Abstract: A connection between a steering knuckle arm and tie rod linkage. A spherical bearing having an integral seal formed thereon is disposed within a machined bore formed in one of the steering knuckle arm or tie rod linkage. A mounting stud is pressed into the spherical bearing and extends to the other of the steering knuckle or tie rod end of which the spherical bearing is disposed and extends there through to threadingly engage a nut to secure the mounting stud and firmly connect the steering knuckle arm to the tie rod linkage. The integral seals eliminate the need for separate boot seals thus forming a closer and more precise connection between the steering knuckle arm and tie rod linkage.

Abstract: A steering knuckle assembly receives a distal end of a steer axle beam which is generally symmetrical about a center line and has a pin bore therethrough. This knuckle assembly includes a steering knuckle which pivotally cooperates with the axle beam distal end. The steering knuckle includes a pair of yokes where each has a yoke bore longitudinally therethrough coaxially aligned with each other and with the pin bore. Each yoke also includes a yoke outer surface, and a yoke face surface which cooperates with a corresponding axle beam distal end and has an aperture formed therein. The knuckle assembly also includes a kingpin which has opposed ends and is received by the pin and yoke bores. Also included is a pair of yoke seals, each received by the yoke face aperture which includes an annular housing and an annular rubber portion. The rubber portion has at least one lip which operatively contacts the kingpin to provide a seal therewith.

Abstract: A front steer axle being for use in a motor vehicle to pivotally support a pair of transversely spaced steerable right and left wheel spindle assemblies. The front steer axle beam includes an elongated transverse beam member which is generally symmetrical about a center line. The elongated transverse beam member is formed by a transverse center section having a pair of spaced apart spring mounting pads, a pair of distal ends positioned above the transverse center section for pivotally cooperating with the wheel spindle assemblies, and a pair of S-shaped sections extending between opposed ends of the transverse center section and the spaced apart pair of distal ends. The pair of S-shaped sections have an I-shaped cross-section defined by a single pair of vertically spaced apart flanges and an interconnecting web.