Abstract: A vehicular exhaust system muffler fabrication method including using mechanical lock joints for joining the end tubes to the flow tubes. Each end tube has one end whose outer diameter is selected such that the one end may be loosely, telescopically, and overlappingly fitted within the adjacent end of the adjacent flow tube. Each of the overlapped ends of the end tubes and the flow tubes are mechanically locked together by a circumferential skewed bead which is formed in the overlapped ends, with the plane of the skewed bead being at an angle less than 90.degree. with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the overlapped ends. The muffler fabrication method also includes the use of other mechanical lock joints to lock the end tubes within apertures in the end panels of the muffler. Each of these other lock joints includes a continuous, circumferential bead formed in the end tube and in the annular flange, which is integral with the end panel and which extends along the end tube.

Abstract: A vehicular exhaust system muffler including a mechanical lock joint for joining the end tubes to the flow tubes. One end of each end tube has an outer diameter selected such that the one end may be loosely, telescopically and overlappingly fitted within the adjacent end of the adjacent flow tube. The overlapped ends of the end tubes and the flow tubes are mechanically locked together by a circumferential skewed bead formed in the overlapped ends, where the plane of the skewed bead is at an angle less than ninety degrees with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the overlapped ends. This mechanical locking maintains the relative axial positions of the overlapped ends and resists relative movement between the overlapped ends and between the internal panels and the wrapper due to the application of torsional and axial forces that the tubes experience during the assembly of the muffler.

Abstract: An improved MacPherson strut is disclosed having a guard flange disposed to shield an automobile wheel from contact with a fractured portion of the strut's spring. The flange is configured as an arcuate surface extending from the spring seat to a position between the spring and wheel. The strut also includes a bracket supporting the flange and attaching the flange to the strut body. The bracket is generally planer, and extends radially from the strut body.