Abstract: A pivotal connection includes a pin through a bore in a carrier having an annular flange and annular groove at opposite ends, and opposing annular bearings having relative rotatable components fitted around the pin within the bore and abutting opposite sides of an annular member in the bore such that the pin is rotatable relative to the carrier. One bearing abuts a side of the flange and the other bearing is spaced from the groove so as to define an annular gap extending from the groove to the other bearing. The pivotal connection also includes a retainer member disposed in the groove and projecting therefrom and spaced by the gap from the other bearing and a series of shims and spacer positioned around the pin between the retainer member and other bearing so as to fill the gap to impose a predetermined preload on the bearings causing them to clamp therebetween the annular member in the carrier bore.

Abstract: An independent suspension system has a pair of control arms having inner ends which are attached to a vehicle body and outer ends which support a wheel hub therebetween. A ball joint interconnects each control arm with the wheel hub. Each ball joint has a ball pin rotatably mounted in an associated housing. A first threaded shank on the ball pin is bolted to one of the control arm and the wheel hub. A second threaded shank on the housing is bolted to the other of the control arm and the wheel hub. Thus each ball joint is a separate unit which is demountable from the control arm and wheel hub and can be installed without dismantling the ball joint. Conveniently also a threaded shank of the ball joint may screw into a complementary threaded socket in a control arm to allow adjustment of the effective length of the control arm.

Abstract: The present invention involves an integrated wheel end assembly for a wheel suspension of a motor vehicle. The integrated wheel end assembly comprises a rotor portion and a hub portion connected to the rotor portion. The rotor portion has a braking surface and an inside surface defining a center bore formed therethrough. The hub portion is disposed in the center bore circumferentially connected to the rotor portion and has inboard and outboard sides. The hub portion has a plurality of extensions radially extending therefrom to radially connect the rotor portion about the hub portion. The hub portion has an inner joint wall formed therethrough having a contour to define a joint bore for torque transfer about an axis. The hub portion has a collar extending from the inner joint wall at the inboard side. The collar has inner and outer sides. The outer side has an inboard inner raceway to house bearings. The inner side defines a receiving bore for rotation about the axis.

Abstract: A multi-piece steering knuckle having at least one boss which is adjustable in position along an axis of a king pin. More particularly, a steering knuckle including at least one boss having a threaded surface for threading to a mating surface of a yoke arm, the threaded surface allowing the boss to be selectively positioned along an axis of a king pin in a non-finite number of incremental positions. In another embodiment, a steering knuckle boss having an outwardly threaded surface for threading to a mating surface of a yoke arm and having, optionally, an inner wall composed of, at least in part, a nickel-aluminum bronze alloy.

Abstract: A front axle beam assembly is provided comprising a center beam portion having opposing first connections. Knuckles having second connections are secured to the first connections of the beam preferably by threaded fasteners. A spindle is pivotally supported on each knuckle by king pins. The center portion of the axle may be constructed from a material different than that of the knuckles. Moreover, the knuckles may be formed by a different process than that of the center axle portion. For example, the center portion may be constructed from an aluminum casting while the knuckles may be constructed from a steel forging. Different axle center portions may be selected depending on the desired track and suspension attachment points. Similarly, the knuckles may be selected to provide desired suspension attachment points for linkages, airbags, and/or leaf springs. The knuckles may be selected to achieve a desired axle beam drop.

Abstract: A lower double-joint front suspension system is provided which includes an upper suspension link and a pair of lower suspensions links for supporting a front wheel. The suspension system is adapted to provide a positive scrub radius for a front wheel when the front wheel is steered to serve as an inner wheel during cornering, which positive scrub radius increases with increase of turning of the front wheel away from a neutral position thereof. One of the lower suspension links, which is located in the rear of the other, has a connecting end portion at which it is connected to a vehicle body. The connecting end portion includes a resilient bushing which is less rigid in the width direction than in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. By this, when a braking force is applied to the steered inner front wheel during cornering, the resilient bushing is deformed in the width direction and inboard of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A support device for motor-vehicle wheel hubs adapted to be mounted between the hub and the body of the rear suspension, consisting of a connection element (12), rotatably connected to the body of the suspension and adapted to rotate on a plane which is basically perpendicular to the ground and parallel to the longer axis of the motor-vehicle, provided with attachments (15) for the hub (16) and connected to an elastic element (20), articulated on the body of the suspension (2, 3) and adapted to control its rotation.

