Parallel-axis differential gear tooth modification

In a differential assembly having:

• a differential housing;
• a pair of side gears positioned in said housing for receiving a pair of respective axle ends for rotation therewith about a common axis;
• at least one pair of planetary element gears positioned in said housing operatively connecting said pair of side gears in a mutual driving relationship, each respective element gear in each pair being in meshing engagement with both a respective one of said side gears and with its paired element gear;
• at least one pair of pockets formed in said housing supporting said element gears for rotation about respective axes that extend parallel to said common axis of said side gears;
• and
• said gear sections of said element gears having helical teeth with a predetermined profile between the roots and toplands of said teeth;
• the improvement wherein:
• said predetermined profile of the helical teeth of said element gears is modified with a chamfer-like form at the intersection of said profile and said toplands, said chamfer-like shape making an angle ranging between 10.degree.-30.degree.with said toplands;
• said housing further comprises at least one passageway between the exterior of said housing and each said pair of pockets for providing a path for lubricating fluid;
• and each said passageway is positioned in proximity to one of the meshing areas shared by each said pair of element gears.