Abstract: A steer axle assembly for an axle including a first steering component, a second steering component, and a movable joint assembly coupled to the first steering component and the second steering component. The movable joint is configured for axial movement and rotational movement to provide for relative movement between the first and second steering components. The first steering component is produced from a first material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion. The second steering component is produced from a second material having a second coefficient of thermal expansion, wherein the second coefficient of thermal expansion is different from the first coefficient of thermal expansion.

Abstract: Provided is a steering apparatus 1 including: a wheel 2; and a steering unit 5 configured to steer the wheel 2, the steering apparatus 1 being fixable to a vehicle body, wherein the steering unit 5 includes: a steering drive source (an electric motor incorporated in an electric motor unit 61) configured to steer the wheel 2 with a steering rotation axis 63a as an axis, the steering rotation axis 63a being a rotation axis when the wheel 2 is steered; and a manual toe angle adjustment mechanism 7 different from the steering drive source, the manual toe angle adjustment mechanism 7 enabling a toe angle of the wheel 2 to be manually adjusted around the steering rotation axis 63a.

Abstract: A fork leg for rotating a wheel of a motor vehicle is provided with a fastening flange for the coaxial, torque-proof fastening of a steering rod, an extension region protruding from the fastening flange substantially perpendicularly to the steering axis for bridging a lateral distance to the wheel, a coupling point for the articulated connection of a rocker which is connected to the wheel and a connection piece which is connected integrally to the extension region and to the coupling point, wherein the connection piece is shaped to accommodate a large steering angle.

Abstract: A wheel bearing including at least one inner ring. In order to achieve a greater efficiency, the inner ring forms an outer ring of a tripod constant-velocity joint. The wheel bearing may further include an outer ring and two rolling-element rows including a first rolling-element row and a second rolling-element row.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric adjusting device for a disc brake, comprising a brake disc and a brake caliper of a vehicle for adjusting the wear of brake linings. The electric adjusting device comprises a motor, a force transmission device, a sensor unit and an actuating unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for a vehicle is provided that has an axle with an axis. A spindle sleeve with a spindle sleeve inner surface axis coaxial with the axis of the axle is present, along with a spindle sleeve outer surface axis that is not coaxial with the axis of the axle. The spindle sleeve has an inner surface and an outer surface. A sleeve washer is present along with a bearing that has an inner race, an outer race, and a roller. The inner race has an inner surface and a front surface in which the front surface is located forward of the inner surface in a lateral direction. The inner race has a curved surface that extends from the front surface to the inner surface, and the sleeve washer engages the front surface. The apparatus also includes a retainer that engages the spindle sleeve and the curved surface.

Abstract: A suspension system of a vehicle includes: an unsprung mass of a vehicle; a sprung mass of the vehicle; at least one transverse leaf spring coupled between the unsprung mass of the vehicle and the sprung mass of the vehicle; and a linear actuator coupled in parallel with the at least one transverse leaf spring between the unsprung mass of the vehicle and the sprung mass of the vehicle and configured to modify vibrational characteristics of the vehicle.

Abstract: A steering system for a vehicle is provided. The steering system has a handlebar assembly and a steering column assembly connected to the handlebar assembly. The handlebar assembly includes a first conical surface and a first angular position limiter. The steering column assembly includes a second conical surface mated with the first conical surface, and a second angular position limiter configured to engage the first angular position limiter to limit an angular position of the handlebar assembly relative to the steering column assembly about a steering axis of the steering system. A compression element engages the handlebar assembly and the steering column assembly to compress the first and second conical surfaces against one another in order to fix the handlebar assembly to the steering column assembly. A plurality of linkages is configured to operatively connect the steering column assembly to at least one ground-engaging member of the vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating movement of a patient transport apparatus. The patient transport apparatus has a support structure and a patient support surface. Caster assemblies are coupled to the support structure to roll about a roll axis and swivel about a swivel axis. A control system is configured to control brake mechanisms, steer-lock mechanisms, and pre-swivel mechanisms of the caster assemblies based on one or more inputs.

Abstract: A multi-piece spool includes a first spool piece and a second spool piece. The first spool piece is configured to receive a first axle. The second spool piece is configured to receive a second axle. The first spool piece is configured to attach to the second spool piece where the first spool piece and the second spool piece are rotationally affixed about a longitudinal axis created through the first axle and the second axle. Wherein, the multi-piece spool is configured for locking the first axle with the second axle for rotating the first axle and the second axle together when the first spool piece is attached to the second spool piece.

