Abstract: Front-axle bracket (1) for motor vehicles, in which in each case two receptacles or recesses (5, 6) for the bearings for the swivel mounting of in each case one of two wheel control elements (7), such as the wishbone or A-arm, and the receptacles (18, 19, 20) for the securing of the front-axle bracket are provided as a premanufactured unit together with preassembled assemblies on the vehicle body, and at least some of the receptacles or recesses listed below for the securing of the steering mechanism (13) the securing of the stabilizer (15) the mounting of a hinged column (14), and the front-axle bracket is produced in the form of a light-metal component which is integral with said receptacles or recesses and connects them to one another.

Abstract: A lower part structure in a vehicle body rear part has a rear suspension frame disposed in rear of a fuel tank and in front of a spare tire and has a mechanism for causing jump up of the rear part of the spare tire under load application from the vehicle rear. The lower part structure is configured so that the center in the vertical direction of the front part of the spare tire is located so as to lap on the extension line of vertical width of a frame in the vehicle width direction of the rear suspension frame, and when the spare tire is moved to the vehicle front by a load applied from the vehicle rear, the spare tire comes into contact with the rear suspension frame directly or indirectly, whereby the rear part of the spare tire is pushed up with the rear suspension frame side being the center, and is turned in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A front-axle bracket for motor vehicles has two accommodations spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal vehicle direction in each instance for the bearing locations for pivoting mounting of one or two wheel guide elements, in each instance, such as transverse control arms or A-arms, accommodations for attachment of the front-axle bracket as a pre-finished unit, together with pre-assembled assemblies, on the vehicle body, and at least individual ones of accommodations for attachment of the steering gear mechanism, for attachment of the stabilizer, and for mounting of a pendulum support. The front-axle bracket is produced as a component that is in one piece with these accommodations and connects them with one another. At least individual ones of the accommodations are integrated into the front-axle bracket by way of rod-shaped connecting elements, in framework-like manner.

Abstract: A trailer having a forward frame section, a rearward frame section, and two trailing arm suspension links forming an independent suspension system without a unitary cross axle. The trailing arm suspension links further include (i) a pivot joint connected to the forward frame section, (ii) a wheel hub assembly including a spindle; and (iii) a shock mount including a bracket position rearward of the spindle. The shock absorbing mechanism has a first end pivotally connected to the shock mount and a second end pivotally connected to the rear frame section rearward of the shock mount.

Abstract: A sub-frame (1) of an automobile includes a pair of a front width direction member (2) and a rear width direction member (3) extending in a vehicle width direction, a pair of front-back direction members (4, 5) extending in a vehicle front-back direction, connecting members (6, 7) for connecting between a lower arm supporting part (11) of the front width direction member (2) and the rear width direction member (3), and a pair of linking brackets (8, 9) for respectively linking between an upper arm supporting part (10) of the front width direction member (2) and the pair of front-back direction members (4, 5). According to this, it is possible to achieve weight saving while maintaining rigidity in the front-back direction.

Abstract: A structural component for a rear frame structure of a motor vehicle is provided with a mounting zone suitably designed for the mounting of a rear axle, more preferably of the twist-beam axle type, a first support zone suitably designed for supporting a suspension spring of the rear axle, a second support zone suitably designed for supporting a shock absorber of the rear axle, and at least one fastening zone suitably designed for fastening the structural component to the rear frame structure. In addition, it extends to an assembly consisting of a rear axle with structural components fastened thereto, a rear frame structure of a motor vehicle with such structural components, and a motor vehicle equipped accordingly.

Abstract: An independent rear suspension kit includes first and second mounting brackets configured to be fastened to a chassis of a vehicle, a cross-member interconnecting the first and second brackets, a differential housing supported by the cross-member, first and second upper control arms pivotably coupled to the cross-member, first and second lower control arms pivotably coupled to the differential housing, a first upright pivotably coupled to the first upper control arm and the first lower control arm, and a second upright pivotably coupled to the second upper control arm and the second lower control arm.

