Wheel end assembly and method of servicing

Abstract

A wheel end assembly and a method of servicing are disclosed. The wheel end assembly can include a wheel hub, a mounting ring, and a brake rotor. The mounting ring can be removably coupled to the wheel hub with a first set of fasteners. The brake rotor can be removably mounted to the mounting ring with a second set of fasteners.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a wheel end assembly and a method of servicing a wheel end assembly. BACKGROUND

[0002] A two-piece wheel hub is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,281,769.

[0003] SUMMARY

[0004] In at least one embodiment, a wheel end assembly is provided. The wheel end assembly can include a wheel hub, a mounting ring, and a brake rotor. The wheel hub can be rotatable about an axis. The mounting ring can extend around the wheel hub and can be removably coupled to the wheel hub with a first set of fasteners. The brake rotor can encircle the wheel hub and can be removably mounted to the mounting ring with a second set of fasteners.

[0005] In at least one embodiment, a method of servicing a wheel end assembly is provided. The method can include removing a first set of fasteners to separate a mounting ring encircling a wheel hub from the wheel hub. The wheel hub can be rotatable about an axis and can have an outboard end and an inboard end. A second set of fasteners can be removed to separate a brake rotor from the mounting ring. The mounting ring and the brake rotor can be removed from the wheel hub by moving the mounting ring and the brake rotor in an axial direction toward the outboard end of the wheel hub. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

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

[0007] Figure 2 is Figure 1 is an exploded view of a portion of the wheel end assembly shown.

[0008] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the wheel end assembly along section line 3-3 with the addition of a wheel and components that support the wheel end assembly.

[0009] Figure 4 is an end view of the portion of the wheel end assembly shown. Figure 2 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] ​Detailed embodiments of the application are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the application which can be embodied in various and alternative forms. The Figures are not necessarily to scale; some features can be exaggerated or minimised for clarity. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the application in virtually any similarly purposed applications.

[0011] Referring to Figure 1 , an example of a wheel end assembly 10 is shown. The wheel end assembly 10 can be provided for a vehicle, such as a truck, bus, farm equipment, military transport or military vehicle, or for cargo loading equipment of a land, air or marine vessel or a trailer that can be provided for a vehicle.

[0012] Referring to Figure 3 , the wheel end assembly 10 can facilitate mounting and rotation of a wheel 12 on which a tire can be mounted. For clarity, Figure 3 only a portion of the wheel 12 is shown. The wheel end assembly 10 can be associated with a driven wheel or a non-driven wheel. A driven wheel can receive torque from a torque source, such as an internal combustion engine or an electric motor. For example, a shaft, such as a half shaft, can transmit torque from the torque source to the wheel end assembly 10 to rotate the wheel 12. A non-driven wheel can not receive torque from a torque source. In such a configuration, a half shaft can not be provided.

[0013] Referring to Figures 1 to 3 , the wheel end assembly 10 can include a wheel hub 20, a brake rotor 22 and a mounting ring 24. The wheel hub 20, the brake rotor 22 and the mounting ring 24 are separate components.

[0014] The wheel hub 20 can be rotatable about an axis 30. As Figure 3 best shown, the wheel hub 20 can be rotatable about the axis 30 relative to a spindle 32. The spindle 32 can be provided with or can be mounted to a structural component 34, such as an axle assembly, steerable knuckle, unsteerable knuckle, etc. In at least one configuration, the wheel hub 20 can be rotatably supported by one or more wheel bearings 36 that can be provided on the spindle 32. In the illustrated configuration, the wheel bearings 36 can encircle the spindle 32 and can be positioned axially between a hub cover 38 and a hub seal. In at least one configuration, the wheel hub 20 can include an outboard end 40, an inboard end 42, a hub cavity 44, a mounting portion 46 and a plurality of bosses 48.

[0015] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3The outboard end 40 can face away from the structural component 34. The outboard end 40 can face toward and can be engaged with the hub cover 38. Alternatively, another component, such as a half shaft flange, can engage the outboard end 40. The bosses 48 can extend from the outboard end 40 in a direction extending toward the mounting portion 46.

[0016] The inboard end 42 can be disposed opposite the outboard end 40. The inboard end 42 can face toward and can be engaged with the structural component 34.

