POWER DIVIDER LUBRICATION IN TANDEM DRIVING AXLES

A lubrication system for the helical gear thrust washer, helical gear journal and inter-axle differential in tandem drive axles. The leading drive axle input shaft is journalled in a bearing supplied on one side with a gravity flow of lubricant from a passage receiving lubricant slinging from the power divider periphery, which receives lubricant slinging from the axle ring gear. The opposite side of the bearing has an annular lubricant chamber therearound formed by an annular baffle member surrounding the input shaft on the interior side of the bearing. The bearing is operative to pump lubricant to the annular chamber. An axial passage formed through a portion of the input shaft communicates the annular chamber with the differential gears. In one form the annular baffle member rotates with the input shaft and in the other form it is stationary. In some embodiments the baffle has an elastomeric lip seal therearound; and, in the other embodiments, the baffle defines an annular labyrinth passage restricting return flow to the sump from the annular chamber.