Abstract: A disconnectable link may include a first link member having a generally tubular portion, a first ball joint disposed on the first link member and adapted to engage a first suspension member; a second link member slidably receivable within the first link member; a second ball joint disposed on the second link member and adapted to engage a second suspension member; a lock shaft engaged with the second link member; and a lock element disposed within an aperture in the second link member. Movement of the lock shaft into a first position may cause the lock element to engage the first link member to prevent relative axial movement between the first and second link members, and movement of the lock shaft into a second position may cause the lock element to disengage the first link member to allow relative axial movement between the first and second link members.

Abstract: An axle assembly comprises an axle housing, a differential assembly, a cover, and a gasket. The axle housing defines a cavity and an access aperture. The differential assembly is received in the cavity and is supported for rotation in the axle housing. The cover has a flange and a body. The flange is coupled to the axle housing such that the cover closes the access aperture. The body has an opening that is in fluid connection with the cavity. The gasket has a gasket member and a tab. The gasket member is disposed between the axle housing and the flange. The tab extends inwardly from the gasket member and covers at least a portion of the opening. The tab is configured to shield the opening from splash lubrication during operation of the axle assembly.

Abstract: A suspension system having a stabilizer bar assembly with a stabilizer bar structure, an intermediate bushing and a resilient bushing. The stabilizer bar structure includes a center section to which the intermediate bushing is coupled. The resilient bushing is mounted on the intermediate bushing. The intermediate bushing limits relative axial movement of the resilient bushing in along the center section in a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction. A method for forming a stabilizer bar assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A suspension system having a stabilizer bar assembly with a stabilizer bar structure, an intermediate bushing and a resilient bushing. The stabilizer bar structure includes a center section to which the intermediate bushing is coupled. The resilient bushing is mounted on the intermediate bushing. The intermediate bushing limits relative axial movement of the resilient bushing in along the center section in a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction. A method for forming a stabilizer bar assembly is also provided.

Abstract: Improvements for a vehicle stabilizer bar assembly having a pair of stabilizer bar members that are selectively uncoupled via a clutch assembly to provide a vehicle with improved traction. A first improvement concerns a reserve powering apparatus for powering the clutch assembly in the event of an electrical failure that prevents the vehicle power source from transmitting electrical power to the clutch assembly. A second improvement concerns a speed sensing apparatus for inhibiting the operation of the stabilizer bar assembly in a disengaged condition if the speed of the vehicle is greater than or equal to a predetermined speed threshold. A third improvement concerns a logic for controlling the engagement and disengagement of a pair of stabilizer bar assemblies.

Abstract: A connection system to interconnect members of a vehicular steering linkage system has a first steering module and a second steering member adapted to receive the first steering module. A clearance exists between the first steering module and the second steering member. The first steering module includes a first steering member and a fastener. The fastener is adapted to secure the first and second steering members together.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ball joint for use in interconnecting a pair of components to accommodate relative angular movement therebetween. The ball joint includes a socket assembly and a hybrid ball stud. The socket assembly includes a cup-shaped housing defining a cavity therein and an insert disposed within the housing cavity and which defines a spherical ball socket. The hybrid ball stud includes a standard bolt and a polymeric insert attached to, or encapsulating, the head of the bolt to define a spherical ball or a partial spherical ball. The polymeric insert is adapted to be retained in the ball socket. The bolt is a high-volume commercially-available component having a threaded shank segment and a head segment which is over-molded or fitted with the polymeric insert. As such, an inexpensive hybrid ball stud is provided for use in ball joints.

Abstract: A connection system to interconnect members of a vehicular steering linkage system has a first steering module and a second steering member adapted to receive the first steering module. A clearance exists between the first steering module and the second steering member. The first steering module includes a first steering member and a fastener. The fastener is adapted to secure the first and second steering members together.

Abstract: An anti-roll suspension system for a motor vehicle includes a plurality of double-acting cylinders coupling the unsprung and sprung portions of the vehicle. The upper fluid chamber of each cylinder is exclusively connected to the lower fluid chamber of the laterally opposite cylinder to create a fluid circuit having first and second portions which hydraulically link the cylinders. When the vehicle is subjected to a centrifugal force, the position of the sprung portion rotates relative to the position of the unsprung portion of the vehicle. This relative rotation is resisted by the tendency to substantially equalize the forces acting on pistons of the first and second cylinders, thereby reducing the tendency of the sprung portion of the vehicle to roll. An alternate embodiment includes a valve which is operable in either of a recirculating mode and cross-flow mode.

