ring 148 can be deformable to engage the shaft 82 inside the recess 100 to prevent the preload nut 28 from rotating about the axis 70 relative to the drive pinion 26, as will be discussed in greater detail below. The deformable ring 148 can be at least partially defined by an inner side 170 and an outer side 172.

[0046] The inner side 170 can face the shaft 82 of the drive pinion 26. For example, the inner side 170 can face the recessed portion outer surface 98. At least a portion of the inner side 170 can face the recessed portion 100 and can overlap the recessed portion. The inner side 170 can be spaced apart from the recessed portion outer surface 98 before deformation or before engagement with the drive pinion 26, as will be discussed in more detail below.

[0047] The outer side 172 can be disposed opposite the inner side 170. In at least one configuration, the wall thickness of the deformable ring 148 in the radial direction from the inner side 170 to the outer side 172 can be less than the wall thickness of the flange 150, the tool engagement portion 152, the transition region 154, or a combination thereof.

[0048] The flange 150 can be disposed at the second end 142 and can extend from the second end 142 of the preload nut 28. As such, the flange 150 can engage or contact the washer 160 or the inner race 114' of the second drive pinion bearing 110' (if the washer 160 is omitted). The flange 150 can extend further from the axis 70 than the tool engaging portion 152 or can have a larger diameter than the tool engaging portion.

[0049] The tool engagement portion 152 can be positioned axially between the flange 150 and the deformable ring 148. For example, the tool engagement portion 152 can extend from the flange 150 to the transition region 154. In at least one configuration, the tool engagement portion 152 can include a plurality of flat, intersecting surfaces that can be grasped by a tool (such as a wrench or socket) to facilitate tightening or loosening the preload nut 28. In at least one configuration, the tool engagement portion 152 can extend further from the axis 70 than the deformable ring 148 and the transition region 154.

[0050] The transition region 154 can extend axially between the tool engagement portion 152 and the deformable ring 148. In at least one configuration, the transition region 154 can be tapered such that a diameter of the transition region 154 gradually decreases in an axial direction extending from the tool engagement portion 152 to the deformable ring 148. As such, the transition region 154 can extend further from the axis 70 than the deformable ring 148.

[0051] refer to Figures 2 to 7 , an assembly method will now be discussed.

[0052] First, the drive pinion 26, the first drive pinion bearing 110, the second drive pinion bearing 110' and the spacer 120 can be assembled, which can obtain the positioning of these components, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3. These components may be assembled in any suitable order. For example, the first drive pinion bearing 110, the second drive pinion bearing 110′, or both may be mounted on a support member (such as the differential carrier 32) before the drive pinion 26 is inserted into the drive pinion bearing. Alternatively, the first drive pinion bearing 110, the second drive pinion bearing 110′, the spacer 120, or a combination thereof may be mounted on the shaft 82 of the drive pinion 26 before they are mounted to the support member. As a non-limiting example, the first drive pinion bearing 110 can be mounted to the differential carrier 32, the shaft 82 of the drive pinion 26 can be inserted through the hole into the inner race 114 of the first drive pinion bearing 110, the spacer 120 can be slid onto the shaft 82, and then the second drive pinion bearing 110' can be slid onto the shaft 82 and slid into engagement with the differential carrier 32 so that the spacer 120 can be axially positioned between the inner race 114 of the first drive pinion bearing 110 and the inner race 114' of the second drive pinion bearing 110'.

[0053] Next, the washer 160 may be slid onto the shaft 82 and into engagement with the second drive pinion bearing 110 ′.

[0054] Next, the preload nut 28 can be installed on the shaft 82. The preload nut 28 can be installed by engaging or mating the threads 146 of the preload nut 28 with the threaded portion 96 of the drive pinion 26 and rotating the preload nut 28 about the axis 70 in a first rotational direction. The preload nut 28 can be rotated to advance the preload nut 28 in an axial direction toward the gear 80 and can be rotated and tightened until the preload nut 28 applies the desired preload force to the first drive pinion bearing 110, the second drive pinion bearing 110', or both. At this point, the positioning of the preload nut 28 can be similar to Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the deformable ring 148 of the preload nut 28 extends around at least a portion of the recess 100 , is disposed outside of the recess 100 and is spaced apart from the drive pinion 26 .