Abstract: An independent vehicle suspension includes a knuckle assembly supported by control arms or links. The knuckle assembly includes a forged, elongated steel spindle, one end of which includes a pair of axially-spaced radial flanges separated by a radially-enlarged shank portion. The knuckle assembly further includes an aluminum knuckle body defining at least one attachment point for the links. The knuckle assembly is formed by insert-casting the knuckle body about the shank portion of the spindle to thereby fully encapsulate the shank portion within, and at least partially encircle an axial portion of each spindle flange with, the as-cast knuckle body. A radial shoulder, for example, machined on the spindle's outboard end proximate to the outboard flange, axially supports the inner race of a bearing assembly, thereby advantageously reducing wheelend run-out. One or more peripheral flats on either spindle flange resists torsion, thereby allowing the machining of spindle surfaces after insert-casting.

Abstract: The present invention is particularly useful for lowering the front end of an automobile. The devices, methods, and systems of the present invention can find use in any variety of automobiles, such as trucks, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), passenger cars, and the like. The invention can be employed regardless of the type of suspension system in the automobile, and allows the vehicle to be lowered while retaining a maximum amount of travel. This is accomplished with a drop spindle having certain features such as a tap opening and a countersunk opening on the underside of the lower ball joint boss.

Abstract: A brake corner module includes a wheel bearing assembly which is configured to be coupled to the steering knuckle of the module without requiring bolts or press fit. An outer ring of the bearing assembly has a flange on one end which engages the knuckle at one end of a bore through the knuckle and a second end which is configured to be deformed to engage the second end of the knuckle bore. The wheel bearing assembly is thus captured within the bore, eliminating the need for press fit or a snap ring to retain the wheel bearing assembly.

Abstract: An assembly (10) for supporting a wheel of a motor vehicle and for drivingly connecting the wheel to a driveshaft, comprising a wheel carrier (11) which is attachable to the motor vehicle and is provided with an annular part (15) and a plurality of steering arms (16); a wheel hub (41) which is rotatably supported in the annular part (15) of the wheel carrier (11) and is provided with a flange (46) for bolting on the wheel; a rolling contact bearing (51) with two rows of rolling contact members for supporting the wheel hub (41) in the wheel carrier (11), which rolling contact bearing (51) is insertable into the annular part (15) of the wheel carrier (11); and a constant velocity joint (71) which comprises an outer joint part (72) removably connectable to the wheel hub (41), and an inner joint part connectable to the driveshaft, wherein the connection between the wheel hub (41) and the outer joint part (72) is provided by inter-engaging toothings, wherein at the wheel carrier (111), in the annular part (151), t

Abstract: A pivotal connection includes a pin through a bore in a carrier having an annular flange and annular groove at opposite ends, and opposing annular bearings having relative rotatable components fitted around the pin within the bore and abutting opposite sides of an annular member in the bore such that the pin is rotatable relative to the carrier. One bearing abuts a side of the flange and the other bearing is spaced from the groove so as to define an annular gap extending from the groove to the other bearing. The pivotal connection also includes a retainer member disposed in the groove and projecting therefrom and spaced by the gap from the other bearing and a series of shims and spacer positioned around the pin between the retainer member and other bearing so as to fill the gap to impose a predetermined preload on the bearings causing them to clamp therebetween the annular member in the carrier bore.

Abstract: The present invention involves a bearing assembly of a wheel end for a motor vehicle. The bearing assembly includes a steering knuckle which includes an integrated outer race with inboard and outboard raceways formed thereon. The steering knuckle includes a body having an inner wall formed therethrough to define a center bore of the body. The inner wall includes an inboard outer raceway and an outboard outer raceway formed thereon, thereby eliminating the use of a separate outer race. In one embodiment, the bearing assembly includes a hub including a flange and a hub shaft having inboard and outboard ends. The flange extends from the hub shaft at the outboard end. The hub shaft is disposed in the center bore of the knuckle at the inboard end. The hub shaft has a first raceway formed thereon adjacent the outboard end of the hub shaft. The first raceway is configured to cooperate with the outboard outer raceway of the steering knuckle to house bearings.

