Abstract: A lifting mechanism for a vehicle axle is provided wherein a vehicle includes a vehicle frame having a first rail component and a second rail component. A first mounting bracket is attached to the first rail component of the vehicle frame. A lifting component is attached to the first mounting bracket. A lateral load component has a first end attached to the lifting component and a second end attached to the second rail component of the vehicle frame. A bracket attaches the lateral load component to the vehicle axle such that upon extension of the lifting component, the vehicle axle is lifted.

Abstract: A disc brake assembly is provided that includes a camshaft extending from a slack adjuster. A disc brake rotor and a brake caliper bridge having an outer plate and an inner plate are provided. A brake caliper carrier is provided with an outer brake pad contained by the brake caliper carrier and an inner brake pad contained by the brake caliper carrier. A cam carrier having two openings is provided along with a pusher plate having a first surface in contact with the cam and a second surface in contact with the inner brake pad. A first and a second slide pin each extend through an opening in the cam carrier and an opening in the pusher plate and an opening in the inner plate of the brake caliper bridge and into the brake caliper carrier. A cam is mounted onto the camshaft such that rotation of the camshaft will rotate the cam, and the brake caliper bridge inner plate having a surface in contact with the cam.

Abstract: A commercial vehicle wheel cover is provided. The assembly includes two handles and two interlocking cam latch mechanisms. The wheel cover assembly is attached to the wheel hub via two cam latch mechanisms which lock into a collar assembly. The collar assembly includes of two collar halves and a latch that, when installed, applies a compressive force on the axle hub flange holding the assembly to the hub.

Abstract: An assembly for an induction sensing tone ring is provided. A brake rotor includes a circular pocket. A tone ring is received in the circular pocket of the brake rotor. The brake rotor has a plurality of locating tabs, with each locating tab having a slope surface. The tone ring has a plurality of retaining tabs, with each retaining tab being received between two locating tabs of the brake rotor. A retaining ring is fitted in each locating tab slope surface of the brake rotor to press fit against the retaining tabs of the tone ring.

Abstract: An attachment method an assembly for an induction sensing tone ring is provided comprising a rotating part, the rotating part having a circular pocket. A spring is provided that is received in the rotating part circular pocket. A tone ring is received in the tone ring circular pocket on top of the spring. The rotating part has a plurality of retaining ledges, with each retaining ledge extending radially inward into the rotating part circular pocket from a wall of the rotating part forming the pocket. Each retaining ledge forms a retaining groove. The tone ring has a plurality of locating tab assemblies, each locating tab assembly being received in one of the retaining grooves of the brake rotor circular pocket.

Abstract: A heavy duty vehicle hubcap assembly is provided. The hubcap assembly includes a main section with flanges and flange holes for mounting to a wheel hub. The main section of the hubcap assembly also includes an opening to receive a plug assembly. The plug assembly is comprised of a main section, usually comprised of rubber, and a baffle section, usually comprised of a plastic material. The main section includes a restrictive opening to allow equalization of air pressure between the inside seal portion of the hub cap assembly and the atmosphere.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wheel cover for use to cover the wheel of a tractor or trailer. The wheel cover includes an inner support section and an outer main section. The outer main section includes a wheel cover surface and an outer edge. Further, the wheel cover includes a ratchet assembly comprising a spring, a support block, an operating holder and an extension. When installed on a truck wheel, the ratchet extension engages an outer radial edge of the inner support section that is installed on a wheel hub.

Abstract: A commercial vehicle wheel cover including a frame having a locking door, at least two hinge points, at least two spring attachments, and at least two retaining features. The frame has a front side and a back side, with the at least two hinge points arranged integrally and circumferentially on the back side of the frame. The at least two spring attachments are rotatably connected to the at least two hinge points. The at least two retaining features are located adjacent to said at least two hinge points in the radial direction, and the at least two spring attachments are secured in the at least two retaining features. One of the at least two hinge points is located on the locking door. The locking door is used to install the final spring attachment on the drop center or hub of a wheel.

Abstract: A motor vehicle recirculation baffle including a seal and a plurality of substrates connected to the seal. The seal having an upper portion and two side portions, the two side portions connected to the upper portion by flexible corners. The flexible corners allow the side portions to move independently of each other and independently of the upper portion of the seal. The seal and flexible corners can be molded in die draw. The flexible corners provide a cost savings in the manufacturing of the recirculation baffle, because after the seal is molded.