Abstract: A front-axle bracket for motor vehicles has two accommodations spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal vehicle direction in each instance for the bearing locations for pivoting mounting of one of two wheel guide elements, in each instance, such as transverse control arms or A-arms, accommodations for attachment of the front-axle bracket as a pre-finished unit, together with pre-assembled assemblies, on the vehicle body, and at least individual ones of accommodations for attachment of the steering gear mechanism, for attachment of the stabilizer, and for mounting of a pendulum support. The front-axle bracket is produced as a component that is in one piece with these accommodations and connects them with one another.

Abstract: In a suspension structure, a suspension link has a hollow structure in which a pair of frame brackets are joined together, while opposing each other. Also provided is a stiffening bracket integrally connected to both the frame brackets for holding and sandwiching the frame brackets together. The stiffening bracket is configured to hold and sandwich both an end face of a first one of the frame brackets facing apart from the mating face with the second frame bracket and an end face of the second frame bracket facing apart from the mating face with the first frame bracket together. One end of a stabilizer, a height sensor, or the like is connected to the stiffening bracket.

Abstract: A wheel suspension for motor vehicles includes at least one wheel guide element which is articulated both on an auxiliary frame that can be connected to the body of the motor vehicle and on a wheel carrier, a suspension and damping system as well as a steering system for the wheel. To achieve a universally applicable wheel suspension using identical parts, the auxiliary frame for each wheel suspension is designed as an independent modular frame, on which the a wheel guide element(s) is/are articulated, on which the suspension and damping system is supported, and on which at least one actuator is arranged directly or indirectly for actuating the suspension and damping system and/or the steering system and thus for setting predetermined wheel-specific wheel guidance and/or steering parameters.

Abstract: A front-axle bracket for motor vehicles has two accommodations spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal vehicle direction in each instance for the bearing locations for pivoting mounting of one or two wheel guide elements, in each instance, such as transverse control arms or A-arms, accommodations for attachment of the front-axle bracket as a pre-finished unit, together with pre-assembled assemblies, on the vehicle body, and at least individual ones of accommodations for attachment of the steering gear mechanism, for attachment of the stabilizer, and for mounting of a pendulum support. The front-axle bracket is produced as a component that is in one piece with these accommodations and connects them with one another. At least individual ones of the accommodations are integrated into the front-axle bracket by way of rod-shaped connecting elements, in framework-like manner.

Abstract: A suspension system for use on off-road trailers may be an independent air suspension system that may provide ample wheel travel and stability to keep the wheels on the ground through rough and uneven terrain. Conventional suspension systems may lack adequate wheel travel, may bounce too much, or may not be soft enough. The suspension system of the present invention may use an air bag to normalize the suspension for varying weights of the trailer load, allowing proper suspension for both heavy and light loads.

Abstract: A rear suspension spring support structure enables a rear side member to have an improved rigidity, and thus driving stability is improved. The rear suspension spring support structure has a rear cross member connected to a rear side member with a rear cross member extension being interposed therebetween. An extending portion, on a vehicle lateral side, of the rear cross member extension passes under the rear side member and extends to the vehicle lateral side of the rear side member. The extending portion is welded to a lower surface of the rear side member and a side surface of the vehicle lateral side. A coil spring bracket for receiving an upper end portion of the coil spring is joined to a lower surface of the rear cross member extension.

Abstract: An integrated vehicular suspension and differential mounting structure includes a metal base frame which supports a differential support member having a body formed of a resin or composite material. The differential support member further includes integrated annular collars having a central portion formed of a metal and a peripheral portion formed of resin or rubber. The peripheral portion of the collars are integrated with the resin or composite body of the differential support member. The base frame may further include a bracket for supporting the differential support member and a bracket for mounting an associated suspension system. The bracket for supporting the differential support member may be integrally formed with the bracket for mounting the associated suspension system.

Abstract: A sub-frame mount for a suspension may include a frame structure having an upper plate and a lower plate, a front mounting portion provided at a front portion of the frame structure, and connected to a vehicle body through a first mount bolt, and a rear mounting portion provided at a rear portion of the frame structure, and connected to the vehicle body through a second mount bolt, wherein the respective rear mounting portion includes, a first hole formed at the upper plate, a second hole corresponding to the first hole and formed at the lower plate, width of the second hole corresponding approximately to the width of the body of the second mount bolt, and a third hole connected to the second hole so that a head of the second mount bolt can pass through the third hole.

