Axle assembly with bearing adjustment mechanism

The present invention provides an axle assembly (12) for a motor vehicle including an axle housing (14), a differential assembly (20) supported in the axle housing (14) with a differential bearing (28), a bearing insert (32), an adjuster sleeve (34) and a lock ring (36). The bearing insert (32) is coupled to the axle housing (14). The adjuster sleeve (34) is rotatably coupled to the bearing insert (32) in a pre-installed position. The adjuster sleeve (34) is adapted to engage the differential bearing (28) and impart a preload force thereon. The lock ring (36) is disposed between the bearing insert (32) and the adjuster sleeve (34) in an installed position. The lock ring precludes relative movement between the bearing insert (32) and the adjuster sleeve (34) thereby maintaining a desired preload on the differential bearing (28).