Rear Drive Unit Lubrication

Lubrication of the bearings and clutch pack in the Rear Drive Unit (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 drive gear teeth carries oil and throws it as a mist to the top of the RDU housing. The oil collects in a cascade gallery above the drive gear and then flows through channels in the housing 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 clutch pack.

Centrifugal force, forces the oil through the clutch pack lubricating and cooling the plates. The oil is thrown back to the channels from the cascade gallery to be recirculated through the cover galleries (secondary lubrication circuit). The oil is then thrown into the bottom of the RDU housing.