Bearing preload adjuster

A power transmitting component comprising:

• a housing;
• a differential assembly supported in the housing with a differential bearing positioned in a bore defined by the housing;
• and
• a bearing preload adjuster assembly positioned within the bore and configured to engage the differential bearing and impart a preload force thereon, the bearing preload adjuster assembly comprising:
• a first annular member defining a first outer wall, a first inner wall, a first outer end face and an opposite first inner end face, the first outer wall having a threaded region configured to threadably engage a corresponding threaded region in the bore, the first inner end face configured to engage the differential bearing;
• a second annular member defining a second outer wall, a second inner wall, a second outer end face and an opposite second inner end face, the second annular member being selectively movably positioned within the first annular member such that second inner end face is positioned axially between the first inner and outer end faces;
• and
• a biasing member positioned within the first annular member between the first inner end face and the second inner end face, the biasing member configured to bias the second outer end face in a first axial direction into engagement with the first annular member.

A method for setting and maintaining a predetermined bearing preload in a power transmitting component, the method comprising:

• providing a bearing preload adjuster assembly having an inner annular member and a threaded outer annular member;
• providing a housing with a case and a bearing received therein, the bearing supporting the case for rotation relative to the housing;
• threading the outer annular member to the housing;
• rotating the inner annular member in a first rotational direction relative to the housing to cause corresponding rotation of the outer annular member that generates an axial load that is transmitted between the outer annular member and the bearing;
• and
• rotationally de-coupling the inner annular member from the outer annular member when the inner annular member is driven in the first rotational direction relative to the housing and the axial load transmitted between the outer annular member and the bearing is greater than or equal to the predetermined bearing preload.

A power transmitting component comprising:

• a housing;
• a case received in the housing;
• a bearing supporting the case for rotation relative to the housing;
• and
• a bearing preload adjuster having an output portion, an input portion and a torque clutch between the output and input portions, the output portion being threadably engaged to the housing and abutted against the bearing, the input portion being configured to receive a rotary input in a first rotational direction for setting an axial preload of the bearing, the axial preload being applied to the bearing through the output portion, the torque clutch being configured to rotational de-couple the input portion from the output portion when the input portion is rotated in the first rotational direction and the axial preload is greater than or equal to a predetermined load.