Traction assembly for a work machine

A traction assembly of a work machine having (i) a differential housing having an axle passageway extending therethrough, (ii) an axle positioned within the axle passageway, and (iii) a coupling surface defined on the differential housing such that the coupling surface is positioned outside of the axle passageway, comprising:

• a gear mechanically coupled to said axle, said gear includes (i) an outer peripheral surface having a plurality of sensor teeth defined therein, (ii) a first shoulder extending in a first lateral direction, and (iii) a second shoulder extending in a second lateral direction;
• a bearing assembly attached to said coupling surface defined on said differential housing, wherein (i) said bearing assembly includes a first bearing member and a second bearing member, (ii) said gear is interposed between said first bearing member and said second bearing member, (iii) said first shoulder of said gear contacts a first journal surface of said first bearing member, and (iv) said second shoulder of said gear contacts a second journal surface of said second bearing member;
• and
• a sensor for detecting rotation of said gear relative to said differential housing and generating a sensor signal in response thereto,
• wherein when said bearing assembly is attached to said coupling surface said bearing assembly and said gear are both positioned outside of said axle passageway.