Dynamometer test apparatus and method for testing both transmissions and rear differentials

A reconfigurable dynamometer apparatus for testing vehicle components including at least a vehicle differential, the apparatus comprising:

• a base;
• a driving dynamometer which drives the vehicle components and is rotatable on the base between:
• a first position;
• and
• a second position wherein the components being tested also include a vehicle transmission from a vehicle having a transverse type engine and/or transmission configuration the transmission being in rotational communication with the differential;
• and
• a first vertically displaceable absorption dynamometer driven by a first output shaft from the vehicle differential;
• wherein a gear assembly is joined with the dynamometer such that both move together and an arcuate toothed rack is supported on the base wherein a gear in the gear assembly is meshable with the teeth on the rack and rotation of the gear rotates the driving dynamometer.

A reconfigurable dynamometer apparatus for testing vehicle components including at least vehicle differential, the apparatus comprising:

• a base;
• a driving dynamometer which drives the vehicle components and is rotatable on the base between:
• a first position;
• and
• a second position wherein the components being tested also include a vehicle transmission from a vehicle having a transverse type engine and/or transmission configuration the transmission being in rotational communication with the differential;
• and
• a first vertically displaceable absorption dynamometer driven by a first output shaft from the vehicle differential;
• wherein the driving dynamometer is supported on a platform and the platform supported on the base such that the platform rotates relative to the base;
• wherein the platform is also linearly displaceable with respect to the base;
• and
• wherein the base is supported on a floor including linear channels with a T-shaped cross section and the base is linearly displaceable, utilizing T-slot nuts and bolts, with respect to the floor.

A method of testing a vehicle differential both in conjunction with and without an associated vehicle transmission comprising the steps of:

• providing a driving dynamometer which drives the vehicle differential and transmission in a setup and is rotatable on a base between a first position and a second position,
• providing a first vertically displaceable absorption dynamometer driven by a first output shaft from the vehicle differential;
• driving the transmission and differential using the driving dynamometer for testing purposes;
• removing the transmission from the setup;
• rotating the driving dynamometer ninety degrees into a direct drive configuration;
• vertically realigning the absorption dynamometer;
• and
• driving the differential using the driving dynamometer for testing purposes.