Abstract: A hub unit is provided with a hub made of an aluminum alloy for plastic processing, which forms, in a single piece, an axially extending cylindrical portion and a radial flange; two bearing rings are mounted axially aligned around the cylindrical portion, an axially inner edge of the cylindrical portion is plastically deformed in a radially outer direction against the axially inner bearing ring.

Abstract: In a wheel support device, a through-hole is formed so as to pass through a hub spindle in its axial direction, an outer ring shaft portion passed through the through-hole is formed in the outer ring, a first connecting portion of which the inner diameter gradually increases toward an axial outer side is formed in the inner periphery of the hub spindle, which defines the through-hole, a second connecting portion that is arranged radially inward of the first connecting portion and of which the outer diameter gradually increases toward the axial outer side is formed in the outer ring shaft portion so as to correspond to the first connecting portion, and the first connecting portion and the second connection portion have spline teeth that mesh with each other.

Abstract: A hub unit includes a hub of light material forming a cylindrical portion, a flange and a radial recess having a surface facing the flange, and two bearing rings axially aligned around the cylindrical portion of the hub; a sleeve locking device is radially interposed between the cylindrical portion of the hub and the bearing rings, and comprises a retaining portion engaged in the radial recess of the hub, a terminal edge which preloads the bearing rings, and one or two cuts extending in an axial direction.

Abstract: A vehicle comprises a transaxle, a battery and a load carrying bed. The transaxle includes a casing incorporating a drive train and supporting an axle and includes an electric motor mounted on the casing to drive the axle via the drive train. The battery is provided for supplying electric power to the electric motor. The transaxle and the battery are disposed below the load carrying bed so as to overlap the load carrying bed when viewed in plan.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly comprising —an axle (1), —a steering pivot (2) mounted on the axle (1), —a wheel spindle (3) mounted on the pivot (2), —a hydraulic motor and a wheel mounted on said spindle (3), such that the spindle (3) is pivotally mounted relative to the axle (1), the axle (1), the spindle (3) and the pivot (2) being provided with communicating hydraulic pipes to supply the hydraulic motor with fluid, the hydraulic pipes being arranged in the axle (1), the pivot (2) and the spindle, the pivot (2) comprising a shaft member fitted in the axle (1) about which the spindle (3) is fitted, the axle (1) and the spindle (3) each comprising grooves connected respectively to the hydraulic pipes of the axle (1) and the spindle (3) in such a way as to form the rotating joint with the hydraulic pipes of the pivot (2).

Abstract: A transaxle assembly is provided which is configured to be mounted to a frame of a vehicle. The transaxle assembly includes a transmission that has two separately attached pivotable knuckle assemblies. Each pivotable knuckle assembly can be independently steered and includes an axle driven by the transmission. Each axle drives a wheel of the vehicle. In another configuration, the two pivotable knuckle assemblies are joined by an integrally formed crossmember.

Abstract: A steerable vehicle knuckle has an inboard portion defining upper and lower arms, with a kingpin between them, and has an outboard portion defining a spindle that cooperates with a fluid driven motor. The arms define a cavity where an axle end portion is pivotally received. Fluid supply ports, which supply fluid to energize the motor, are located on an upper surface of the knuckle's inboard portion. Fluid drain lines extend within the knuckle from the motor to the cavity and are utilized to drain fluid from the motor. The supply ports and drain lines are each connected to separate hoses formed in a small arc that follows closely the circular curvature of the kingpin. This arrangement of port, lines, and hoses is less expensive to produce, easier to package, more robust, allows for faster steering reaction, and is easier to assemble than conventional arrangements.

Abstract: A vehicle (10) comprising a vehicle body, a suspension system coupled to the vehicle body, and a plurality of wheels (16) coupled to the suspension system comprising at least one pair of wheels, each wheel of the at least one pair of wheels being located on opposite sides of the vehicle. The suspension system comprises a changeable wheel track width for the at least one pair of wheels and the wheel track width is changeable between a narrow wheel track width setting (12) and a wide wheel track width setting (14) by pivoting a suspension link (18) about a vertical axis.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transaxle comprises: a motor casing; at least one hydraulic motor disposed in the motor casing; at least one output shaft disposed in the motor casing so as to be driven by the at least one hydraulic motor; and a pair of steerable wheel support units attached onto respective opposite ends of the motor casing. Each of the steerable wheel support units includes an axle, a steerable casing, a wheel, and a steering arm. In each of the steerable wheel support units, the axle is drivingly connected to the at least one output shaft, the steerable casing is substantially horizontally rotatable relative to the motor casing, the wheel is attached on an outer end of the axle outside of the steerable casing, and the steering arm is rotatably integrally provided on the steerable casing.

