Abstract: An improved structure for a rack drive assembly adapted for use in a vehicle electric power steering assembly includes a ball nut assembly operatively connected to a screw portion of a rack portion of a steering member of the power steering assembly for effecting axial movement of the steering member upon rotation of a vehicle steering wheel. According to one embodiment, the ball nut assembly includes a ball nut having an outer surface; a bearing assembly fixedly disposed in the rack housing and carried by the ball nut for rotatably supporting the ball nut assembly relative to the steering member; and a damper disposed on an outer race of the bearing assembly. The damper includes a pair of dampers disposed on the outer race of the bearing assembly, each of the dampers including at least a first member formed from a first rigid material and a second member formed from a second damping material.

Abstract: An improved structure for a rack drive assembly adapted for use in a vehicle electric power steering assembly includes a ball nut assembly operatively connected to a screw portion of a rack portion of a steering member of the power steering assembly for effecting axial movement of the steering member upon rotation of a vehicle steering wheel. According to one embodiment, the ball nut assembly includes a ball nut having an outer surface; a bearing assembly fixedly disposed in the rack housing and carried by the ball nut for rotatably supporting the ball nut assembly relative to the steering member; and a damper disposed on an outer race of the bearing assembly. The damper includes a pair of dampers disposed on the outer race of the bearing assembly, each of the dampers including at least a first member formed from a first rigid material and a second member formed from a second damping material.

Abstract: An improved ball joint for use in a motor vehicle steering or suspension system comprises a ball joint having a shank portion and a ball portion disposed in a socket shell. A ball joint retention member is provided having a first end operatively secured to the socket shell and a second end operatively secured to the shank portion.

Abstract: An improved ball joint for use in a motor vehicle steering or suspension system comprises a ball joint having a shank portion and a ball portion disposed in a socket shell. A ball joint retention member is provided having a first end operatively secured to the socket shell and a second end operatively secured to the shank portion.

Abstract: A ball joint assembly includes a housing (12) defining a socket chamber (18) and having an opening (32); a composite ball joint bearing (20) disposed within the socket chamber; a ball stud (24) supported by the composite ball joint bearing and having a shank portion (30) which projects through the opening of the housing; and a seal assembly (40) adapted to seal the opening between the ball stud and the socket chamber. The composite ball joint bearing is formed from a first plastic material (20A) and a second magnetostrictive alloy material (20B) which is adapted to change its shape when in the presence of a magnetic field to thereby change the rotational and oscillation properties of the ball joint assembly.

Abstract: A hydraulic power-assisted steering system (10) includes a pump (12) containing hydraulic fluid. A rack and pinion housing (19) is operatively connected to the pump (12) via a conduit line (16). A hydraulic fluid control device (80) is operatively disposed between the pump (12) and the rack and pinion housing (19), the hydraulic fluid control device (80) having a passageway (82) formed therethrough to allow hydraulic fluid to flow from the pump (12) to the rack and pinion housing (19). An electromagnet (94) is operatively coupled to the fluid control device (80). An electronic control unit (96) is adapted to receive at least one input signal (98, 100) from at least one input source so as to generate an output signal (102) to the hydraulic fluid control device (80) so as to selectively control the flow of hydraulic fluid from the pump (12) to the rack and pinion housing (19).

Abstract: This invention relates to a ball joint (10). The ball joint (10) includes a socket (12) having at least one opening (20) and an inner chamber (22). A bearing assembly (24) is disposed in the chamber (22) of the socket (12). The ball joint (10) also includes a ball stud (28) having a central ball portion (26) and a stud portion (77). The bearing assembly (24) supports the ball portion (26) of the ball stud (28). A resilient bushing (130) is disposed in the chamber (22) and is fixedly attached to the stud portion (77) of the ball stud (28).

Abstract: A ball joint (12) includes a housing (18) having at least one opening (26) and an inner chamber (28). The ball joint (12) further includes a ball stud (40) disposed in the chamber (28) of the housing (18) and an outer surface (44A). A resilient member (46) is fixedly attached to the outer surface (44A) of said ball stud (40).