Abstract: An integrated steering gear, frame structure and engine mount base for a vehicle includes an elongate, generally hollow housing having at least one mounting portion at each of opposing ends. A steering gear including a steering gear input and a pair of opposingly-oriented tie rods is assembled within the hollow housing such that the steering gear input and the tie rods extend from the interior of the housing. An engine mount base is integrated into the housing. The integrated steering gear, frame structure and engine mount base is mountable to a vehicle support frame to function as a subframe member of the support frame.

Abstract: A front-axle bracket for motor vehicles has two accommodations spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal vehicle direction in each instance for the bearing locations for pivoting mounting of one of two wheel guide elements, in each instance, such as transverse control arms or A-arms, accommodations for attachment of the front-axle bracket as a pre-finished unit, together with pre-assembled assemblies, on the vehicle body, and at least individual ones of accommodations for attachment of the steering gear mechanism, for attachment of the stabilizer, and for mounting of a pendulum support. The front-axle bracket is produced as a component that is in one piece with these accommodations and connects them with one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to an axle bracket for the rear axle of a motor vehicle, as an assembled structural unit comprising a single profiled transversal carrier (1) and consoles (2, 3) fixed to the end regions of the structural unit. Said consoles are each provided with molded binding positions (A, B; C, D; E; F; G, H) for at least three of the following units—the upper transverse links (6), the lower transverse links (4), the track rods (5), and the spring or damping unit (7)—and each comprise at least two molded binding positions (G, H) for attaching the axle bracket to the bodywork.

Abstract: A carrier housing for receiving a drive shaft that is drivingly coupled to a drive axle is provided, where the carrier housing is also connected to a sub-frame. To provide an adjustable relationship between the carrier housing and the sub-frame, the carrier housing further comprises a cover gear that may be removably coupled to a ring gear, which is attached to the sub-frame. By removing either the cover gear or the ring gear, the carrier housing may be repositioned with respect to the sub-frame.

Abstract: A front-axle bracket for motor vehicles has two accommodations spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal vehicle direction in each instance for the bearing locations for pivoting mounting of one of two wheel guide elements, in each instance, such as transverse control arms or A-arms, accommodations for attachment of the front-axle bracket as a pre-finished unit, together with pre-assembled assemblies, on the vehicle body, and at least individual ones of accommodations for attachment of the steering gear mechanism, for attachment of the stabilizer, and for mounting of a pendulum support. The front-axle bracket is produced as a component that is in one piece with these accommodations and connects them with one another.

Abstract: A suspension system for off-road vehicles that replaces the original suspension system and comprises an upper bracket and a bottom bracket that have a unique and innovative design and include holes that enable to attach the brackets using the original holes in the vehicle's chassis and axle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wheel suspension system for a motor vehicle, having a lower link for the fastening of a wheel which is coupled to a chassis underframe and is supported on the body via a spring. The chassis underframe is mounted on the body via elastic bearings and has an annular mounting on which the spring plate of the spring is supported before the wheel suspension system is installed. In the fitted state, the spring plate is pressed out of the mounting by the body and is therefore decoupled from the chassis underframe.

Abstract: A rear axle/suspension module (18) is associated with a chassis frame (10) in a way that facilitates installation and removal to provide more efficient assembly plant operations with fewer parts and less floor space. Also provided is a method of re-equipping a truck that has one particular model of drive axle and suspension module with a different model.

Abstract: Disclosed is a suspension subframe structure of a vehicle, which is capable of improving the overall rigidity of a suspension subframe to effectively receive input loads from suspension arms, while reducing the overall weight of the suspension subframe.

Abstract: A carrier housing for receiving a drive shaft that is drivingly coupled to a drive axle is provided, where the carrier housing is also connected to a sub-frame. To provide an adjustable relationship between the carrier housing and the sub-frame, the carrier housing further comprises a cover gear that may be removably coupled to a ring gear, which is attached to the sub-frame. By removing either the cover gear or the ring gear, the carrier housing may be repositioned with respect to the sub-frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a front axle bracket for a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A track frame in which stress concentration caused by a work load is avoided and that has increased strength. These are achieved by reducing the weigh of connection legs and providing sufficient welding length for joint surfaces for joining the connection legs. The track frame has a front and rear pair of left/right connection legs (61, 71) joined to a center frame (30) and side frames (7) to connect the center and side frames (30, 7). Each of the connection legs (61, 71) has a body part (62, 72) formed in a tubular shape, a center joint part (63, 73) formed at one opening edge of the body part (62, 72) and joined to the center frame (30), and a side joint part (64, 74) formed at the other opening edge of the body part (62, 72) and joined to a side frame (7). The center joining parts (63, 73) are flush with or projected from the upper surface of the center frame (30).

