Once the basic drive gear parameters have been determined for an automotive rear axle, the mounting for these gears must be designed. The gears must be held in proper mesh under the various load conditions experienced in the axle to minimize gear misalignment and the resulting noise and fatigue problems in both the gears and the bearings.
The basic types of successful gear mounting are reviewed, design consideration for the mounting components (carrier, case, bearings, etc.) and tests required to prove their design are discussed.