[0017] The hub cavity 44 can extend about the axis 30. The hub cavity 44 can receive various components that can be associated with the wheel end assembly 10, such as a spindle 32, a wheel bearing 36, a seal, and the like.

[0018] The mounting portion 46 can facilitate mounting of the mounting ring 24. The mounting portion 46 can be disposed opposite the hub cavity 44 and can extend at least partially about the axis 30. For example, the mounting portion 46 can project away from the axis 30 and can include a plurality of fastener holes 50 and a plurality of mounting bosses 52, as Figure 2 best shown.

[0019] The fastener holes 50 can be arranged about the axis 30 and can extend parallel or substantially parallel to the axis 30. Each fastener hole 50 can receive a fastener that can attach the mounting ring 24 to the hub 20, as will be discussed in greater detail below.

[0020] The plurality of mounting bosses 52 can be provided with the mounting portion 46. The mounting bosses 52 can be arranged about the axis 30 and can be configured as protrusions that can be spaced apart from one another such that a gap 54 can be provided between adjacent mounting bosses 52. It is also contemplated that the gap can be omitted, in which case the mounting portion 46 can be considered a single, unitary mounting boss. In at least one configuration, each mounting boss 52 can be provided with a fastener hole 50. The mounting bosses 52 can help orient and / or support the brake rotor 22. For example, the mounting bosses 52 or both can define an outer circumferential surface 56 that can be disposed at a substantially constant radial distance from the axis 30 and can be configured to receive and can be engaged with the brake rotor 22 on the inside.

[0021] Referring to Figure 2 The plurality of bosses 48 can be disposed between the outboard end 40 and the mounting portion 46. The bosses 48 can be arranged about the axis 30 and can be configured as protrusions that can be spaced apart from one another such that a gap can be provided between adjacent bosses 48.

[0022] Referring to Figures 1 to 3The brake rotor 22 can be associated with a disc brake and can have a friction surface that can contribute to braking of the wheel 12. The brake rotor 22 can be removably mounted to the mounting ring 24. As such, when the mounting ring 24 and the brake rotor 22 are coupled to the wheel hub 20, the brake rotor 22 can rotate with the wheel hub 20 and the mounting ring 24 about the axis 30. Moreover, the brake rotor 22 can not be directly fastened to the wheel hub 20. As such, the brake rotor 22 can be removable from the wheel hub 20 and the mounting ring 24. In at least one configuration and as referenced herein, the brake rotor 22 can be a single-piece component. Figure 3 As best shown, the brake rotor 22 and the wheel 12 can be disposed on opposite sides of the mounting ring 24 and can encircle or at least partially encircle the wheel hub 20. In at least one configuration and as referenced herein, the brake rotor 22 can be a single-piece component. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As best shown, the brake rotor 22 can include a first panel 60, a second panel 62, a set of vanes 64, a mounting portion 66, or a combination thereof.

[0023] The first panel 60 can be configured as a ring that can extend about the axis 30. In at least one configuration, the first panel 60 can have a first friction surface 70 and a first inner surface 72.

[0024] The first friction surface 70 can be engaged by a friction material of a first brake pad to slow rotation of the brake rotor 22 and the wheel 12 about the axis 30. The first friction surface 70 can be substantially flat. Moreover, the first friction surface 70 can be disposed substantially perpendicular to the axis 30. The term “substantially perpendicular” is used to indicate a characteristic or axis that is the same as perpendicular or very nearly perpendicular, and includes characteristics that are within ±2° of being perpendicular to each other.

[0025] The first inner surface 72 can be disposed opposite the first friction surface 70. The first inner surface 72 can face the second panel 62 and can be spaced apart from the second panel 62. The first inner surface 72 can be disposed substantially parallel to the first friction surface 70. The term “substantially parallel” means a characteristic or axis that is the same as parallel or very nearly parallel, and includes characteristics that are within ±2° of being parallel to each other.

[0026] The second panel 62 can be spaced apart from the first panel 60. The first panel 60 and the second panel 62 can have substantially similar configurations. For example, the first panel 60 and the second panel 62 can have mirror symmetry with respect to a central plane that can be disposed perpendicular to the axis 30 and can be disposed between the first panel 60 and the second panel 62. As such, the second panel 62 can be configured as a ring that can extend about the axis 30 and can have a second friction surface 80 and a second inner surface 82.