Abstract: A two-joint arrangement is presented for the articulated connection of guide elements, preferably of a motor vehicle linkage with a common articulated part. Each of the two joints has a joint housing that is connected to a guide element each and a bearing shell that is accommodated within the joint housing, in which a pivot part which is rigidly connected to the common articulated part is accommodated in a rotatable and pivotable manner. In a first embodiment variant, a pivot part (26) of a joint (4) has an opening (24) running in the pivot part longitudinal axis, which the pivot part (17) of the other joint (5) having a screw bolt area (23) located thereon penetrates whereby a clamping nut is arranged on the free end of the screw bolt area (23) facing away from the pivot part (17) of the other joint (5).

Abstract: A wheel end assembly in a steering beam axle for use in a motor vehicle. The wheel end assembly comprises a tube yoke attached to an axle tube defining an axle centerline, a steering knuckle defining a steering knuckle centerline, a driving axle shaft rotatably disposed in the axle tube, a live spindle rotatably supported by the steering knuckle, a stub shaft extending through the live spindle and rotatably coupled thereto, and a universal joint connecting the driving axle shaft and the stub shaft. The steering knuckle is pivotally coupled to the tube yoke through a pair of vertically spaced swivel joints defining a steering axis. The wheel end assembly further includes a knuckle centering adjuster for adjusting the knuckle centerline by selectively moving said steering knuckle relative to said tube yoke along said steering axis in order to align the knuckle centerline to the axle centerline.

Abstract: An improved wheel securing structure for a remote-controlled model car includes a steering seat and a U-shaped securing frame. The steering seat is disposed in the U-shaped structure of the securing frame and is connected thereto by means of screw and bushing. The invention is characterized in that the steering seat has a slightly protruding hole seat provided at each of upper and lower opposing ends of the housing thereof. The hole seat has an edge-cut positioning groove provided in inner side surfaces of through hole respectively. Two screws have head portions respectively formed with flat edges. The screws extend from the inner side of the steering seat through outer end of the through hole, with the flat edges embedded in the positioning groove. The other end of the screw is provided with a nut to secure the assembly tightly.

Abstract: An improved wheel securing structure for a remote-controlled model car includes a steering seat and a U-shaped securing frame. The steering seat is disposed in the U-shaped structure of the securing frame and is connected thereto by means of screw and bushing. The invention is characterized in that the steering seat has a slightly protruding hole seat provided at each of upper and lower opposing ends of the housing thereof. The hole seat has an edge-cut positioning groove provided in inner side surfaces of through hole respectively. Two screws have head portions respectively formed with flat edges. The screws extend from the inner side of the steering seat through outer end of the through hole, with the flat edges embedded in the positioning groove. The other end of the screw is provided with a nut to secure the assembly tightly.

Abstract: A replacement ball joint apparatus and method for conveniently modifying motor vehicle suspension camber, caster or camber/caster combination angle by means of repositioning a wheel spindle top or bottom relative to a control arm. The apparatus includes a mount assembly secured at one end of a ball joint which is connectable at its other end to the spindle, the mount assembly having a slide with a stud extending therefrom. A guide assembly is securable at the control arm and receives and guides the slide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wheel suspension for a motor vehicle, the steering knuckle (1) being mounted on a carrier (3) in such a way that it can rotate about a vertical axis (6). In this arrangement, the vertical axis (6) passes approximately through the center (Z) of the wheel. The carrier (3) is furthermore coupled at its lower end to the body or to a subframe, preferably via a link (8). Instead of the steering knuckle (1) it is also possible for a spindle to be mounted so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis through the wheel center.

Abstract: A steer axle kingpin assembly is provided that eliminates the need for draw keys. The assembly includes A kingpin body that is received within a kingpin bore of a steer axle and extends along a longitudinal axis. The body includes an axially extending bore and a radially extending bore in communication with the axially extending bore. Ball bearings are disposed within the radially extending bore. A lock pin is inserted into the axially extending bore and urges the ball bearings outward into engagement with the kingpin bore of the steer axle.