Abstract: This invention relates to a ball joint assembly adapted for use in a motor vehicle. The ball joint assembly includes a housing (12) defining socket chamber (18) and having an opening (32); a composite ball joint bearing (20) disposed within the socket chamber; a ball stud (24) supported by the composite ball joint bearing and having a shank portion (30) which projects through the opening of the housing; and a seal assembly (40) adapted to seal the opening between the ball stud and the socket chamber. According to the present invention, the composite ball joint bearing is formed from a first plastic material (20A) and a second magnetostrictive alloy material (20B) which is adapted to change its shape when in the presence of a magnetic field to thereby change the rotational and oscillation properties of the ball joint assembly.

Abstract: A ball joint includes a socket and a stud having a ball end portion received in the socket and a shank projecting from the socket. An annular seal has an intermediate portion extending between first and second end portions. The second end portion of the seal has an engagement portion in sealing engagement with the shank portion of the stud. A spring is molded in the second end portion of the seal and extends for 360 degrees around the circumference of the shank portion at a location radially outward of the engagement portion. The spring has a circular array of spring fingers that extend radially inward from a main body portion and exert a radially inward directed force on the engagement portion to maintain it in sealing engagement with the shank portion.

Abstract: A hydraulic power-assisted steering system (10) includes a pump (12) containing hydraulic fluid. A rack and pinion housing (19) is operatively connected to the pump (12) via a conduit line (16). A hydraulic fluid control device (80) is operatively disposed between the pump (12) and the rack and pinion housing (19), the hydraulic fluid control device (80) having a passageway (82) formed therethrough to allow hydraulic fluid to flow from the pump (12) to the rack and pinion housing (19). An electromagnet (94) is operatively coupled to the fluid control device (80). An electronic control unit (96) is adapted to receive at least one input signal (98, 100) from at least one input source so as to generate an output signal (102) to the hydraulic fluid control device (80) so as to selectively control the flow of hydraulic fluid from the pump (12) to the rack and pinion housing (19).

Abstract: An apparatus (12) includes a housing (142), a ball stud (170), a first bearing layer (110), and a second vibration dampening layer (120 or 130). The housing (142) defines a chamber (160) and has an opening (147) in communication with the chamber (160). The ball stud (170) has a ball portion (172) located in the chamber (160) and a stud portion (174) extending from the ball portion (172) through the opening (147). The ball portion (172) has a center (180). The stud portion (174) has a longitudinal axis (181) intersecting the center (180). The first bearing layer (110) is disposed in the chamber (160) and engages the ball stud (170). The ball stud (170) is rotatable about the center (180) relative to the first bearing layer (110). The second vibration dampening layer (120 or 130) dampens vibration transmitted between the housing (142) and the ball stud (170).

Abstract: A ball joint includes a socket and a stud having a ball end portion received in the socket and a shank projecting from the socket. An annular seal has an intermediate portion extending between first and second end portions. The second end portion of the seal has an engagement portion in sealing engagement with the shank portion of the stud. A spring is molded in the second end portion of the seal and extends for 360 degrees around the circumference of the shank portion at a location radially outward of the engagement portion. The spring has a circular array of spring fingers that extend radially inward from a main body portion and exert a radially inward directed force on the engagement portion to maintain it in sealing engagement with the shank portion.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a first suspension member (12), and a second suspension member (14) having a through hole (24) with a first tapered surface (32) defining a first end of the through hole and a second tapered surface (34) defining a second end of the through hole. A socket (40) is connected with the first suspension member (12). A stud (50) has a first end portion (52) and a second end portion (60). The socket (40) supports the first end portion (52) of the stud (50) in the socket (40) for pivotal movement relative to the socket. The second end portion (60) of the stud (50) has a tapered outer surface (66) in engagement with the first tapered surface (32) of the second suspension member (14). A fastener (90) on the second end portion (60) of the stud (50) has a tapered outer surface (96) in engagement with the second tapered surface (36) of the second suspension member (14).

Abstract: A ball joint (10) for supporting a first suspension member (12) for movement relative to a second suspension member (14) comprises a socket (30) for connection with the first suspension member, a bearing (38) in the socket, and a stud (40) having a first end portion (42) and a second end portion (50). The bearing (38) supports the first end portion (40) of the stud (40) in the socket (30) for pivotal movement relative to the socket. The second end portion (50) of the stud (40) projects from the socket (30) for connection with the second suspension member (14). The second end portion (50) of the stud (40) has a tapered outer surface (60). The second suspension member (14) has a tapered inner surface (22) defining an opening (24) in the second suspension member. The ball joint (10) further comprises a collar (70) on the stud (40).

