Abstract: A knuckle-hub assembly is assembled using a retainer. The method includes inserting a retainer a recess on an inner radial surface of a knuckle or an outer radial surface of a wheel hub. Here, a portion of the retainer preferably extends out of the recess in which it is inserted. The method includes sliding the wheel hub into a passage of the knuckle and compressing the retainer. The method includes juxtaposing the recesses. The retainer preferably at least partially relaxes so that a portion of the retainer is in the recess of the knuckle and a portion is in the recess of the wheel hub. The retainer preferably includes an angled flange portion.

Abstract: A rear end gear box cover for a racing car is formed with a fixed base plate and a removable top plate. The base plate is fixed to the rear end housing by multiple fasteners while the top plate is removable from the base plate. The top plate includes a pair of opposing cam members carrying connector pins for engagement with receiver mounts formed on the base plate. A cam driver on the top plate has a central connector member that when rotated drives a pair of opposing cam pins carried in a slotted opening on the cam members outwardly to force the connector pins into openings in the receiver mounts and secure the top plate to the base plate. A detent mechanism in each of the slotted openings retains the cam members in a locked position. A quarter turn of the connector member retracts the connector pins.

Abstract: The knuckle-hub assembly includes a knuckle and a wheel bearing attached by a retainer. Both the knuckle and the retainer have recesses and the retainer is arranged in both recesses upon assembly. The retainer is generally ring-shaped and has a axial direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction. Near one end surface in the axial direction and the retainer has a union portion connected to one or more flange portions. The one or more flange portions may be a single flange portion angled relative to the axial direction. The one or more flange portions may include a first flange portion and a second flange portion that are angled relative to each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for manufacturing a wheel hub to reduce lateral run-out. Specifically, the present invention provides an apparatus and a method for machining the inner and outer surfaces of the wheel hub after the wheel bolts and bearing have been attached to the wheel hub. A grind wheel is used to finish an inner flange portion and outer flange portion of the wheel hub.

Abstract: A suspension coupling for use in a vehicle suspension system the suspension coupling including a knuckle and bushing assembly wherein the knuckle member is a cast aluminum piece having a passage for receiving a two-piece bushing having a formed, metal inner member and a molded, elastomeric outer member having extension members at each end. The bushing member is press-fit into the knuckle member and exhibits higher stiffness in the radial and axial directions and lower stiffness in the torsional and conical directions.

Abstract: A rear end gear box cover for a racing car is formed with a fixed base plate and a removable top plate. The base plate is fixed to the rear end housing by multiple fasteners while the top plate is removable from the base plate. The top plate includes a pair of opposing cam members carrying connector pins for engagement with receiver mounts formed on the base plate. A cam driver on the top plate has a central connector member that when rotated drives a pair of opposing cam pins carried in a slotted opening on the cam members outwardly to force the connector pins into openings in the receiver mounts and secure the top plate to the base plate. A detent mechanism in each of the slotted openings retains the cam members in a locked position. A quarter turn of the connector member retracts the connector pins.

Abstract: A knuckle-hub assembly including a knuckle and wheel bearing, and a retainer that is preferably arranged within a radial recess of the knuckle and a radial recess of the wheel bearing. The knuckle includes an inner radial surface defining a passage, the inner radial surface having a first radial recess. The first radial recess is preferably located in an intermediate region along a longitudinal axis of the passage. The wheel bearing includes an outer radial surface defining a second radial recess that is located in an intermediate region along the length of the bearing. The radial recesses of the knuckle and wheel bearing are generally axially-aligned upon installing the bearing in the knuckle's passage. The retainer has a generally constant cross-sectional profile about its circumference and includes an inner wall surface having a second portion and the first portion that is disposed at an angle relative to a first portion.

Abstract: A suspension coupling for use in a vehicle suspension system the suspension coupling including a knuckle and bushing assembly wherein the knuckle member is a cast aluminum piece having a passage for receiving a two-piece bushing having a formed, metal inner member and a molded, elastomeric outer member having extension members at each end. The bushing member is press-fit into the knuckle member and exhibits higher stiffness in the radial and axial directions and lower stiffness in the torsional and conical directions.

Abstract: A suspension coupling for use in a vehicle suspension system the suspension coupling including a knuckle and bushing assembly wherein the knuckle member is a cast aluminum piece having a passage for receiving a two-piece bushing having a formed, metal inner member and a molded, elastomeric outer member having extension members at each end. The bushing member is press-fit into the knuckle member and exhibits higher stiffness in the radial and axial directions and lower stiffness in the torsional and conical directions.

Abstract: A rear end gear box for a racing car has the swivel coupler and the bearing rotatably supporting the swivel coupler mounted within the rear end housing so that oil within the rear end housing will lubricate the swivel coupler and its bearing. The input shaft delivering rotational power from the engine is offset to the right of the driven shaft mounted within the rear end housing so that the center of gravity of the rear end is shifted to the left of the car centerline to increase stability of the car in turns. The recessed swivel coupler has an extended operating life due to increase stability and rigidity provided by the support from the housing structure. The cover for the back end of the rear end structure where the transfer gears are located is provided with an O-ring to facilitate a quick change of the transfer gears.

Abstract: A suspension coupling for use in a vehicle suspension system the suspension coupling including a knuckle and bushing assembly wherein the knuckle member is a cast aluminum piece having a passage for receiving a two-piece bushing having a formed, metal inner member and a molded, elastomeric outer member having extension members at each end. The bushing member is press-fit into the knuckle member and exhibits higher stiffness in the radial and axial directions and lower stiffness in the torsional and conical directions.

Abstract: A knuckle-hub assembly, comprising: a knuckle, wherein the knuckle includes an inner radial surface defining a passage, wherein the inner radial surface comprises a first radial recess located in an intermediate region along a longitudinal axis of the passage; a wheel bearing, wherein the wheel bearing includes an outer radial surface defining a second radial recess that is located in an Intermediate region along the length of the bearing, wherein the first radial recess of the knuckle is generally axially-aligned with the second radial recess upon installation of the bearing in the passage of the knuckle; and a retainer arranged within both of the first radial recess of the knuckle and the second radial recess of the wheel bearing upon installation of the bearing in the passage of the knuckle, and the retainer has a generally constant cross-sectional profile about its circumference and includes an inner wall surface that has a first portion and a second portion and the first portion and the second portion ar

Abstract: A dust cap is mounting on the front wheel of a racing car to prevent contamination of the corresponding wheel bearings. The dust cap is threaded for engagement with corresponding threads formed on the wheel hub to allow the dust cap to be quickly removed or installed. An O-ring housed in a groove formed in the wheel hub engages the outer circumference of the dust cap to affect a seal between the dust cap and the wheel, and to restrict rotational movement of the dust cap and prevent an unintentional disengagement of the dust cap from the wheel. The closed end of the dust cap is formed with hexagonal flats having a spacing that fit the wrench used for engagement of the nut holding the wheel on the axle spindle, thus reducing the time needed for removal of the front wheel, particularly during pit stops in a car race.