Abstract: A birdcage assembly for a high performance vehicle includes a birdcage having an opening defined by an inner periphery. The birdcage is secured to a rear suspension of the vehicle and is maintained in a substantially vertical position. The opening is intended to receive a vehicle axle therethough. The opening has a bearing located therein, which includes an inner race, an outer race, and a plurality of rollers disposed between the inner race and the outer race. The inner race of the bearing is in communication and rotates with the vehicle rear axle. Further, the bearing is moveable with respect to the birdcage such that as the axle deviates from an orientation parallel to ground, the bearing can move with respect to the birdcage away from a vertical position. The floating aspect of the bearing with respect to the birdcage minimizes side loads on the birdcage are thus prolongs the life of the bearing.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission comprising a vehicle chassis (10), a hub unit (20) for a driven wheel; a chassis mounted drive motor assembly (11) individual to the hub unit and pivoted to the chassis about an axis (12) passing through or adjacent to the center of gravity of the motor assembly; a shaft assembly connecting the drive motor assembly to a rotatable part (25) of the hub unit and comprising a shaft (31) connected to a fixed, constant-velocity, universal joint (26) at the outboard end of the shaft which is drivingly connected to the rotatable part of the hub unit; a wheel suspension (22, 23) connected between a non-rotatable part (21) of the hub unit and the chassis (10); and a rigid tube (19) connnecting the non-rotatable part of the hub unit to the motor assembly, the non-rotatable part (21) of the hub unit being pivotally mounted with respect tot the tube about the center of articulation of the universal joint and the shaft lying within said tube and being rigidly connected to the motor assembly.

Abstract: Mounted in a suspension upright for land vehicles, there is provided an arrangement comprising a constant velocity joint, a hub and two wheel bearings with provision for preload adjustment, wherein the CV joint's outer race proper is the inboard wheel bearing's inner race. The bearing raceway formed on the exterior surface of the CV joint's outer race proper is located so as to be in the general area occupied by the driven plane in line with the CV joint's flexural center, providing full end support to the CV joint itself, and concurrently bring about increased axial spacing between the inboard and outboard bearings. Having the CV joint's outer race proper thus integrated to the inboard wheel bearing, a robust hub assembly is provided, wherein the CV joint's flexural center can be placed more closely to the wheel center plane than is normally possible, making negative scrub radius with low kingpin inclination easily achievable.

Abstract: A steer axle for a heavy duty vehicle is provided including an axle assembly having an axle housing. A steer knuckle is connected to an end portion of the axle housing by king pins. The steer knuckle rotates relative to the axle housing about the king pins. A wheel end assembly including a brake drum and a pair of brake shoes is supported on an outer wall of the steer knuckle. Preferably, one end of a cam shaft is supported by the wheel end assembly, such as by a spindle. According to the present invention, the steer knuckle includes a boss extending from a portion of the steer knuckle. The boss includes a hole, and preferably, a bushing is received in the hole to support the other end of the cam shaft. Other brake components such as an air chamber, rod, and a brake adjuster are supported by the knuckle and connected to the cam shaft to rotate the cam shaft about its axis and force the brake shoes away from one another with a cam and into engagement with the brake drum.

Abstract: Motor vehicle wheel end assembly for a driving and steering axle of a motor vehicle including a constant velocity (CV) joint having an outside member or race which acts as a spindle and incorporates an outside diameter mounted bearing assembly which is retained by a snap ring in an outwardly extending snap ring groove located in a bore extending through the steering knuckle such that the outside diameter of the outside member or race of the constant velocity (CV) joint provides a pilot for a hub flange mounting member and a hub flange including a wheel on which the motor vehicle tire is mounted which is rotationally coupled to the hub flange mounting member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wheel end assembly wherein the constant velocity universal joint, the spindle, and the wheel flange are combined into an integral unit that is easy to install and service. The wheel end assembly comprises a steering knuckle including a bore, and a CV joint having an inner race coupled for rotation with an axle shaft. The CV joint includes an integral spindle supported for rotation within the bore of the steering knuckle by removable bearing assemblies. A wheel mounting flange is also formed integrally with the spindle and allows piloting of a non-offset brake rotor thereto. The wheel end assembly is less complex, lighter weight, and less expensive to manufacture. The arrangement also allows easier service and preload adjustment of the bearing assemblies.