[0027] The second friction surface 80 can be engaged by the friction material of the second brake pad to slow rotation of the brake rotor 22 and the wheel 12 about the axis 30. The second friction surface 80 can face away from the first friction surface 70 and can be substantially flat. Further, the second friction surface 80 can be disposed substantially perpendicular to the axis 30 and can be disposed substantially parallel to the first friction surface 70.

[0028] The second inner surface 82 can be disposed opposite the second friction surface 80. The second inner surface 82 can face the first inner surface 72 of the first panel 60 and can be spaced apart from the first panel 60. The second inner surface 82 can be disposed substantially parallel to the second friction surface 80.

[0029] The set of vanes 64 can extend from the first panel 60 to the second panel 62. More specifically, the vanes 64 can extend from the first inner surface 72 of the first panel 60 to the second inner surface 82 of the second panel 62. The vanes 64 can be arranged in a repeating pattern about the axis 30 and can be spaced apart from one another. As such, the vanes 64 can interconnect the first panel 60 and the second panel 62 while providing an air gap between the first panel 60 and the second panel 62 that can facilitate cooling of the brake rotor 22.

[0030] Referring primarily to Figure 2 The mounting portion 66 can at least partially encircle the wheel hub 20. Further, the mounting portion 66 can extend or extend to the mounting ring 24 in the axial direction from the first panel 60. In at least one configuration, the mounting portion 66 can at least partially define an inner side 90 and can include one or more fastener holes 92.

[0031] The inner side 90 can face and can extend about the axis 30. Further, the inner side 90 can face and can engage the mounting portion 46 of the wheel hub 20. For example, the inner side 90 can face and can engage one or more outer circumferential surfaces 56 of the mounting boss 52. The inner side 90 can define an inner diameter of the brake rotor 22 and a brake rotor opening 94 through which the wheel hub 20 can extend. The inner diameter of the mounting portion 66 can be disposed further from the axis 30 than at least a portion of the wheel hub 20 that extends axially from the brake rotor 22 to the outboard end 40 to allow the brake rotor 22 to be slid onto the wheel hub 20 to facilitate installation of the brake rotor 22 or slid off of the wheel hub 20 to facilitate removal of the brake rotor 22. In one or more configurations, the inner side 90 can be disposed further from the axis 30 than the entirety of the wheel hub 20 (e.g., the wheel hub 20 can be disposed closer to the axis 30 from the outboard end 40 to the inboard end 42 than the inner side 90 of the brake rotor 22 is disposed to the axis 30).

[0032] Fastener holes 92 can facilitate coupling of brake rotor 22 to mounting ring 24, as will be discussed in greater detail below. Fastener holes 92 can have any suitable configuration. For example, fastener holes 92 can be configured as through holes or blind holes. Further, fastener holes 92 can be threaded or unthreaded.

[0033] Referring primarily to Figures 2 to 4 , mounting ring 24 can facilitate mounting of brake rotor 22 to wheel hub 20. For example, mounting ring 24 can be removably coupled to wheel hub 20 with a first set of fasteners 100 and can be removably coupled to brake rotor 22 with a second set of fasteners 102. Mounting ring 24 can extend at least partially around wheel hub 20. For example, mounting ring 24 can encircle wheel hub 20 and axis 30. In at least one configuration and as referenced to Figure 2 Best shown, mounting ring 24 can include a first side 110, a second side 112, and a mounting ring opening 114. Mounting ring 24 can also include a set of mounting flanges 116, a set of brake rotor fastener holes 118, a set of lug bolt holes 120, one or more rotational alignment features 122, one or more guide features 124, or combinations thereof.

[0034] Referring primarily to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , first side 110 can face wheel 12 and can face away from brake rotor 22. Wheel 12 can be engageable with first side 110.

[0035] Second side 112 can be disposed opposite first side 110. As such, second side 112 can face away from wheel 12 and toward brake rotor 22. Brake rotor 22 can be engageable with second side 112.

