Abstract: A bearing for a vehicle suspension system is provided and includes an outer member and an inner member. The outer member defines a first inner surface and a first outer surface wherein the first outer surface is configured to engage an equalizer bar of the vehicle suspension system. The inner member defines a second outer surface and a bore therethrough defining a second inner surface. The inner member is configured to engage a frame of the vehicle suspension system. A first lubricious fabric liner is provided in communication with at least a portion of the first inner surface and the second outer surface. The first lubricious fabric liner slidingly engages at least a portion of one of the first inner surface and the second outer surface in response to relative movement between the equalizer bar and the frame of the vehicle suspension system.

Abstract: A sealing system for a spherical plain bearing assembly is provided and includes a flexible seal defining a base and a head. At least one low-friction liner is disposed on the flexible seal.

Abstract: A spherical plain bearing and method of assembling the same is disclosed. The bearing has an outer ring having a bore, a concave surface, and at least one fracture. The bearing further includes an inner ring having a convex surface. The convex surface is in sliding disposition with the concave surface when the inner ring is disposed in the bore. The bearing has a groove in a face of the outer ring radially outside a first opening of the bore. The bearing further includes a band coupled to a portion of the outer ring defining the groove. The band retains the outer ring around the inner ring when the inner ring is disposed in the bore.

Abstract: A spherical plain bearing having dual sealing capability includes an outer race bearing member having an outer ring and an inner race bearing member having an inner ring, the inner ring being located within an opening defined by the outer ring. The opening is defined in part by two generally opposed peripheral edges with a spherical concave bearing surface extending therebetween. The inner ring defines a bore extending therethrough and a spherical convex bearing surface engagable with the concave bearing surface defined by the outer ring. A first ring seal is positioned in a first seal groove defined by the outer ring and is inboard of a first face surface defined by the outer ring. The outer and inner rings, or at least portions thereof, are heat treated using one of carburizing, nitriding, or nitrocarburizing.

Abstract: A spherical plain bearing has an outer ring having a concave bearing surface, and an inner ring having a convex bearing surface and a shaft-engaging surface. The inner ring is disposed within the outer ring with the concave surface engaging the convex surface. The inner ring has a lubrication groove on the convex surface and a lubrication aperture that extends from the groove to the shaft-engaging surface. A shaft is mounted in the inner ring. The shaft has a lubrication aperture that communicates with the inner ring lubrication aperture. Lubricant can be injected into the shaft lubrication aperture to flow lubricant into the bearing load zone via the inner ring lubrication aperture. In another aspect, a kingpin linkage assembly includes an axle yoke, a steering knuckle, two king pins pivotally interconnecting the axle yoke and the steering knuckle, and two bearings as described herein for engaging the kingpins.