A connecting element, preferably for fastening a wheel, or rim, to a hub of a vehicle, includes a body having a respective outer perimeter surface which extends along a respective imaginary profile, in particular an imaginary circular profile, there being formed, at the perimeter surface, respective elements for the engagement of corresponding elements or tool for screwing and/or unscrewing the connecting element, and screw thread elements for fastening, preferably to the vehicle hub. The engagement elements include a plurality of perpendicularly extending and circumferentially distributed engagement troughs which are recessed relative to the imaginary outer profile and each being separated from the adjacent trough by a respective outer perimeter transit zone. The outer transit zone has a width (r) which is less than the width (i) of the trough, and in particular, a width (r) which is less than half the width of the trough.

A wheel assembly includes a spindle; a wheel hub rotatable relative to the spindle; and a seal mounted between the spindle and the wheel hub, the spindle, the wheel hub, and the seal defining a sealed cavity, the seal having a first axial end and a second axial end, the first axial end coupled to the spindle, the second axial end coupled to the wheel hub.

A wheel assembly includes a spindle; a wheel hub rotatable relative to the spindle; and a seal mounted between the spindle and the wheel hub, the spindle, the wheel hub, and the seal defining a sealed cavity, the seal having a first axial end and a second axial end, the first axial end coupled to the spindle, the second axial end coupled to the wheel hub.

A half shaft connects to the mounting bracket of the wheel in a splined connection. The straight external spline of the half shaft is modified to a helical or involute external spline, in which the helix angle adopted is small. The mounting bracket of the wheel can be longitudinally advanced by hand assembly only part way onto the half shaft. The rest of the longitudinal advancement during assembly occurs by tightening the nut to completely eliminate the fit clearance between the external spline and its corresponding mating arrangement. Various road tests of vehicles verify that, when using the present invention, the nut does not loosen during use of the vehicle. The invention enables the locking force of the nut to be reduced, and assembly and maintenance are convenient.

A brake assembly adapted to be mounted to the flange of an axle housing. The brake assembly includes a stationary plate having a plurality of threaded holes therein. The brake assembly also includes a mounting sleeve positioned adjacent to the axle housing flange opposite the stationary plate. A plurality of holes are provided through the mounting sleeve and are aligned with the threaded holes in the stationary plate. A bolt is received through each of the holes in the mounting sleeve and the aligned holes in the axle housing flange and the threaded holes in the stationary plate to secure the brake to the axle housing. The mounting sleeve may be provided in two or more separate pieces in order to facilitate installation.

A brake assembly adapted to be mounted to the flange of an axle housing. The brake assembly includes a stationary plate having a plurality of threaded holes therein. The brake assembly also includes a mounting sleeve positioned adjacent to the axle housing flange opposite the stationary plate. A plurality of holes are provided through the mounting sleeve and are aligned with the threaded holes in the stationary plate. A bolt is received through each of the holes in the mounting sleeve and the aligned holes in the axle housing flange and the threaded holes in the stationary plate to secure the brake to the axle housing. The mounting sleeve may be provided in two or more separate pieces in order to facilitate installation.

A wheel drive assembly for transferring propelling torque from a source shaft to a wheel, the source shaft receiving torque from a motion actuator. The wheel drive assembly includes a wheel-hub, adapted to have the wheel mounted thereon, the wheel-hub being arranged about a longitudinal axis, which is adapted to coincide with a rotation axis of the wheel. The wheel drive assembly further includes a drive axle and a constant velocity (CV) joint mounted onto an outer end of the drive axle. The CV joint connects the drive axle to the wheel-hub. An outermost surface of the CV joint is disposed outwardly of an outermost surface of the wheel hub, along the longitudinal axis of the wheel-hub.

A wheel drive assembly for transferring propelling torque from a source shaft to a wheel, the source shaft receiving torque from a motion actuator. The wheel drive assembly includes a wheel-hub, adapted to have the wheel mounted thereon, the wheel-hub being arranged about a longitudinal axis, which is adapted to coincide with a rotation axis of the wheel. The wheel drive assembly further includes a drive axle and a constant velocity (CV) joint mounted onto an outer end of the drive axle. The CV joint connects the drive axle to the wheel-hub. An outermost surface of the CV joint is disposed outwardly of an outermost surface of the wheel hub, along the longitudinal axis of the wheel-hub.

A secondary sealing device is for a wheel bearing assembly including a fixed inner axle with an outer circumferential surface and a bearing inner race, an outer hub rotatable about the inner axle and having an inner circumferential surface and a bearing outer race, rolling elements disposed between the inner and outer races, and a primary seal(s) connected with the inner axle and sealingly engaged with the outer hub. The secondary sealing device includes a rigid annular body having an inner radial end coupled with the inner axle and an outer radial end spaced radially inwardly from the inner circumferential surface of the outer hub so as to define an annular gap between the body and the outer ring. The body is located between the primary seal and an axial end of the hub so as to provide a barrier configured to prevent contaminants from contacting the primary seal.

A flanged wheel hub for wheel hub bearings, the wheel hub having a flange provided with a plurality of threaded through holes and, for each threaded through hole, a respective radial arm, which has a respective axial thickness (SAB) to act as a strengthening element for the flange, at least at the position of the threaded through holes, the wheel hub being produced by forging with the flange and the arms made in one piece, and also having, for each threaded through hole, an annular boss, which is also forged in one piece with the wheel hub and is arranged around, and penetrated by, the corresponding threaded through hole for the purpose of increasing the mechanical strength characteristics of the wheel hub.