Abstract: A steering knuckle assembly is provided that includes an axle beam having an end with spaced apart first and second surfaces and a hole extending therebetween. A knuckle includes spaced apart first and second cavities that have first and second bores respectively adjacent to the first and second surfaces. A pin assembly is disposed in the hole. That pin assembly includes first and second ends, one of which may be a knot and the other, which may be a head. The ends are disposed within the cavities to secure the knuckle to the axle beam end. First and second bearing assemblies are disposed within first and second bores and about the pin. The bearing assemblies engage the surfaces when the nut is tightened on the pin body to produce a compressive force urging the bearing assemblies into engagement with the surfaces of the axle beam.

Abstract: The present invention involves a bearing assembly of a wheel end for a motor vehicle. The bearing assembly includes a steering knuckle which includes an integrated outer race with inboard and outboard raceways formed thereon. The steering knuckle includes a body having an inner wall formed therethrough to define a center bore of the body. The inner wall includes an inboard outer raceway and an outboard outer raceway formed thereon, thereby eliminating the use of a separate outer race. In one embodiment, the bearing assembly includes a hub including a flange and a hub shaft having inboard and outboard ends. The flange extends from the hub shaft at the outboard end. The hub shaft is disposed in the center bore of the knuckle at the inboard end. The hub shaft has a first raceway formed thereon adjacent the outboard end of the hub shaft. The first raceway is configured to cooperate with the outboard outer raceway of the steering knuckle to house bearings.

Abstract: The inventive fabricated steer axle assembly includes an axle beam, a kingpin housing, and, a fabrication connecting the axle beam and kingpin housing. The kingpin housing comprises an open-ended cylindrical tube having a groove disposed proximate each end of the tube. The fabrication includes a first end and a second end and is bent around the kingpin housing so that the first and second ends may be attached to the axle beam. A continuous weld may be used to couple the ends of the fabrication to the axle beam and secure the ends of the fabrication together along a seam extending between the kingpin housing and the beam formed after bending the fabrication around the kingpin housing.

Abstract: A steer axle assembly in accordance with the present invention includes an axle beam defining a first boss with a first bore. The assembly further includes a knuckle body that defines a second boss. The second boss is in the form of a unitary sleeve from which a tie rod arm and steering arm extend. The second boss includes a second bore. The assembly further includes a set of bearings disposed in one of the first and second bores. In one embodiment of the invention, the bearings are disposed in the axle beam bore. In another embodiment of the invention, the bearings are disposed in the bore defined by the knuckle body. The assembly finally includes a kingpin. The kingpin is rotatably received within the bore having the bearings and is rigidly coupled within the bore that does not include the bearings. The kingpin may be tightened to its required specification via the use of a washer and nut on one end of the kingpin.

Abstract: A vehicle steering knuckle assembly for use in association with a vehicle steering axle assembly is shown to include an upper piece having a first king pin bore extending through it and a backbone piece removably connectable to the first piece. The backbone has a second king pin bore extending through it. The upper piece has an integral steering arm and a pad through which is machined a steering ball taper. The lower piece has an integral tie rod and a pad through which is machined a tie rod ball taper. Because the two pieces are removable from each other, the steering knuckle can be assembled and serviced while a king pin is retained in place in an axle beam.

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: Spindle arrangement for a non-driven, steerable vehicle wheel of a motor vehicle including a spindle unit (10) with bores (11) located at an axial distance from one another and aligned axially with one another for rotatable mounting of the spindle unit (10) relative to a kingpin (4; 4′) accommodated via a central portion (5) in a through-bore (3) in a front axle-beam (2). A stub axle unit (18) is connected to the spindle unit (10) and on which a wheel hub (19) is mounted. Bearing means (8, 9) for the rotatable mounting of the spindle unit (10) are arranged at a first and second end (6, 7; 6′, 7) of the kingpin (4; 4′). When the bearing means (8) located at the first end (6; 6′) of the kingpin (4; 4′) is a spherical sliding bearing (8), that bearing (8) takes up only radial forces in relation to the center axis (12) of the kingpin (4; 4′).