Abstract: Front vehicle body structure (10) includes a front sub frame (16) disposed under and fixedly connected to left and right side frames (11, 12), and a steering gear box (18) is mounted on the front sub frame to extend transversely along the width of the vehicle body. The body structure also has support portions (44, 45, 46) provided in left-right symmetrical arrangement on the front sub frame, and the steering gear box is mounted on the support portions via respective bushes.

Abstract: The invention relates to an auxiliary frame (1) for multi-link rear axles of motor vehicles, comprising two lateral auxiliary frame parts (B) which are embodied at least approximately in a V-shaped manner in such an arrangement that the vertexes (6, 7) thereof face each other and are joined to each other via a central auxiliary frame part (C) that extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The lateral auxiliary frame parts and the central auxiliary frame part are configured as hollow profiled members while the lateral auxiliary frame parts are provided with at least three of the following receptacles or recesses: the top transverse link; the bottom transverse link; the stabilizer; the longitudinal links; the fixture of the auxiliary frame to the vehicle body.

Abstract: In a method of making a subframe of a motor vehicle profile elements made of hollow sections of steel are placed in a casting tool. Subsequently, aluminum material is filled into the casting tool to casting around the profile elements so as to form plural cast nodes on the profile elements in spaced-apart relationship.

Abstract: An assembly support has a supporting element which is connected to the vehicle body and has an upper shell with a connected closing plate, and reinforcing bars are arranged in the region of fastening openings between the upper shell and the closing plate. A bridge support is connected to the supporting element, the bridge support is held with free limb ends in bearing eyes of the supporting element, and a bearing spindle for a transmission bearing being arranged between the bearing eyes.

Abstract: A vehicle independent suspension for a double-wishbone high link axle has on each wheel side, a wheel carrier which is mounted by at least one lower link and at least one upper link in the form of a transverse or diagonal link, on an assembly frame that is fastened to the vehicle frame. The assembly frame comprises two longitudinal members and two cross members that are fixedly connected in a force-fitting or materially joined fashion to the longitudinal members. The rear cross member is extended upward forming a link carrier for the upper link or mounting the link carrier in a dimensionally rigid manner by a support element. For each longitudinal member, a further link carrier for the upper link is arranged between the cross members; and said further link carrier engages in each case around the closest longitudinal member in a form-fitting or force-fitting or materially joined fashion.

Abstract: A saddle-ride type four-wheeled vehicle has a structure that ensures a sufficient clearance between a shock absorber and a front rod of an upper arm supporting front wheels, and also achieves satisfactory frame strength. The body frame of the saddle-ride type four-wheeled vehicle includes a lower frame extending below an engine to the rear of the vehicle. The body frame includes a front frame which is made of aluminum or aluminum alloy and located above the lower frame. In the front frame, pairs of arm-supporting portions which are spaced away from each other in a front-rear direction and support the front rods and a rear rods of the upper arms, and shock-absorber-supporting portions which are situated above the arm-supporting portions and support upper ends of the shock absorbers, are provided. The front frame has, at a forefront of the front frame, an extending portion extending obliquely upward and rearward from a lower end of the extending portion connected to the lower frame.

Abstract: The subframe contains a framework which is cast as a single part and has profiled hollow members for the longitudinal and cross members. The cross members are connected to each other via supporting pillars at the corners, or are integrally formed on the supporting pillars. Arms which protrude outward are integrally formed on the supporting pillars or on the longitudinal and cross members, the end sides of which arms have connecting bearings toward the vehicle body. A differential is held on the two cross members, the differential having one mounting on the front cross member and two mountings on the rear cross member. The longitudinal members have a curved passage opening for the drive shafts of the differential. Mountings for wheel guiding links are arranged on the outside of the longitudinal member.

