Abstract: An axle assembly having an axle beam and a kingpin. The axle beam may have a kingpin receiving hole that may have a tapered portion that extends between a lower surface of the axle beam and an upper surface of the axle beam. The kingpin may be disposed in the kingpin receiving hole and may have a kingpin taper that mates with the tapered portion.

Abstract: An axle assembly having an axle beam and a kingpin. The axle beam may have a kingpin receiving hole that may have a tapered portion that extends between a lower surface of the axle beam and an upper surface of the axle beam. The kingpin may be disposed in the kingpin receiving hole and may have a kingpin taper that mates with the tapered portion.

Abstract: A steering knuckle assembly and a method of manufacture. The steering knuckle assembly may have a steering knuckle and a stop bolt assembly. The stop bolt assembly may have an adapter, a stop screw, and a jam nut. The adapter may be received in a mounting hole in the steering knuckle. The stop screw may be threaded into the adapter. The jam nut may be disposed between the adapter and the stop screw to inhibit rotation of the stop screw.

Abstract: A steering knuckle assembly having a steering knuckle and a steering arm. The steering knuckle may have a first arm and a second arm. The steering arm may be coupled to the first arm.

Abstract: A steering knuckle assembly having a steering knuckle and a steering arm. The steering knuckle may have a first arm and a second arm. The steering arm may be coupled to the first arm.

Abstract: An axle assembly having an axle beam, a kingpin, and a steering knuckle. The axle beam has a kingpin hole that receives the kingpin and a fastener hole that extends from the kingpin hole. A fastener is disposed in the fastener hole and engages the kingpin to inhibit movement of the kingpin.

Abstract: A steering knuckle assembly for a vehicle. The steering knuckle may include a steering knuckle having first and second holes, first and second bearing assemblies disposed in the first and second holes, respectively, and a kingpin. The kingpin may have first and second end surfaces that are disposed opposite each other and that are received in the first and second bearing assemblies, respectively.

Abstract: A steering knuckle assembly having a steering knuckle and a spindle. The steering knuckle may have first and second circumferential surfaces that at least partially define a hole. The spindle may be disposed in the hole and may have first and second spindle circumferential surfaces. The first and second spindle circumferential surfaces may engage the first and second circumferential surfaces, respectively.

Abstract: An independent suspension undercarriage module includes a first subframe segment and a second subframe segment. The subframe is manufactured of a composite material to provide a truss-like structural unibody which is mounted as a unit to the underside of a low floor vehicle through a plurality of resilient dampers. Passengers are thereby provided with a secondary vibration isolation structure separate from the suspension systems which filter out high frequency content generated by the suspension systems.

Abstract: An independent suspension undercarriage module includes a first subframe segment and a second subframe segment. The subframe is manufactured of a composite material to provide a truss-like structural unibody which is mounted as a unit to the underside of a low floor vehicle through a plurality of resilient dampers. Passengers are thereby provided with a secondary vibration isolation structure separate from the suspension systems which filter out high frequency content generated by the suspension systems.

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 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 steering system is provided for a vehicle including a frame. Upper and lower control arms have first end portions that are pivotally supported on the frame at first spaced apart connections. The control arms also each include second end portions that are pivotally connected to an intermediate support member at second spaced apart connections. A steer knuckle is pivotally supported by the intermediate support member at third spaced apart connections that define a king pin axis. A drive motor is mounted on the intermediate support member and is coupled to the steering knuckle to rotate the steering knuckle about the king pin axis relative to the intermediate support member. A gear set may also be used in conjunction with the drive motor and steering knuckle. The intermediate support member is constrained against forward and aft movement, but is permitted to move upward and downward with the control arms.