Abstract: A bearing apparatus for a driving wheel of vehicle where the weight and size of the apparatus can be reduced and the durability can be improved with adopting plastic deformed connection between essential parts forming the apparatus. The bearing apparatus for a driving wheel of vehicle has a hub wheel, a constant velocity universal joint, and a double row rolling bearing which are assembled as a unit. One of the inner raceway surfaces is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the hub wheel. The other of the inner raceway surfaces is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the outer joint member. The hub wheel and the outer joint member are fitted with each other with one end surface being abutted against the shoulder of the outer joint member. The inner circumferential surface at the fitting portion of the hub wheel is formed with a hardened irregular portion. The hub wheel and the outer joint member are integrally connected via plastic deformation of the outer joint member.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a wheel-driving unit which is small in size and weight, can facilitate its assembling operation, and can prevent generation of jarring teeth striking sounds, and a method for manufacturing the same.

Abstract: A steer axle assembly is provided. The assembly includes an axle beam that defines a boss at one end. The boss defines one bore configured to receive a kingpin. The boss further defines two additional bores that intersect the kingpin bore and that are configured to receive draw keys used to secure the kingpin within the kingpin bore. The draw keys are both disposed on an inboard side of the kingpin. The assembly further includes nuts disposed about one end of the draw keys on the same side of the axle beam. The inboard location of the draw keys and the same-side location of the nuts reduces assembly time for the steer axle assembly and securely locks the kingpin within the bore.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel hub with a flange by which a wheel is mounted, the hub being supported by a knuckle and rotated through a universal joint, such as a CV joint, the CV joint having an outer joint member or shell with a cylindrical end having an end face. Axially spaced inboard and outboard tapered roller bearing members are positioned between the hub and the knuckle. The inboard bearing member has a cone with a raceway and a back face but no thrust rib. The shell cylindrical end face abuts the inboard cone back face and is adapted to engage the back faces of tapered rollers of the inboard roller bearing member to serve as a thrust rib for the inboard bearing member.

Abstract: In a protective structure for a joint portion of an axle according to the present invention, a knuckle member 24 is provided with a covering portion 28 surrounding a joint portion 23 in the circumferential direction of a constant velocity joint shaft 22, and the joint portion 23 is accommodated in an inner space of the covering portion 28. The knuckle member 24 having a driven shaft support portion 33, a strut support portion 35 and covering portion the is molded out 28 an aluminum alloy into an integral part. According to the present invention, the joint portion is protected reliably by the covering portion, and, a reduction of the weight of the protective structure and simplification of a working process for the production thereof can be attained.

Abstract: An angle sensor is used for determining the relative position of a steerable wheel hub, relative to a fixed wheel mounting hub. The angle sensor has a portion mounted on the fixed hub, but received in a recess in the kingpin. The kingpin has a central bore that receives a movable shaft of the sensor which is driven by the kingpin. As the steerable wheel hub is steered, it rotates about the axis of the kingpin and rotates the kingpin. The kingpin drives the shaft of the sensor to provide for an indication of the amount of pivotal movement between the wheel hub and the wheel mounting hub.

Abstract: A steering system for a vehicle is provided that includes a steering knuckle which is rotatable about an axis. The steering knuckle includes an upper attachment point and a lower attachment point. The attachment points define the steer axis. A rotational drive unit is connected to the steering knuckle for rotating the steering knuckle about the steer axis. A control module receives a steering input corresponding to the desired Ackerman angle and commands the rotational drive unit to rotate the steering knuckle about the axis to the desired Ackerman angle. Rotational drive units for each side of the vehicle ensure that the wheels are turned to the appropriate Ackerman angle for each wheel. The rotational drive unit may include an electric motor, or a pneumatic or hydraulic pump. In one preferred embodiment, the rotational drive unit includes a fluid housing and the shaft connected to the steering knuckle. The shaft includes a vane extending therefrom and into the housing.

Abstract: A rotary actuator for a vehicle having an electric/hydraulic motor that is used to rotate a strut tube. The motor is mounted inside the suspension spring and around the tubular portion of the strut tube. A first shaft receives the output of the motor and transfers it to a gearbox that reduces the speed. A second shaft receives the output of the gearbox. A torque rod is attached to the opposite end of the second shaft and transfers the rotation of the second shaft through a semi-circular slot in the spring seat to a annular member. The annular member is further attached back to the strut tube, thus when the motor is energized, the rotation is transferred through the assembly to the strut tube causing it to rotate and steer the road wheel to which it is attached.

