A drive axle assembly includes an input operably coupled to a power source. The
input drives first and second axle shafts, which in turn drive laterally spaced
wheel ends. Each wheel end includes a gear set that is driven by one of the axle
shafts. The axle shafts are enclosed within a center axle housing and the gear
sets are enclosed within gear housings. The drive axle includes a pumping mechanism
that maintains predetermined oil levels within the center axle housing and gear
housings. The oil level in the center axle housing is lower than the oil level
in the gear housing. The pumping mechanism includes an impeller that is mounted
for rotation with the axle shaft. The impeller draws oil from the center axle housing
into a cavity, which transfers the oil to the gear housing.