Abstract: A roll control system is provided that includes first and second dampers each having fluid. A pump fluidly interconnects the first and second dampers. A motor is connected to the pump. A controller is in communication with the motor. The controller is configured to command the motor to drive the pump and transfer fluid between the first and second actuators in a desired direction in response to a roll signal. The pump provides fluid from one of the first and second dampers to the other of the first and second dampers in response to being driven by the motor. The roll control system can be used on front and rear axles to provide improved overall stability for the vehicle. In one example, a common motor is used to drive first and second pumps, which are respectively associated with the front and rear axles.

Abstract: A roll control device includes at least one actuator having first and second chambers. A pump is in fluid communication with the first and second chambers and is configured to transfer fluid between them. A motor is connected to the pump and is in communication with a controller. The controller is configured to selectively command the motor to drive the pump in response to a roll signal and transfer fluid between the first and second chambers in a desired direction. A failsafe valve is arranged between the pump and first and second chambers in one example. The failsafe valve includes a first open position in which the first and second chambers are fluidly connected to one another and bypass the pump.

Abstract: A roll control device includes at least one actuator having first and second chambers. A pump is in fluid communication with the first and second chambers and is configured to transfer fluid between them. A motor is connected to the pump and is in communication with a controller. The controller is configured to selectively command the motor to drive the pump in response to a roll signal and transfer fluid between the first and second chambers in a desired direction. A failsafe valve is arranged between the pump and first and second chambers in one example. The failsafe valve includes a first open position in which the first and second chambers are fluidly connected to one another and bypass the pump.

Abstract: A roll control system is provided that includes first and second dampers each having fluid. A pump fluidly interconnects the first and second dampers. A motor is connected to the pump. A controller is in communication with the motor. The controller is configured to command the motor to drive the pump and transfer fluid between the first and second actuators in a desired direction in response to a roll signal. The pump provides fluid from one of the first and second dampers to the other of the first and second dampers in response to being driven by the motor. The roll control system can be used on front and rear axles to provide improved overall stability for the vehicle. In one example, a common motor is used to drive first and second pumps, which are respectively associated with the front and rear axles.

Abstract: A shock absorber includes a pre-load ring for providing a desired damping characteristic when a piston is being moved outwardly of a hydraulic cylinder. The pre-load ring has a curved surface in contact with a disc valve. A spring bias is applied to hold the pre-load ring against the disc valve. Since the pre-load ring has a curved surface in contact with the disc valve, there is line contact between the pre-load ring and disc valve. As a result, when the disc valve moves away from a port controlled by the disc valve, there is less friction between the disc valve and the pre-load ring.

Abstract: A suspension bracket is supported by an axle housing and is used to attach a vehicle suspension to the axle housing. The axle housing includes a polygonal cross-section including obliquely orientated corner portions that extend between adjacent vertical and horizontal walls. The suspension bracket includes a base portion, a pair of bracket legs, and contact pads that extend between each bracket leg and the base portion. Each bracket leg engages a protruding portion that extends outwardly from one of the vertical walls. A pressure force is applied to secure the suspension bracket to the axle housing. The pressure force squeezes the suspension bracket around the axle housing to generate a clamp load. The clamp load is exerted by the contact pads against the corner portions of the axle housing. Fore/aft loading and torsional loading are transferred from the axle housing to the suspension bracket via the corner portions.

Abstract: An axle housing includes a suspension mount interface for mounting a vehicle suspension to the axle housing. The axle housing includes a first leg portion extending to a first wheel assembly and a second leg portion extending to a second wheel assembly. The first and second leg portions each include a suspension mount interface. Each suspension mount interface includes first and second bracket portions. The first and second bracket portions are clamped together prior to attachment to the axle housing to form a suspension bracket assembly. One clamped suspension bracket assembly is then slid over each axle housing leg portion. The first and second bracket portions are subjected to a preload force as they are welded or fastened to each other, providing a preload effect to define a suspension load path that has positive contact only at desired locations on the axle housing.

Abstract: A suspension system comprises a vehicle frame having a front and rear sections. At least a first hydraulic actuator and a second hydraulic actuator are located in one of the sections. A piston defines a first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber in each of the actuators. A rod is disposed in each second of fluid chamber. The first fluid chamber of the first actuator is in fluid communication with the second fluid chamber of the second hydraulic actuator.