Abstract: A wheel hub unit in which an inner ring of a rolling bearing acts as a wheel hub and is rigidly connected to an outer cap of a constant-velocity universal joint; the inner ring is formed by a first element having a first race for the rolling bodies and a sleeve-shaped connecting portion and a second annular element provided with a second race for the rolling bodies, which is fixed to a first length of the sleeve-shaped portion so as to be rigid for rotation therewith, the second element being in abutment with an axial shoulder of the first element adjacent the first race and being axially locked thereagainst by means of the plastic deformation of a stop member; the cap of the joint being coupled with a second, splined length of the sleeve-shaped portion on which it is axially snap engaged.

Abstract: A steering axle is disclosed which comprises a girder having a respective wheel hub spindle hinged to its opposed ends by means of two hinges. An elastic element, such as a Belleville washer, is fitted between the elements of one of the hinges for adjusting the backlash between the girder and the spindle.

Abstract: In an arrangement of a steerable rigid axle on a chassis of a tractor of modular construction, the rigid axle is spring-mounted with respect to the tractor chassis and is supported on its rear side via a propeller shaft tube swingable in a support bearing block on the side of the chassis, the arrangement includes an oil sump provided with a tunnel-like recess a support bearing block partially made in one piece with the oil sump.

Abstract: A steering yoke has coaxial spaced apart passages. A spindle connection supports a vehicle wheel for steering movement relative to the yoke about an axis corresponding with the axis of the passages. The spindle connection has upper and lower openings therethrough coaxial with the passages. A pair of ball joints interconnects the yoke and the spindle connection for relative rotational movement about the axis. A stud of one of the ball joints is located in a predetermined position in one of the passages. A stud of the other one of the ball joints is located in a position in the other one of the passages in response to positioning the stud of the one ball joint in the predetermined position. The stud of the one ball joint is secured in the predetermined position in the one passage in the yoke. The stud of the other ball joint is secured in the position in the other passage in the yoke. The position of the stud of the other ball joint depends upon the predetermined position of the stud of the one ball joint.

Abstract: An articulated drive system for an articulated motor vehicle having a motor and a steerable drive wheel on opposite sides of a pivot axis. The system comprises a drive belt connecting a drive pulley and a load pulley. Idler pulleys and a belt tensioning pulley are located within the circuit of the drive belt. The idler pulleys and belt tensioning device provide for self-centering of the steerable drive wheel when the pivoted vehicle is in a pivoted state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rear wheel suspension and steering system utilizing a rectilinear shape dead axle of the type wherein a differential mechanism is mounted directly to a vehicle body structure and delivers driving power to vehicle wheels supported by the dead axle and in such a way that the differential can move vertically relative to the dead axle. More specifically, the invention relates to a lightweight suspension system wherein the rear wheels are mounted upon the dead axle so as to be steerable relative thereto.

Abstract: A camber adjusting system for use on the steerable wheels in a closed knuckle steering system comprises eccentrically mounting the steering knuckle relative to the axle tube such that the camber angle of the steering knuckle is adjustable by rotation of the eccentric mounting between the knuckle and the axle tube until the desired camber angle is achieved.

Abstract: A rear wheel suspension and steering system utilizing a rectilinear shape dead axle of the type wherein a differential mechanism is mounted directly to a vehicle body so as to descend within the dead axle in such a way that the differential can move vertically relative to the dead axle. More specifically, the invention relates to a system whereby the rear wheels are mounted upon the dead axle so as to be steerable relative thereto.

Abstract: A two-wheeled, self-propelled and steerable vehicle especially designed for travel over varying terrain, including pavement, rough and rocky ground, under brush and areas dotted with water. The vehicle has a fore-and-aft body supported on front and rear wheels, both of which are steerable in unison in what may be termed articulated fashion as distinguished from so-called crab steering. Each of the wheels is steerable by a wheel mounting arrangement that eliminates the conventional fork and uses instead a split shaft and splined sleeve interconnection on which the wheel is journaled. Right and left links interconnect the sleeve respectively to proximate right and left fore-and-aft movable shaft carriers for controlling the position of the sleeve as the wheel is steered, thus increasing the range of steerability without increasing the width of the body within which the wheel is confined. Preferably, both wheels are powered by hydraulic motors.