Abstract: A replacement apparatus for a ball joint for conveniently modifying motor vehicle suspension camber, caster or camber/caster combination angle by means of repositioning a wheel suspension steering knuckle top or bottom relative to a knuckle mount. The apparatus includes a body with an orientation mark and positioning teeth, a lower support with degree offset marks and matching positioning teeth, a bearing insert, an upper support, and a shaft.

Abstract: A front axle of a motor vehicle with steerable, driven or not driven wheels on steering knuckles, which have been pivotably hinged at a wheel-guiding element with an upper and a lower bearing position, each of which with a pot-shaped sleeve with a sealed lubricant reservoir, accommodating a radial bearing for mounting a steering knuckle bolt and forming a bearing bushing, a stop disk, which absorbs axial forces and at which the roll bodies of the radial bearing are supported with the supporting surfaces, being disposed at the bottom of the sleeve.

Abstract: A steer axle assembly in accordance with the present invention includes an axle beam defining a first boss with a first bore. The assembly further includes a knuckle body that defines a second boss. The second boss is in the form of a unitary sleeve from which a tie rod arm and steering arm extend. The second boss includes a second bore. The assembly further includes a set of bearings disposed in one of the first and second bores. In one embodiment of the invention, the bearings are disposed in the axle beam bore. In another embodiment of the invention, the bearings are disposed in the bore defined by the knuckle body. The assembly finally includes a kingpin. The kingpin is rotatably received within the bore having the bearings and is rigidly coupled within the bore that does not include the bearings. The kingpin may be tightened to its required specification via the use of a washer and nut on one end of the kingpin.

Abstract: A wheel suspension of a motor vehicle includes a wheel carrier which is connected to the vehicle body via wheel-guiding and wheel-steering components and which carries, by rolling-bearing mounting, at least one wheel via a wheel hub. For this purpose, the wheel carrier includes a vehicle-body-side and a wheel-side wheel-carrier part. The vehicle-body-side and the wheel-side wheel-carrier parts are connected via a sliding joint or pivot joint so as to be movable relative to one another, the wheel-carrier parts having a preferential position in relation to one another. The direction of relative movement between the vehicle-body-side and the wheel-side wheel-carrier part extends approximately in the direction of travel or in the opposite direction to the direction of travel. Moreover, between the wheel-carrier parts elements are arranged which reverse the joint movement and which return the wheel-carrier parts in the direction of the preferential position.

Abstract: A cross-car suspension system with MacPherson strut replaces the lower control arms, coil springs, and anti-roll bar assembly in the prior art with a simple composite beam. By carefully designing the shape of the beam, the material system and the pivot locations, the ride and roll stiffness and camber and toe characteristics of the original prior art suspension system can be preserved while significantly reducing weight.

Abstract: An assembly (20) for use in a vehicle suspension system for connection with a wheel (14) of a vehicle includes first and second hollow hydroformed sections (42 and 44). In one embodiment of the assembly (20), upper and lower pivot mountings (110 and 68) are connected with the hollow hydroformed sections (42, 44). A wheel mounting section (24) is pivotally connected with the upper and lower pivot mountings (110 and 68). The pivot mountings (110, 68) allow the steerable vehicle wheel (14) to be turned to effect steering of a vehicle (10). The assembly (20) may be utilized in association with a vehicle wheel (16) which is not steerable. When the assembly is utilized in the vehicle wheel (16) which is not steerable, the pivotal wheel mounting section (24) may be eliminated.

Abstract: A rear wheel steering apparatus for steering the rear wheels of a vehicle supported on a multi-link suspension includes a live axle and a track bar pivotally connecting the axle to a vehicle frame. Steering knuckles at opposite ends of the axle support road wheels for rotation and for steering. Steering arms extend from the steering knuckles and a drag link extends between and interconnects the steering arms. An actuator is connected between the frame and the drag link and steers the rear road wheels by alternately pushing and pulling on the drag link.

Abstract: Spindle arrangement for a non-driven, steerable vehicle wheel of a motor vehicle including a spindle unit (10) with bores (11) located at an axial distance from one another and aligned axially with one another for rotatable mounting of the spindle unit (10) relative to a kingpin (4; 4′) accommodated via a central portion (5) in a through-bore (3) in a front axle-beam (2). A stub axle unit (18) is connected to the spindle unit (10) and on which a wheel hub (19) is mounted. Bearing means (8, 9) for the rotatable mounting of the spindle unit (10) are arranged at a first and second end (6, 7; 6′, 7) of the kingpin (4; 4′). When the bearing means (8) located at the first end (6; 6′) of the kingpin (4; 4′) is a spherical sliding bearing (8), that bearing (8) takes up only radial forces in relation to the center axis (12) of the kingpin (4; 4′).