[0036] Referring primarily to Figure 2 and Figure 4 , mounting ring opening 114 can receive wheel hub 20. Mounting ring opening 114 can extend around axis 30 and can be a through hole that can extend through mounting ring 24. Mounting ring opening 114 can have a greater diameter or can be disposed further from axis 30 than wheel hub 20. Wheel hub 20 can extend through mounting ring opening 114.

[0037] The set of mounting flanges 116 can be disposed in the mounting ring opening 114. Each mounting flange 116 can face and can extend toward the axis 30. In the illustrated configuration, six mounting flanges 116 are shown; however, it is contemplated that a greater or lesser number of mounting flanges 116 can be provided. The mounting flanges 116 are depicted as being spaced apart from one another such that the mounting flanges 116 can align with the corresponding gaps 54 between adjacent mounting bosses 52 of the wheel hub 20; however, it is contemplated that the mounting flanges 116 can have any suitable configuration that is compatible with the arrangement of the mounting portion 46 or the mounting bosses 52. For example, one or more of the mounting flanges 116 can be continuous such that no gap is provided therebetween. In at least one configuration and as shown in FIG. 1, the mounting flanges 116 can be spaced apart from one another by a distance that is less than the distance between the mounting bosses 52 of the wheel hub 20. In at least one configuration and as shown in FIG. 1, the mounting flanges 116 can be spaced apart from one another by a distance that is greater than the distance between the mounting bosses 52 of the wheel hub 20. Figure 2 As best shown, the mounting flanges 116 can define mounting flange holes 130 that can receive members of the first set of fasteners 100.

[0038] The mounting flange holes 130 can be through holes that can align with the corresponding fastener holes 50 of the wheel hub 20. In at least one configuration, the mounting flange holes 130 can be spaced apart from one another and can be disposed at a substantially constant radial distance from the axis 30. The members of the first set of fasteners 100 can extend through the mounting flange holes 130 and into the corresponding fastener holes 50 of the wheel hub 20 to attach or couple the mounting ring 24 to the wheel hub 20. The fasteners 100 can have any suitable configuration. For example, the fasteners 100 can be configured as threaded fasteners, such as bolts. When the fastener holes 50 are threaded holes, the threads of the fasteners 100 can mate with the threads of the fastener holes 50 of the wheel hub 20. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the fasteners 100 can be secured with nuts, such as in a configuration where the fasteners 100 protrude through the fastener holes 50. It is also contemplated that one or more of the fasteners can be a pin, such as a solid pin or a cotter pin.

[0039] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 4 The set of brake rotor fastener holes 118 can be defined by the mounting ring 24. The brake rotor fastener holes 118 can be configured as through holes that can align with the corresponding fastener holes 92 of the brake rotor 22. Each brake rotor fastener hole 118 can include a counterbore 140 that can extend from the first side 110 toward the second side 112. In at least one configuration, the brake rotor fastener holes 118 can be spaced apart from one another and can be disposed at a substantially constant radial distance from the axis 30. The brake rotor fastener holes 118 can be disposed at a different distance from the axis 30 than the mounting flange holes 130. For example, the brake rotor fastener holes 118 can be disposed farther from the axis 30 than the mounting flange holes 130 are disposed from the axis 30.

[0040] The members of the second set of fasteners 102 can extend through the brake rotor fastener holes 118 and into corresponding fastener holes 92 of the brake rotor 22 to attach or couple the brake rotor 22 to the mounting ring 24. The fasteners 102 can have any suitable configuration. For example, the fasteners 102 can be configured as threaded fasteners, such as bolts. When the fastener holes 92 are threaded holes, the threads of the fasteners 102 can mate with the threads of the fastener holes 92 of the brake rotor 22. Alternatively, it is contemplated that in configurations where the fasteners 102 protrude through the fastener holes 92, the fasteners 102 can be secured with nuts.

[0041] The heads 150 of the members of the second set of fasteners 102 can be entirely received within the interiors of the brake rotor fastener holes 118. For example, the heads 150 of the fasteners 102 can be received in the counterbores 140 of the brake rotor fastener holes 118 such that the heads 150 can not protrude from the first side 110, thereby allowing the wheel 12 to engage flush with the first side 110 of the mounting ring 24.