Abstract: A planetary drive axle has an offset trunnion bracket to permit a steering actuator to move in a horizontal plane while the axle oscillates in a vertical plane. The differential-receiving bowl is machined on centerlines offset laterally and downward from the pinion and axle centerlines and from the trunnion centerline. A steer cylinder bracket is mounted on the bowl within a trunnion bearing downward from the trunnion centerline. As the body which is mounted on trunnion brackets oscillates around the trunnions, the steering actuator remains in the plane of the axle and clears the trunnion brackets.

Abstract: A four-wheel drive vehicle having straddle-type seating. A power train is located beneath the seat and between the footpegs of the vehicle, the engine employs parallel output shafts located on either side of the crankshaft to drive power transmission means to the front and rear axles. A speed change mechanism is contained within the engine case along with the output shafts and includes a first transmission shaft between the crankshaft and one of the output shafts. The arrangement of the frame is such that the upper portion of the frame is narrower than the lower portion of the frame for appropriate rider comfort and footpeg location. The wheels are located such that the front and rear tracks are substantially the same and diagonals between the wheel centers cross close to the center of gravity of the vehicle. The cushion assemblies of the vehicle are inclined to increase cushion stroke and the steering assembly is arranged with crossing tie bars for maximum steering control with minimum mechanical complexity.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for a motor vehicle including a bearing assembly rotatably mounting a wheel and a universal joint for driving the wheel. An inner bearing ring of the wheel assembly is fitted in rotative driving engagement with the outer joint member of the universal joint and an outer circumferential portion of the inner bearing ring is formed with a configuration generally corresponding with the configuration of an inner contour of the outer joint member to establish a form-fitted rotative driving connection between the universal joint and the bearing assembly. A securing ring is provided for maintaining the inner bearing ring and the outer joint member axially fixed relative to each other and the fitted connection is formed with interfitting recesses and projections.

Abstract: Wheel bearing with a built-in homokinetic coupling. The wheel bearing comprises a generally annular inner part, an outer race and two rows of rolling elements located between the outside running surfaces formed on the outer race and the inside running surfaces applied to the inner part. The outer race is equipped with a radially extending flange for the attachment of the bearing. The annular inner part is equipped with a radially extending flange to which the hub of a wheel can be attached. The inner part forms at the same time one unit with the outer ring of the homokinetic coupling. The flange of the inner part is extended with a brake element which forms the part to be braked of a braking mechanism so that the inner part of the bearing, the carrier flange for the wheel, the brake element and the outer ring of the homokinetic coupling form one homogeneous unit.

Abstract: In a vehicle in which a front swing frame is suspended vertically swingably from the front of a body frame and in which right and left side front wheels are journaled to both right and left sides of the swing frame in a steerable manner, a steering apparatus is coupled to a steering handle for steering operation of the front wheels, having a steering linkage and a steering shaft coupled to the steering handle as well as to the steering linkage through a lower steering joint, the center of the lower steering joint being disposed on a longitudinal axis of pivot shafts which support the swing frame on the body frame.

Abstract: A steered and driven axle-end assembly has a steering knuckle whose inside and outside halves are pivotal about an upright pivot axis. An axle extends into the inside knuckle half and is connected to the inner side of a universal joint whose outer side is connected to one end of a gear train whose other end is connected to a wheel support which is rotatable about a horizontal wheel axis on the outside knuckle half. A pair of roller bearings centered on the wheel axis are spaced axially apart therealong by a spacing which is equal to at most half of the axial distance through which the outside knuckle half extends into the wheel support. Thus the outside knuckle half and associated structure can pivot through a considerable angle relative to the inside knuckle half for minimum turning radius of a vehicle embodying the axle-end assembly.

Abstract: The hub assembly comprises a wheel flange, a transmission joint and a rolling bearing. The confronting radial surfaces of the flange and the inner race of the bearing are separated throughout their height by a gap and consequently do not bear against each other. The connection between these two elements is achieved by means of a circumferential weld. By means of such an arrangement, there is avoided a harmful heating of the rolling bearing and of the joint by transmission of heat from the wheel flange.