Abstract: Improvements for a vehicle stabilizer bar assembly having a pair of stabilizer bar members that are selectively uncoupled via a clutch assembly to provide a vehicle with improved traction. A first improvement concerns a reserve powering apparatus for powering the clutch assembly in the event of an electrical failure that prevents the vehicle power source from transmitting electrical power to the clutch assembly. A second improvement concerns a speed sensing apparatus for inhibiting the operation of the stabilizer bar assembly in a disengaged condition if the speed of the vehicle is greater than or equal to a predetermined speed threshold. A third improvement concerns a logic for controlling the engagement and disengagement of a pair of stabilizer bar assemblies.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ball joint for use in interconnecting a pair of components to accommodate relative angular movement therebetween. The ball joint includes a socket assembly and a hybrid ball stud. The socket assembly includes a cup-shaped housing defining a cavity therein and an insert disposed within the housing cavity and which defines a spherical ball socket. The hybrid ball stud includes a standard bolt and a polymeric insert attached to, or encapsulating, the head of the bolt to define a spherical ball or a partial spherical ball. The polymeric insert is adapted to be retained in the ball socket. The bolt is a high-volume commercially-available component having a threaded shank segment and a head segment which is over-molded or fitted with the polymeric insert. As such, an inexpensive hybrid ball stud is provided for use in ball joints.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ball joint for use in interconnecting a pair of components to accommodate relative angular movement therebetween. The ball joint includes a socket assembly and a hybrid ball stud. The socket assembly includes a cup-shaped housing defining a cavity therein and an insert disposed within the housing cavity and which defines a spherical ball socket. The hybrid ball stud includes a standard bolt and a polymeric insert attached to, or encapsulating, the head of the bolt to define a spherical ball or a partial spherical ball. The polymeric insert is adapted to be retained in the ball socket. The bolt is a high-volume commercially-available component having a threaded shank segment and a head segment which is over-molded or fitted with the polymeric insert. As such, an inexpensive hybrid ball stud is provided for use in ball joints.

Abstract: A suspension assembly is provided including a pair of stabilizer bar links which interconnect the opposite ends of a stabilizer bar to a pair of suspension members. Each stabilizer bar link has a central body or housing constructed of a polymeric resin including 20 to 40% glass fill for increased mechanical properties. A bowl is formed at each end of the housing and is adapted to support a bearing member defining a socket. A ball segment of a ball stud is disposed in the socket to facilitate angular movement of the ball stud relative to the bowl. The bearing member includes a plurality of axial slots extending from an open end of the socket to define resilient socket tabs for enabling the bearing member to snap over and retain the ball stud. The bearing member also includes a collar segment which engages the bowl, and a plurality of circumferential spring tabs engaging the ball stud to provide for wear compensation and to reduce the effect of axial compression variation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a suspension assembly for a motor vehicle including a pair of end links which interconnect the opposite ends of a stabilizer bar to a pair of suspension members. Each end link has a first fastener adapted for connection to the end of the stabilizer bar and a second fastener adapted for connection to the suspension member. In addition, a locking mechanism is provided for securing the first fastener in a socket formed in the hollow end of the stabilizer bar.

Abstract: The present invention provides a suspension link assembly for use in interconnecting a suspension member to frame structure in a motor vehicle, and which finds particular application in rear independent suspension systems. The suspension link assembly includes an elongated extension rail and a tie rod assembly. The extension rail is a stamped component defining a generally U-shaped cross-section. The extension rail has a first end adapted to be pivotably connected to the frame structure and a second end defining an open-ended socket. The tie rod assembly includes a housing defining an annular cavity and a shank, and ball joint retained in the housing cavity and adapted for pivotable connection to the suspension member. The shank of the tie rod housing is slidably inserted into the socket of the extension rail. Once the desired length of the suspension link assembly is determined, the shank is rigidly secured in the socket, such as by a welding operation.

Abstract: A suspension for a motor vehicle including an end link for interconnecting a stabilizer bar to a movable suspension. The end link includes a pair of ball and socket assemblies each having one end attached to either the stabilizer bar or the suspension member, with the opposite end of each ball and socket assembly being attached to one another.

Abstract: The present invention provides a suspension assembly including a pair of end links which interconnect the opposite ends of a stabilizer bar to a pair of suspension members. The stabilizer bar has a central segment and arm segments extending from each end of the central segment. The end links interconnect the distal ends of the arm segments to the suspension members. Each distal end of the arm segments includes an axial bore formed therein which is adapted to receive a stud extending from each end link. The stud cooperates with the axial bore to provide a secure attachment between the stabilizer bar and the end link. The axial bore may be internally threaded to receive external threads formed on the stud of the end link. As such, this threaded arrangement permits the stabilizer bar to be attached to the end link quickly and easily and with a minimum of components.

Abstract: The present invention provides a suspension assembly including a pair of end links which interconnect the opposite ends of a stabilizer bar to a pair of suspension members. The stabilizer bar has a central segment and arm segments extending from each end of the central segment. The end links interconnect the distal ends of the arm segments to the suspension members. Each distal end of the arm segments includes an axial bore formed therein which is adapted to receive a stud extending from each end link. The stud cooperates with the axial bore to provide a secure attachment between the stabilizer bar and the end link. The axial bore may be internally threaded to receive external threads formed on the stud of the end link. As such, this threaded arrangement permits the stabilizer bar to be attached to the end link quickly and easily and with a minimum of components.

Abstract: A low lash idler arm assembly includes upper and lower bushings which are provided for supporting a hub of an idler arm on a support member. The assembly uses the engagement of a flange nut onto the support member to axially position the bushings in their final position.

Abstract: A preloaded pivot joint has a threaded ball seat that is screwed into an open end of the joint housing to adjust the axial load on the ball stud and consequent torque characteristics. The adjusted position of the ball seat is then maintained by swaging the joint housing inwardly to engage a hexagonal portion of the ball seat that is used to screw the ball seat into the housing.