[0042] The set of lug bolt holes 120 can be defined by the mounting ring 24. The lug bolt holes 120 can be configured as through holes that can extend from the first side 110 to the second side 112 of the mounting ring 24. In at least one configuration, the lug bolt holes 120 can be positioned farther from the axis 30 than the brake rotor fastener holes 118. Each of the lug bolt holes 120 can receive a lug bolt 160 that can facilitate mounting of the wheel 12. The lug bolts 160 can have threaded shanks that extend from the mounting ring 24 in a direction that can extend away from the brake rotor 22. The lug bolts 160 can extend substantially parallel to the axis 30 and can extend through corresponding holes in the wheel 12. As Figure 3 As best shown, the lug nuts 162 can be threaded onto the lug bolts 160 and can be disposed on a side of the wheel 12 that is disposed opposite the mounting ring 24 to secure the wheel 12 to the mounting ring 24.

[0043] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 4 One or more rotational alignment features 122 can be provided with the mounting ring 24. In the illustrated configuration, two rotational alignment features 122 are depicted; however, it is contemplated that a greater or lesser number of rotational alignment features 122 can be provided. For ease of reference, the two rotational alignment features illustrated can be referred to as a first rotational alignment feature 122 and a second rotational alignment feature 122'. The first rotational alignment feature 122 and the second rotational alignment feature 122' can have different configurations.

[0044] Rotational alignment features 122, 122' can be disposed in the mounting ring opening 114 and can extend toward the wheel hub 20 and the axis 30. The rotational alignment features 122, 122' can be axially positioned between the wheel 12 and the brake rotor 22. As Figure 4 As best shown, the rotational alignment features 122, 122' can be spaced apart from one another and can be positioned between two different members of the set of mounting flanges 116.

[0045] The rotational alignment features 122, 122' can cooperate with the wheel hub 20 to allow the mounting ring 24 to be mounted to the wheel hub 20 in a limited number of rotational positions. For example, the rotational alignment features 122, 122' and the wheel hub 20 can allow the mounting ring 22 to be mounted in a single rotational position about the axis 30. This can be accomplished in various ways. For example, at least one of the rotational alignment features 122, 122' can extend a different length toward the axis 30 than the mounting flanges 116, can have a different width than the mounting flanges 116, or a combination thereof. For example, at least one of the rotational alignment features 122, 122' can extend a different length toward the axis 30 than the mounting flanges 116 and can only fit within a particular gap between the bosses 48 when properly mounted. As another example, at least one of the rotational alignment features 122, 122' can have a different width or extend a different angular distance relative to the axis 30 than the mounting flanges 116, and the wheel hub 20 can be configured with a corresponding gap 54 between adjacent mounting bosses 52, wherein the rotational alignment features 122, 122' can only fit within a particular gap between the bosses 48 when properly mounted. As another example, a first rotational alignment feature 122 can have a different length and / or width than a second rotational alignment feature 122', and at least one of the rotational alignment features 122, 122' can be receivable within a limited number of gaps between the bosses 48 when properly mounted.

[0046] One or more guide features 124 can extend from the mounting ring 24. In at least one configuration, the guide features 124 can extend from the first side 110 in an axial direction that can extend away from the brake rotor 22. The guide features 124 can be configured to help guide the mounting of the wheel 12 and help center the wheel 12 about the axis 30. For example, the guide features 124 can be received within an interior of a wheel opening that can be defined by an inner circumference of a rim through which the lug bolts 160 can extend. Once the lug bolts 160 are tightened, the inner circumference of the rim can engage or can not engage the guide features 124.

[0047] The wheel end assembly 10 as described above can allow the brake rotor 22 to be removed from or installed on the wheel hub 20 without requiring the wheel hub 20 to be disassembled. Thus, the brake rotor 22 can be installed on or removed from the wheel hub 20 while the wheel hub 20 is installed on a vehicle. As an example, the brake rotor 22 can be serviced in the following manner.

[0048] First, the wheel 12 can be detached and disengaged from the wheel end assembly 10. The lug nuts 162 can be removed from the lug bolts 160. The wheel 12 can then be removed from the lug bolts 160 by moving the wheel 12 along the axis 30 in a direction extending away from the brake rotor 22.