Abstract: A bearing arrangement for a driving wheel of a vehicle consisting of a rolling bearing and a shaft coupling, wherein the bearing rings of the rolling bearing have a flange for fastening the bearing arrangement to the vehicle frame and a flange for holding the wheel.In order to provide an economical construction and a simple assembly of the wheel bearing arrangement, which also has good shock absorbing characteristics, the driven part of the shaft coupling is preferably of a fiber-strengthened plastic material and is interconnected with an interference fit with the inner ring of the rolling bearing.

Abstract: An assembly of a bearing unit with inner and outer members and rolling elements between them and a universal joint member, with a retaining element which has been deformed to hold the members together and removal of which to permit dismantling of the assembly leaves at least one of the members undamaged and fit for further service. Torque transmission between the members may be by way of tapered splines.

Abstract: A support assembly for a motor vehicle wheel having an outer ring provided with a flange for fixing to a suspension strut for the wheel, an inner ring with a fixing flange for the wheel, and rolling elements which roll between the two rings, in which the inner ring is mounted on a shaft and is provided with oppositely directed conical surfaces cooperating with a conical surface formed on a shoulder of the shaft coaxially with respect to a cylindrical surface formed on the shaft itself and with a conical surface of a ring fitted over the cylindrical surface.

Abstract: A front engine - front wheel drive automobile having an engine located transversely of the automobile body and a differential gear unit which is sidewardly offset from the longitudinal center line of the automobile body. A left and right drive shafts extend from the differential gear unit to a left and right front wheels and have different lengths so that the drive shafts are inclined with respect to a horizontal plane by different angles. The wheel which is connected with the drive shaft with a larger inclination angle has a larger camber angle than the other wheel. The arrangement is effective to decrease the difference between turning moments about the left and right king pin axes due to the difference in inclination angles of the driving shafts.

Abstract: A steered and driven axle-end assembly has a steering knuckle whose inside and outside halves are pivotal about an upright pivot axis. An axle extends into the inside knuckle half and is connected to the inner side of a universal joint whose outer side is connected to one end of a gear train whose other end is connected to a wheel support which is rotatable about a horizontal wheel axis on the outside knuckle half. A pair of roller bearings centered on the wheel axis are spaced axially apart therealong by a spacing which is equal to at most half of the axial distance through which the outside knuckle half extends into the wheel support. Thus the outside knuckle half and associated structure can pivot through a considerable angle relative to the inside knuckle half for minimum turning radius of a vehicle embodying the axle-end assembly.

Abstract: This wheel hub assembly is intended for the driving set of wheels of a vehicle which may be steering wheels or otherwise. It comprises mainly a wheel flange, a transmission joint and a rolling bearing. The axial bearing surface between the flange and the inner race of the rolling bearing is limited to an annular ring of small radial dimension but of relatively large diameter. The section of the passage of the flow of heat between the flange and the race is thus substantially reduced.

Abstract: A housing assembly is disclosed having coacting first and second cover members enclosing a universal joint which drivingly connects drive and driven shafts of a steering drive axle. Each cover member has an inner spherical portion and an outer end portion. The spherical portions overlie and fit within each other while the end portion of one cover member is fixed to a wheel spindle and the end portion of the other cover member is resiliently connected to an axle housing. The resilient connection permits the cover member to float relative to the axle housing during steering to accomodate for runout between the wheel spindle and axle housing axes thus overcoming any tendency for the cover members to bind or become wedged with respect to each other.

Abstract: A driven steering shaft assembly especially for a planetary steering shaft is formed with a universal joint interposed between an axle shaft extending from a differential and a steering shaft for driving a wheel hub or the inner central gear of a planetary set, with the universal joint coupling the axle shaft and the steering shaft together. The universal joint includes an outer joint member coupled with one of the shafts and an inner joint member coupled with the other shaft. A sealing boot is operatively coupled to seal the interior of the universal joint and the sealing boot is releasably attached with the outer joint member of the universal joint. A neck portion of the sealing boot engages the steering shaft in releasable connection therewith but axially slideably movable relative thereto.

Abstract: A wheel suspension for driven wheels, especially rear wheels of a motor vehicle, by means of approximately triangular tilted control arms. Each of the control arms includes a longitudinal control arm and a transverse control arm, the transverse control arm is articulated on. The vehicle side opposite to the respectively associated wheel supported by the tilted control arm beyond a longitudinal center axis of the vehicle to the vehicle superstructure. A tilted control arm carries an axle gear mechanism connected to the wheel carried by this tilted control arm through a jointless shaft. The wheel of the other tilted control arm is connected to the axle gear mechanism through a jointed or universal shaft.