Abstract: The invention relates to an auxiliary frame (1) for multi-link rear axles of motor vehicles, comprising two lateral auxiliary frame parts (B) which are embodied at least approximately in a V-shaped manner in such an arrangement that the vertexes (6, 7) thereof face each other and are joined to each other via a central auxiliary frame part (C) that extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The lateral auxiliary frame parts and the central auxiliary frame part are configured as hollow profiled members while the lateral auxiliary frame parts are provided with at least three of the following receptacles or recesses: the top transverse link; the bottom transverse link; the stabilizer; the longitudinal links; the fixture of the auxiliary frame to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A modular suspension system for automobiles and trucks. The present invention relates to a suspension system which is both modular in design and specifically manufactured for high performance wheeled vehicles. This system has multiple modular parts which enable the system to function in various makes and models of vehicles. The modular aspects of this system also enable the cradle to be removable so that the engine and transmission of the vehicle can be easily reached. The modular aspects also allow this system to be set-up with a traditional shock configuration or with a rocker set-up shock system.

Abstract: An integrated steering gear, frame structure and engine mount base for a vehicle includes an elongate, generally hollow housing having at least one mounting portion at each of opposing ends. A steering gear including a steering gear input and a pair of opposingly-oriented tie rods is assembled within the hollow housing such that the steering gear input and the tie rods extend from the interior of the housing. An engine mount base is integrated into the housing. The integrated steering gear, frame structure and engine mount base is mountable to a vehicle support frame to function as a subframe member of the support frame.

Abstract: A rear vehicle body structure includes left and right auxiliary members each connected at the front end to the underside of the respective left or right front floor frame and connected at the rear end to the respective left or right rear-suspension mounting section. Each of the left and right auxiliary members is generally in the form of a circular-section pipe and has a pipe section of a circular sectional shape and a flattened section formed on a front end portion of the pipe section. The flattened section has an upper surface portion flattened downwardly and has a lower surface portion having a central region flattened concavely upwardly along the axis of the auxiliary member.

Abstract: A motor vehicle front subframe includes a pair of main longitudinal beams each formed from an extrusion with a flange casting at the rear end and a suspension tower at the other end. Two lower longitudinal beams extend parallel to the main longitudinal beams and are connected by a cross member. Each lower longitudinal beam has a horizontal front flange where it is attached to a corresponding flange face at the lower end of the adjacent suspension tower. Two intermediate longitudinal beams are attached to the suspension towers and to a main cross-member and forward are two crush cans to which is attached a bumper armature. The vehicle has a body with a passenger compartment and vertical pillars just forward of the passenger compartment. Suitable bolts or set screws are then inserted to secure the front subframe to the body and the rear subframe is attached to the body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a trailing arm mounting device for a vehicle with a small-sized frame, in which mounting assembly that connects small-sized frame and the trailing arm and has a limit on the weight and cross-section by reducing the size of frame expands the fixing portion for small-sized frame, such that the fastening force to the mounting assembly is increased and the dynamic stiffness of the trailing arm used for small-sized frame is also increased.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has a rear axle cross member, from which two diagonal struts project forward in a V-shape, which diagonal struts are connected with their front end in each case to a vehicle longitudinal member. Here, it is important that an annular, closed stiffening structure is provided behind the rear axle cross member as viewed in the direction of travel. The stiffening structure is supported with its front end on the rear axle cross member and with its rear end, via struts which project rearward in a V-shape, on rear vehicle longitudinal members.

Abstract: Triangular left and right load transmission members each have a first arm interconnecting a front sub frame and a left or right rear frame, a second arm interconnecting the front sub frame and a left or right side sill, and a third arm interconnecting the left or right side sill and the left or right rear frame. The transmission members each transmit an impact load from the front sub frame to the left or right rear frame via the first arm and to the left or right side sill via the second arm. A cross member spans between the side sills and fixedly connected to the rear frames. Left and right rigid areas are formed by the transmission members, cross member and right rear frames.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for locating a subframe to a vehicle body having a control hole. The device comprises a pin attached to the subframe and extending toward the vehicle body when the subframe is positioned for mounting to the vehicle body. The pin is adapted to engage the control hole to precisely align the subframe and the vehicle body. The invention also relates to a method for locating a subframe to a vehicle body having a control hole. The method comprises providing a pin on the subframe that extends toward the vehicle body when the subframe is positioned for mounting to the vehicle body, and engaging the pin with the control hole to precisely align the subframe and the vehicle body.

