An expandable shaft assembly including an axially extending shaft with an
axial axis, an extending shaft with an axial axis, an external dimension,
at least one shaft end and a bore extending generally axially from the at
least one shaft end. The shaft assembly also includes a second element,
as an axle cap, with an axially extending, externally threaded portion
with a first thread flank, a shoulder portion extending in a generally
radially outwardly direction. A radially extending end face is also
provided that is axially constrained relative to the shaft, wherein the
radially extending end face is one of (1) integral with the shaft, and
(2) on a separate element. The bore of the shaft includes an axially
extending, internally threaded portion with a second thread flank,
wherein at least one of the first and second thread flanks are inclined.
The externally threaded portion of the second element is threadably
engaged with the internally threaded portion of the shaft such that the
first thread flank contacts the second thread flank. In addition, the
shoulder portion of the second element is pressed against the end face
and the inclined thread flank is wedged against at least one of the first
thread flank and second thread flank to provide radial expansion of the
external dimension in an expansion region.