[0055] Next, the deformable ring 148 can be deformed into the recess 100 and engage the drive pinion 26 to prevent the preload nut 28 from rotating relative to the drive pinion 26. Figure 6 and Figure 7 For example, a Figure 7The tool of one or more engagement features 180 shown can engage the outer side 172 of the deformable ring 148. The engagement features 180 can be actuated to apply a compressive force to the outer side 172 of the deformable ring 148, which can be sufficient to compress at least a portion of the deformable ring 148 and force at least a portion of the deformable ring into the recess 100. The engagement features 180 can have any suitable configuration. For example, the engagement features 180 can be configured as a punch or a crimp head and can optionally have a tip that is slightly smaller in size than the recess 100. Figure 7 In the illustrated configuration, two engagement features 180 are shown that are disposed diametrically opposite one another and that align with corresponding recesses 100 in the drive pinion 26. These engagement features 180 can be actuated simultaneously to compress the deformable ring 148 into each recess 100.

[0056] refer to Figure 6 , after the deformable ring 148 is deformed, a portion of the first end 140 of the preload nut 28 can be received in the recess 100. Alternatively, if the deformable ring 148 has sufficient axial length to extend past the end of the recess 100 disposed closest to the splines 102, the first end 140 of the preload nut 28 may not be received in the recess 100. In this configuration, a portion of the deformable ring 148 disposed between the first end 140 and the threads 146 can be deformed into the recess 100 by the engagement feature 180.

[0057] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the deformable ring 148, after being deformed, can engage or contact various surfaces that can define the recess 100. For example, the deformable ring 148 can engage or contact the recess bottom surface 130, the first lateral side 132, the second lateral side 134, or a combination thereof. The deformable ring 148 does not necessarily engage the recess bottom surface 130, both lateral sides, or both lateral sides. Figure 6 The angle shown is for viewing the axial ends or left and right ends of the recess 100. However, engaging the deformable ring 148 with the first and second lateral sides 132, 134 can prevent the preload nut 28 from rotating about the axis 70 relative to the drive pinion 26 in the first and second rotational directions, and thus prevent tightening and loosening of the preload nut 28.

[0058] refer to Figure 7In a configuration having multiple recesses 100, after the deformable ring 148 has been compressed or deformed, the inner side 170 of the deformable ring 148 can be at least partially spaced apart from the recess outer surface 98 of the shaft 82. For example, the inner side 170 can be at least partially spaced apart from the recess outer surface 98 between adjacent recesses 100 (e.g., to the left and right of the recess 100 as viewed from the perspective shown). It is also contemplated that once the deformable ring 148 has been compressed or deformed, the inner side 170 can continuously engage the recess outer surface 98 about the axis 70.

[0059] After the deformable ring 148 has been deformed into the recess 100 , the engagement feature 180 may be disengaged from or retracted away from the deformable ring 148 .

[0060] A vehicle axle assembly having a drive pinion and a preload nut as described above can allow the preload nut to be installed and tightened to prevent or inhibit the preload nut from rotating relative to the drive pinion, which can allow the bearing preload force to be set and maintained. Maintaining the desired preload force can prevent the bearing assembly from slipping, reduce bearing friction and heat generation, and help improve bearing life, thereby reducing maintenance costs. In addition, the preload nut can be installed without the use of additional locking devices or components (for example, mechanical locking devices such as nylon nuts, split washers, or adhesives such as thread locking fluids), which can help reduce costs and assembly time. In addition, in the event that the preload nut is subsequently removed from the drive pinion, the deformable portion of the preload nut can be mechanically separated or disengaged from the drive pinion. For example, the deformable portion of the preload nut received in the recess can be pushed out of the recess or separated from the preload nut to allow the preload nut to be easily unscrewed from the drive pinion without damaging the threads of the drive pinion. This can allow the drive pinion to be removed from the vehicle axle assembly and subsequently reused, thereby reducing costs.

[0061] While exemplary embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are not intended to describe all possible forms of the present invention. Rather, the terms used in this specification are illustrative rather than restrictive, and it should be understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the features of various implemented embodiments may be combined to form additional embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A vehicle axle assembly, comprising: A drive pinion gear, the drive pinion gear being rotatable about an axis, the drive pinion gear comprising: gear; and a shaft extending from the gear, the shaft having a threaded portion and a recessed portion disposed adjacent the threaded portion; and A preload nut having threads that cooperate with the threaded portion and a deformable ring disposed adjacent to the threaded portion, wherein the deformable ring engages the shaft inside the recess to prevent the preload nut from rotating about the axis relative to the drive pinion, wherein the shaft includes a spline and the recess is axially positioned between the threaded portion and the spline, and the recess is spaced apart from the threaded portion and the spline so that the recess does not extend from the spline.

