Adjustable flange device for cover member in drive axle assembly

A drive axle assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a support beam member (2), a differential assembly module (20) secured to the support beam member and a cover member (40) fastened to the support beam member (2) to cover at least a portion the differential assembly module. The cover member includes two spaced access openings (42) with adjustable sealing flange devices (44) for sealing an interior cavity within the cover member between the access openings and corresponding axle shaft members. The sealing flange device (44) is positionally adjustable relative to the cover member. A method for adjusting position of the sealing flange device (44) relative to the cover member (40) comprises the steps of securing the cover member to the axle support member, mounting the sealing flange device (44) to the cover member, adjusting the position of the sealing flange device relative to the cover member and securing the sealing flange device to the cover member.