[0049] Next, the mounting ring 24 can be detached from the wheel hub 20 by removing the fasteners 100.

[0050] Next, the mounting ring 24 and the brake rotor 22 can be removed from the wheel hub 20. The mounting ring 24 and the brake rotor 22 can be removed together or separately. The mounting ring 24 and the brake rotor 22 can be removed together by retaining the brake rotor 22 coupled to the mounting ring 24 with the second set of fasteners 102 and moving the mounting ring 24 and the brake rotor 22 together along the axis 30 toward the outboard end 40 of the wheel hub 20. The mounting ring 24 can then be detached from the brake rotor 22 by removing the second set of fasteners 102. The mounting ring 24 and the brake rotor 22 can be removed separately by first removing the second set of fasteners 102 to detach the mounting ring 24 from the brake rotor 22 and then removing the mounting ring 24 from the wheel hub 20. The brake rotor 22 can then be repaired or replaced, as appropriate.

[0051] The replacement brake rotor can be installed on the wheel hub 20 using a series of steps that can generally be the reverse order of the removal steps discussed above. The replacement brake rotor can be a different component than the previously installed brake rotor or can be the same component as the previously installed brake rotor. For example, the replacement brake rotor can be the previously installed brake rotor that has been inspected and / or reworked. For clarity, the term brake rotor is used below to refer to any type of replacement brake rotor.

[0052] The brake rotor 22 can be positioned such that the brake rotor opening 94 is substantially aligned with the axis 30. The brake rotor 22 can then be positioned on the wheel hub 20 by inserting the wheel hub 20 into the brake rotor opening 94 and moving the brake rotor 22 toward the inboard end 42.

[0053] Next, the mounting ring 24 can be positioned such that the mounting ring opening 114 is in sufficient alignment with the wheel hub 20 and the axis 30. If a rotational alignment feature is provided, the mounting ring 24 can be rotated about the axis 30 to obtain proper rotational alignment with the brake rotor 22. The mounting ring 24 can then be positioned on the wheel hub 20 by inserting the mounting ring 24 into the mounting ring opening 114 and moving the mounting ring 24 axially inward toward the brake rotor 22.

[0054] Next, the brake rotor 22 can be fastened to the mounting ring 24 with the second set of fasteners 102, and the mounting ring 24 can be fastened to the wheel hub 20 with the first set of fasteners 100. It is also contemplated that the brake rotor 22 can be fastened to the mounting ring 24 with the second set of fasteners 102 prior to positioning the brake rotor 22 on the wheel hub 20.

[0055] Finally, the wheel 12 can be installed on the wheel end assembly 10. The lug bolt holes in the wheel 12 can be aligned with the lug bolts 160. The wheel 12 can then be moved along the axis 30 into engagement with the mounting ring 24. The guide features 124 can assist in aligning the wheel 12 with the wheel end assembly 10 during installation of the wheel 12. The lug nuts 162 can be threaded onto the lug bolts 160 and tightened to secure the wheel 12 to the mounting ring 24.

[0056] The wheel end assembly as described above can allow the brake rotor to be installed on or removed from the wheel hub without the need to disassemble the wheel hub or remove the wheel hub from the vehicle, which can reduce assembly and disassembly time and help reduce associated costs. When disassembly of the wheel hub is avoided, the seals of the wheel hub and the pre-load on the wheel bearings can not be disturbed and can not need to be reset or adjusted, thereby helping to further reduce service time and costs. Providing the wheel hub and the brake rotor as separate components can make the wheel hub and the brake rotor easier to handle and can eliminate the need for special assembly tools or equipment for servicing the brake rotor. Providing the mounting ring as a component separate from the wheel hub and the brake rotor can allow the mounting ring to be used as an adapter that can accommodate different wheel and wheel hub configurations. For example, mounting rings in various diameters or having various lug bolt mounting circles or lug bolt mounting patterns can be provided to accommodate different wheel sizes or wheel configurations. This in turn can allow the wheel hub, the brake rotor, or both to be standardized or universalized across various vehicles. Furthermore, the wheel end assembly can be compatible with hub pilot wheels or stud pilot wheels.

[0057] While the foregoing describes exemplary embodiments, these embodiments are not intended to describe all possible forms of the application. Rather, the words used in this specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the application. Additionally, the features of various implementing embodiments can be combined to form further embodiments of the application.

