Abstract: An alignment assembly for a motor vehicle includes a first bushing with a slot, the first bushing being configured to be positioned and secured to an end of a first link of a wishbone suspension assembly, and an insert that fits within the slot, the insert having a locating hole that positions a bolt within the slot for nominal caster and camber angles.

Abstract: An exemplary system for aligning a relative position between two components includes a locating member and an alignment insert member configured to couple with the locating member. The alignment insert member includes a radially-extending tab. The radially-extending tab has a plurality of identifying markers to identify a radial position of the locating member. The locating member is rotatable within the alignment insert member to adjust a radial position of the locating member.

Abstract: An exemplary system for aligning a relative position between two components includes a locating member and an alignment insert member configured to couple with the locating member. The alignment insert member includes a radially-extending tab. The radially-extending tab has a plurality of identifying markers to identify a radial position of the locating member. The locating member is rotatable within the alignment insert member to adjust a radial position of the locating member.

Abstract: An alignment assembly for a motor vehicle includes a first bushing with a slot, the first bushing being configured to be positioned and secured to an end of a first link of a wishbone suspension assembly, and an insert that fits within the slot, the insert having a locating hole that positions a bolt within the slot for nominal caster and camber angles.

Abstract: An exemplary method for controlling a vehicle includes the steps of providing a vehicle steering system including a steering wheel, providing a control system in electronic communication with the vehicle steering system, the control system including a controller, determining a rotational position change, generating a control signal indicating the rotational position change, and adjusting a position of the steering wheel from a first position to a second position based on the control signal.

Abstract: A coupling assembly and a method of decoupling a first member and a second member are disclosed. The assembly includes a first member defining a hole along a central axis and having a hole inner wall extending along the hole and circumscribing the central axis. The assembly also includes a second member defining an aperture that aligns with the hole along the central axis and has an aperture inner wall extending along the aperture and circumscribing the central axis. The assembly further includes a sleeve disposed in the hole and the aperture. The sleeve defines a slit to allow the sleeve to flex. The assembly also includes a pin at least partially disposed inside the sleeve to flex the sleeve outwardly into engagement with the hole inner wall and the aperture inner wall to couple together the first and second members.

Abstract: A ball joint assembly includes a shaft having ball at an end of the shaft. A component, such as an idler arm, a tie rod, a central link, or other steering or suspension component, has a socket with an open end for receiving the ball. An end cap is mounted in the open end of the component to close the open end and thereby capture the ball within the socket for swiveling movement. An anti-corrosion coating coats the end cap to seal the end cap to the component and prevent corrosion between the end cap and the component.

Abstract: A steering mechanism includes a relay rod and an idler arm operatively attached to a first end thereof. A pitman arm includes a stud and is operatively attached to a second end of the relay rod. A bushing is configured to allow displacement of the pitman arm relative to the relay rod. The bushing includes an outer can, an inner metal member, and a bushing disposed therebetween. The inner metal member has a tapered receptacle configured to mate with a tapered portion of the stud. The resilient member may include voids, which may be oriented generally perpendicular to a turning direction and may be tapered from the base to the opening. The inner metal member may have a generally-cylindrical portion and substantially-opposing outer flats interrupting the same. The outer flats are spaced by a distance smaller than the cylinder diameter and may be substantially parallel to the turning direction.

Abstract: A steering mechanism includes a relay rod and an idler arm operatively attached to a first end thereof. A pitman arm includes a stud and is operatively attached to a second end of the relay rod. A bushing is configured to allow displacement of the pitman arm relative to the relay rod. The bushing includes an outer can, an inner metal member, and a bushing disposed therebetween. The inner metal member has a tapered receptacle configured to mate with a tapered portion of the stud. The resilient member may include voids, which may be oriented generally perpendicular to a turning direction and may be tapered from the base to the opening. The inner metal member may have a generally-cylindrical portion and substantially-opposing outer flats interrupting the same. The outer flats are spaced by a distance smaller than the cylinder diameter and may be substantially parallel to the turning direction.