Abstract: A suspension member for connecting a vehicle body and a suspension device that comprises a pair of side members that extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body and are located symmetrically relative to the center in the transverse direction of the vehicle body, and cross members interconnecting the pair of side members and extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle body. The suspension member is formed by press-molding only after flat plate-like side members and cross members are welded in butt joints.

Abstract: A conversion assembly for enabling or improving wheelchair accessibility to a front-wheel-drive vehicle, wherein said assembly comprises rear suspension mountings for fixing to the structure of the vehicle in place of an existing rear suspension such that a portion of a floorpan of the vehicle of sufficient width to accommodate the width of a wheelchair can be lowered between said rear suspension mountings. A method of converting a front-wheel-drive vehicle to enable or improve wheelchair accessibility to the vehicle, the method including the steps of removing an existing rear suspension from the vehicle, installing rear suspension mountings to the vehicle, one at each side of the structure of the vehicle, and lowering a portion of the floorpan of the vehicle between said rear suspension mountings.

Abstract: A carrier housing for receiving a drive shaft that is drivingly coupled to a drive axle is provided, where the carrier housing is also connected to a sub-frame. To provide an adjustable relationship between the carrier housing and the sub-frame, the carrier housing further comprises a cover gear that may be removably coupled to a ring gear, which is attached to the sub-frame. By removing either the cover gear or the ring gear, the carrier housing may be repositioned with respect to the sub-frame.

Abstract: A front cross member 202 of a rear subframe 53 has a recessed portion 221 which is recessed continuously over a longitudinal direction thereof. The recessed portion 221 is formed at a lower portion of the cross member 202 and is recessed upwardly, and an elastic bush 240 is fitted in a resulting recess. The elastic bush 240 has an elastic element 243 which connects together an inner tube 241 and an outer tube 242 which surrounds the inner tube 231 and is mounted on the rear subframe 53 at the recessed portion 221 as a bracket. The bracket 221 has bracket plate portions 263a, 263b which each have a plane which is brought into contact with an end face of the inner tube and folded-back portions 235, 235. The bracket 221 is disposed in such a manner as to hold therein both ends of the inner tube 241 and is configured such that the elastic bush 240 is mounted thereon by passing a bolt 224 through the inner tube 241.

Abstract: A pressure chamber of a gas spring damping unit is arranged within the cross section of a longitudinal beam in a motor vehicle body. For this purpose, a tubular connecting piece that is closed by a cover is welded into the longitudinal beam. A piston of the gas spring damping unit is arranged in longitudinally displaceable manner in the connecting piece. The space occupied by the gas spring damping unit is thereby kept particularly small.

Abstract: A structure for a motor vehicle front end assembly includes a mini-cradle having mounted thereon a suspension arm for each wheel of the front end assembly. The suspension arm has the shape of a boomerang. The supporting end of the suspension arm is coupled to a wheel. A front articulation end (point A) and a rear articulation end of the arm are coupled to the mini-cradle. The mini-cradle has a body and two side rails that extend towards the vehicle front. The two side rails are coupled, via a coupling unit, to a side member of the vehicle in a zone located forward, relative to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, of point A of the suspension arm. The coupling unit includes at least one hollow body allowing a through screwing unit to couple the rail with the side member.

Abstract: Provided is a wood splitter comprising a support element, a first elongated element, a second elongated element, and wood splitting components. A support element may comprise a first elongated element and a second elongated element engaged to said first elongated element. The a first elongated element may be subject to a first pre-stress load. The first pre-stress load may comprise a first moment. The a second elongated element may be engaged to the first elongated element and may be subject to a second pre-stress load. Wood splitting components may be engaged with at least one of a first elongated element or a second elongated element, may be adapted to operate to split wood, and may be adapted to apply an operational load during operation to the first elongated element. The operational load may at least partially relax the first moment.