Abstract: An apparatus (12) for use in a vehicle suspension (10) comprises an anti-roll bar (28) having opposite first and second end portions (30 and 32). An intermediate portion (34) is interposed between the first and second end portions (30 and 32) and is subjected to torsional forces when the first and second end portions (30 and 32) move relative to one another. The apparatus (12) further comprises an actuator (48) for attaching at least one of the first and second end portions (30 and 32) to a part of the vehicle suspension (10). The actuator (48) comprises a cylinder (52) for retaining fluid (54) and a piston assembly (56) for dividing the cylinder into two chambers (81 and 83). The piston assembly (56) is movable axially within the cylinder (52). The piston assembly (56) includes structure forming orifices (144) for interconnecting the two chambers (81 and 83) of the cylinder (52).

Abstract: An apparatus (12) for use in a vehicle suspension (10) comprises an anti-roll bar (28) having opposite first and second end portions (30 and 32). An intermediate portion (34) is interposed between the first and second end portions (30 and 32) and is subjected to torsional forces when the first and second end portions (30 and 32) move relative to one another. The apparatus (12) further comprises an actuator (48) for attaching at least one of the first and second end portions (30 and 32) to a part of the vehicle suspension (10). The actuator (48) comprises a cylinder (52) for retaining fluid (54) and a piston assembly (56) for dividing the cylinder into two chambers (81 and 83). The piston assembly (56) is movable axially within the cylinder (52). The piston assembly (56) includes structure forming orifices (144) for interconnecting the two chambers (81 and 83) of the cylinder (52).

Abstract: A tie rod end (16) comprises a metal stem (30) having a first surface (44) defining a first chamber (48). A ball stud (130) has a ball end (132) and a stud shaft (134). A plastic bearing (70) is located in the first chamber (48). The plastic bearing (70) includes a tubular sleeve portion (72) press fit in the first chamber (48). The tubular sleeve portion (72) has an open first end (76) and an opposing second end (78). The stud shaft (34) extends through the open first end (76). The tubular sleeve portion (72) includes a second surface (96) partially defining a second chamber (90). The second surface (96) engages the ball end (132) for relative sliding movement. The plastic bearing (70) further includes a plastic plug member (110) disposed in the second chamber (90). The plastic plug member (110) is fixedly attached to the tubular sleeve portion (72) and closes the second end (78) of the tubular sleeve portion. The plastic plug member (110) engages the ball end (132) for relative sliding movement.

Abstract: A steering apparatus (10) for use in a vehicle (12) having a steerable road wheel (14), a steering member (30) supporting the road wheel for rotation relative to the steering member, and at least one vehicle suspension part (22) supporting the steering member for pivotal movement about a steering axis (44). The steering apparatus (10) includes a bearing (70). The steering apparatus (10) also includes a ball stud (50) having a shank portion (54) fixed to the steering member (30). The ball stud (50) has a ball end portion (52) rotatably and pivotally mounted in the bearing (70). The ball stud (50) has an axis (56). The steering apparatus (10) includes an actuatable electric motor (90) having an output shaft (92) and operable to rotate the output shaft in opposite directions. The steering apparatus (10) also includes a joint assembly (100) connecting the ball end portion (52) of the ball stud (50) for rotation with the output shaft (92) of the electric motor (90).

Abstract: An apparatus (12) for use in a vehicle suspension (10) comprises an anti-roll bar (30) having opposite first and second ends (32 and 34) for connecting with respective first and second control arms (20 and 22) of the vehicle. The anti-roll bar (30) includes a portion (40) between the ends (32, 34) which is subjected to torsional forces. The anti-roll bar (30) has an actuatable device (70) for varying the torsional stiffness of the portion (40) of the anti-roll bar (30). At least one sensor (110) senses a vehicle characteristic and generates a signal indicative of the sensed vehicle characteristic. An electronic control unit (112) actuates the actuatable device (70) to vary the torsional stiffness of the portion (40) of the anti-roll bar (30). The electronic control unit (112) is responsive to the signal from the at least one sensor (110).