Claims

1. A wheel end assembly, comprising: A wheel hub, which is rotatable about an axis; Mounting ring, which extends around the wheel hub and is removably attached to the wheel hub by a first set of fasteners; as well as A brake rotor, which surrounds the wheel hub and is removably mounted to the mounting ring using a second set of fasteners. Among them, multiple lug bolts adapted to support the wheel extend from the mounting ring. The mounting ring defines the fastener hole for the brake rotor, and The components of the second set of fasteners extend through the brake rotor fastener holes to connect the brake rotor to the mounting ring.

2. The wheel end assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The mounting ring surrounds the wheel hub and defines a mounting ring opening through which the wheel hub extends.

3. The wheel end assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The mounting ring defines a lug bolt hole, and one of the plurality of lug bolts extends through the lug bolt hole.

4. The wheel end assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The brake rotor has an inner side that extends about the axis and at least partially defines a brake rotor opening, through which the wheel hub extends, wherein the inner side is positioned further from the axis than the entire wheel hub is positioned further from the axis.

5. The wheel end assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The mounting ring includes a guide feature that extends axially away from the brake rotor and is adapted to be received inside the wheel.

6. The wheel end assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The brake rotor and wheel are positioned on opposite sides of the mounting ring.

7. The wheel end assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein, The mounting ring has a first side facing away from the brake rotor and a second side facing the brake rotor, wherein the wheel engages the first side and the brake rotor engages the second side.

8. The wheel end assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The head of the component of the second set of fasteners is fully received inside the fastener hole of the brake rotor.

9. The wheel end assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The brake rotor includes a first panel, a second panel spaced apart from the first panel, a plurality of blades extending between the first panel and the second panel, and a mounting portion surrounding the wheel hub and extending from the first panel to the mounting ring, wherein the components of the second set of fasteners are attached to the mounting portion.

10. The wheel end assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein, The inner diameter of the mounting portion is set to be farther from the axis than the wheel hub is set to be farther from the axis.

11. The wheel end assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The mounting ring defines a mounting ring opening for receiving the wheel hub and a set of mounting flanges disposed in the mounting ring opening, wherein each member of the set of mounting flanges defines a mounting flange hole for receiving the member of the first set of fasteners.

12. The wheel end assembly of claim 11, wherein, The mounting ring has a first rotational alignment feature disposed in the opening of the mounting ring and extending toward the wheel hub, wherein the first rotational alignment feature is positioned between two members of the set of mounting flanges.

13. The wheel end assembly of claim 12, wherein, The mounting ring has a second rotational alignment feature disposed in the opening of the mounting ring and extending toward the wheel hub, wherein the second rotational alignment feature has a different configuration from the first rotational alignment feature.

14. The wheel end assembly as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The first rotational alignment feature and the second rotational alignment feature engage with the wheel hub to allow the mounting ring to be mounted to the wheel hub at a single rotational position.

15. A method for repairing a wheel end assembly, the method comprising: Before separating the mounting ring from the wheel hub, the wheel is separated from and disengaged from the mounting ring, wherein a plurality of lug bolts adapted to support the wheel extend from the mounting ring; Remove the first set of fasteners to separate the mounting ring surrounding the wheel hub from the wheel hub, which is rotatable about an axis and has an outer end and an inner end; Remove the second set of fasteners to separate the brake rotor from the mounting ring, wherein the mounting ring defines a brake rotor fastener hole, and wherein a member of the second set of fasteners extends through the brake rotor fastener hole to engage the brake rotor to the mounting ring; and The mounting ring and the brake rotor are removed from the wheel hub by moving them axially toward the outer end of the wheel hub.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein, Before separating the brake rotor from the mounting ring, the mounting ring is separated from the wheel hub.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising installing the replacement brake rotor in the following manner: Align the brake rotor opening of the replaceable brake rotor with the wheel hub. The replacement brake rotor and the mounting ring are positioned on the wheel hub by inserting the wheel hub into the brake rotor opening and axially moving the replacement brake rotor toward the inner end; and Secure the mounting ring to the wheel hub.

Images