2. The axle assembly of claim 1, wherein: The recessed portion is located axially further away from the gear than the threaded portion located away from the gear.

3. The axle assembly of claim 1, wherein: The spline is arranged closer to the recess than to the preload nut.

4. The axle assembly of claim 1, wherein: The shaft has a recessed portion outer surface extending between the threaded portion and the spline, wherein the recess extends from the recessed portion outer surface toward the axis.

5. The axle assembly of claim 4, wherein: The recess is at least partially defined by a recess bottom surface and a first lateral side extending between the recess outer surface and the recess bottom surface, wherein the deformable ring engages the first lateral side.

6. The axle assembly of claim 5, wherein: The recess is at least partially defined by a second lateral side disposed opposite the first lateral side and extending between the recess outer surface and the recess bottom surface, wherein the deformable ring engages the second lateral side.

7. The axle assembly of claim 4, wherein: The spline has an outer diameter that is larger than a diameter of an outer surface of the recess, which has a smaller diameter than the threaded portion.

8. The axle assembly of claim 1, wherein: The preload nut has a first end, the deformable ring extends from the first end, and a portion of the first end is received in the recess.

9. The axle assembly of claim 1, wherein: The deformable ring extends continuously around the axis.

10. The axle assembly of claim 1, wherein: The shaft has a recessed outer surface, the recess extends from the recessed outer surface, and the deformable ring has an inner side facing the recessed outer surface, wherein at least a portion of the inner side is spaced apart from the recessed outer surface.

11. The axle assembly of claim 1, wherein: The shaft has a second recessed portion spaced apart from the recessed portion, and an outer surface of the recessed portion, the recessed portion and the second recessed portion extending from the outer surface of the recessed portion toward the axis, and the deformable ring has an inner side facing the outer surface of the recessed portion, wherein the inner side is at least partially spaced apart from the outer surface of the recessed portion between the recessed portion and the second recessed portion.

12. The axle assembly of claim 1, wherein: The deformable ring extends from a first end of the preload nut, a flange is disposed at a second end of the preload nut, and a tool engaging portion is axially positioned between the flange and the deformable ring, wherein the flange extends further from the axis than the tool engaging portion, and the tool engaging portion extends further from the axis than the deformable ring.

13. The axle assembly of claim 12, wherein: The preload nut has a transition region extending axially between the tool engagement portion and the deformable ring, wherein the tool engagement portion extends further from the axis than the transition region, and the transition region extends further from the axis than the deformable ring.

14. A method of assembling an axle assembly, the method comprising: threading a preload nut onto a threaded portion of the drive pinion such that a deformable ring of the preload nut is disposed outside of and extends around at least a portion of a recess in the drive pinion; as well as The deformable ring is deformed into the recess and engaged with the drive pinion in the recess to prevent the preload nut from rotating relative to the drive pinion, wherein the drive pinion includes a shaft, the shaft includes a spline, and the recess is axially positioned between the threaded portion and the spline, and the recess is spaced apart from the threaded portion and the spline so that the recess does not extend from the spline.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein: Threading the preload nut onto the threaded portion of the drive pinion includes tightening the preload nut to apply a preload force on a roller bearing assembly that rotatably supports the drive pinion; The deformable ring is deformed to tighten the preload nut to maintain the preload force.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein: The deformable ring is spaced apart from the driving pinion before deformation, and contacts the driving pinion in the recess after deformation.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein: The recess is at least partially defined by a bottom surface of the recess, a first lateral side extending from the bottom surface of the recess, and a second lateral side arranged opposite to the first lateral side and extending from the bottom surface of the recess, and the deformable ring is deformed so that the deformable ring engages against the first lateral side and the second lateral side.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein: The deformable ring is deformed by a first engagement feature which compresses the deformable ring into the recess.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein: The deformable ring is deformed by a second engagement feature that compresses the deformable ring into the second recess of the drive pinion at the same time as the first engagement feature compresses the deformable ring into the recess.

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