RDU Lubrication

Lubrication of the bearings and clutch packs in the RDU is by a 'splash' lubrication system. When the oil level is correct, part of the crown wheel drive gear is immersed in the oil. As the drive gear rotates, the oil is carried on the drive gear teeth and thrown as a mist to the top of the RDU casing. The oil collects in a cascade gallery above the drive gear and can then flow through channels in the casing to the left and right covers. Galleries in the covers allow the oil to fall onto the inner disc carriers to lubricate the ball bearings. The oil flows through the bearings to the left and right clutch packs. Centrifugal force, forces the oil through the clutch packs lubricating and cooling the plates and is thrown back to the channels from the cascade gallery to be recirculated through the cover galleries (secondary lubrication circuit) and into the bottom of the RDU casing.