Abstract: A sensor installation structure and method for a potentiometer located on the exterior of a fork lift. A sensor cover is fixed to a bracket to protect the potentiometer. The cover has an opening permitting the passage of lead wires. A fluid sealant is charged between the cover and the potentiometer to seal the potentiometer.

Abstract: A steer axle assembly in accordance with the present invention includes an axle beam defining a first boss with a first bore. The assembly further includes a knuckle body that defines a second boss. The second boss is in the form of a unitary sleeve from which a tie rod arm and steering arm extend. The second boss includes a second bore. The assembly further includes a set of bearings disposed in one of the first and second bores. In one embodiment of the invention, the bearings are disposed in the axle beam bore. In another embodiment of the invention, the bearings are disposed in the bore defined by the knuckle body. The assembly finally includes a kingpin. The kingpin is rotatably received within the bore having the bearings and is rigidly coupled within the bore that does not include the bearings. The kingpin may be tightened to its required specification via the use of a washer and nut on one end of the kingpin.

Abstract: Apparatus for sensing an angular position of a steerable wheel of a vehicle, such as a work machine or the like, about a steering axis thereof. The apparatus includes a support frame having an upper arm and a lower arm defining a space through which the steering axis passes, and a wheel hub located in the space for supporting the wheel. The steering axis extends through a predetermined bottom axial surface portion of the wheel hub, and a lower kingpin is mounted in a passage through the lower arm and supports the wheel hub in the space for rotation about the steering axis. The lower kingpin includes an axial passage therethrough extending between an upper axial opening facing the bottom axial surface portion of the wheel hub and an externally located bottom opening.

Abstract: A steering assembly interconnects right and left wheel ends on a vehicle. The steering assembly includes right and left steering knuckles that each support tie rod arms. One of the knuckles includes a steering arm that receives steering input from the vehicle's steering wheel. A tie rod assembly includes a cross-tube and a pair of tie rod end assemblies that connect the tie rod arms to the cross-tube. The tie rod assembly transmits the steering input force from the steering arm knuckle to the opposite knuckle. Ball studs are used to connect each of the tie rod ends to the respective tie rod arm. A support member is mounted to the tie rod arm or ball stud to prevent separation of the tie rod end from the respective ball stud as tie rod end components wear or fail. The support member includes a lower portion that extends underneath the tie rod end and an upper end that engages the tie rod arm or ball stud assemblies to prevent separation.

Abstract: A replacement ball joint apparatus and method for conveniently modifying motor vehicle suspension camber, caster or camber/caster combination angle by means of repositioning a wheel spindle top or bottom relative to a control arm. The apparatus includes a mount assembly secured at one end of a ball joint which is connectable at its other end to the spindle, the mount assembly having a slide with a stud extending therefrom. A guide assembly is securable at the control arm and receives and guides the slide.

Abstract: A steering knuckle assembly for a heavy duty independent front suspension comprises an upper kingpin support and a lower kingpin support for connecting the knuckle to the upper and lower control arms, respectively. The shock absorber member extends from the vehicle frame to either the lower control arm or the lower kingpin support member. The bolted connection of the upper kingpin support member allows an adjustable kingpin caster angle as opposed to a fixed caster angle provided in a typical kingpin steer independent front suspension axle. This concept allows the angle to be tuned to suit each application of the axle without retooling the components. Additionally, the invention eliminates the bulky upright connecting member of the conventional design.

Abstract: A rear wheel steering apparatus for steering the rear wheels of a vehicle supported on a multi-link suspension includes a live axle and a track bar pivotally connecting the axle to a vehicle frame. Steering knuckles at opposite ends of the axle support road wheels for rotation and for steering. Steering arms extend from the steering knuckles and a drag link extends between and interconnects the steering arms. An actuator is connected between the frame and the drag link and steers the rear road wheels by alternately pushing and pulling on the drag link.