Abstract: A commercial vehicle wheel cover including a frame having a locking door, at least two hinge points, at least two spring attachments, and at least two retaining features. The frame has a front side and a back side, with the at least two hinge points arranged integrally and circumferentially on the back side of the frame. The at least two spring attachments are rotatably connected to the at least two hinge points. The at least two retaining features are located adjacent to said at least two hinge points in the radial direction, and the at least two spring attachments are secured in the at least two retaining features. One of the at least two hinge points is located on the locking door. The locking door is used to install the final spring attachment on the drop center or hub of a wheel.

Abstract: A turbocharger compressor housing apparatus comprises a compressor housing and diffuser. These components are configured to provide an interference fit when assembled. An annular projection extends outwardly from one of such components toward the other of the components and engages the other of the components to form an annular joint. One of the compressor housing and diffuser comprises a recess positioned to collect debris generated during the interference fit to prevent the debris from reaching the annular joint. A second recess can be provided at the opposite side of the projection to accommodate deformation of the projection during assembly of the diffuser and compressor housing. The recesses can be annular and can, along with the projection, be included in the diffuser.

Abstract: A structural bunk system for a sleeper cab or other confined space is provided. The bunk system includes first and second shells that are made by injection molding and are then bonded together. The structural bunk system is secured to the wall of the sleeper cab or other confined space and is adapted to be moved between and upright stowed position and a lowered sleeping or storage position.

Abstract: The invention is directed to outside diameter piloting apparatus and method for concentrically aligning a disc rotor to a wheel hub. The pitch circle diameter of the annular piloting features is greater than the pitch circle diameter of the rotor mounting fasteners and the wheel studs of the hub. The outside diameter piloting feature allows a hub section profile which is smooth and continuous between the inboard side of the wheel hub up to the mounting fastener apertures. This smooth and continuous profile reduces stresses and increases the fatigue life of the wheel hub.

Abstract: An improved brake drum and method for machining and balancing a brake drum are provided. The inner facing surface and the outer facing surface of the brake drum are machined. The inner and outer faces of the hub end of the brake drum are also machined. The machining is accomplished in a single operation that results in a radially balanced brake drum.

Abstract: A compressor housing is provided for a compressor impeller. The compressor housing comprises an outer shell including an outer section, a midsection, and a center section. The midsection of the outer shell forms an upper volute wall portion of the compressor housing, and the center section forms an inlet for the compressor housing. A diffuser is also provided that is comprised of a center section, a base section, and an outer section. The center section of the diffuser has a substantially cylindrical outer edge received within a complementary substantially cylindrical mating surface in the outer shell center section. The diffuser base section has a raised first mating projection for engagement with the first mating surface of the midsection of the outer shell. The diffuser outer section has a raised second mating projection for engagement with a second mating surface of the midsection of the outer shell. A back plate is also provided that is formed of a generally circular structure.

Abstract: A die cast compressor housing includes an outer shell having a partial outer circumferencial volute wall portion and a projection surrounding the circumference of an aperture in the shell that mates with an insert having a first portion with a substantially cylindrical outer wall that is received in the aperture in the outer shell and includes an air inlet. The insert has a second portion extending radially outwardly and including a mating projection for engagement with the outer shell projection to form an inner circumferencial volute wall portion. A backplate has a third projection adjacent its outer circumference that is received in a relief in the outer shell and completes the outer circumferncial volute wall portion.

Abstract: A wheel hub has inboard and outboard bearings separated by a spacer. A cap is located on an outboard surface of the hub to hold the outboard bearing in place. The cap may be held in place by a cap retainer and may be press fit into the bore. At least one alignment element may be used to substantially align the spacer with the inboard and outboard bearing assemblies during installation of the wheel hub onto an axle.

Abstract: A wheel hub has inboard and outboard bearings separated by a spacer. A temporary alignment member is located against an inner surface of the spacer and an inner surface of the outboard bearing thus aligning the inner surfaces of the spacer and the bearing. A cap is located on an outboard surface of the hub to hold the outboard bearing in place. The cap includes a hole large enough for the alignment member to pass through. The hub may be easily mounted onto an axle merely by locating an inboard opening of the hub over the axle and sliding the hub onto the axle. As the axle enters the hub it eventually contacts the alignment member and begins moving the alignment member outward through the hole in the cap. As the alignment member moves outward the axle refills the space immediately vacated by the alignment member. The hub is then further pushed onto the axle so that the alignment member falls away and the axle protrudes through the hole in the cap.