Abstract: A suspension system for vehicles includes an arm that can oscillate relative to a support. The arm has an angular position of equilibrium relative to the support. Rotation of the arm is damped by a system comprising two complementary friction brake members, one fastened to the arm and the other to the support. The complementary brake members are pressed together to impede such rotation. The force with which the brake members are pressed together is conditioned according to the speed of rotation of the arm relative to the support. The damping curve may therefore be of any required shape, and in particular procure a constant damping force from a predetermined threshold of the speed of rotation of the arm relative to the support. This considerably simplifies dealing with heating problems arising from the damper action.

Abstract: A suspension unit for vehicles comprises a support fastened to a framework of the vehicle and a longitudinal arm, with a rolling member coupled to the arm, rotating relative to it about a transverse first axis. The arm is coupled to the support and rotates relative to it about a transverse second axis which is parallel to the first axis and offset relative to it in the longitudinal direction. Within the arm is a longitudinal cylinder within which slides a piston. A rod is coupled to the piston and to the support. The rod rotates relative to the support about a third axis parallel to the second axis and offset relative to it transversely. The rod rotates relative to the piston about a transverse fourth axis parallel to the third axis. It is pivoted to the piston by a mechanism comprising a slide member that slides longitudinally within the cylinder and is juxtaposed longitudinally to the piston on the same side as the rod. The rod is pivoted to the slide member for rotation about the fourth axis.

Abstract: A brake of the multi-plate disc type is mounted at the end of an axle of a vehicle to brake it through the intermediary of a reduction gear mechanism, and the brake is operated by an hydraulic control system which extends to the brake from a portion inboard of bearings for a hub on which a wheel is mounted. A removable external cover is itself disposed outwardly of the brake to provide direct access to it when it is removed and to ensure the completeness and liquid-tightness of a closed cooling circuit for cooling the brake.