Abstract: A rack drive assembly adapted for use in a vehicle electric power steering assembly includes a bearing assembly disposed in a rack housing and carried by a ball nut assembly for rotatably supporting the ball nut assembly relative to a steering member; and a spanner nut carried by the rack housing for securing the bearing assembly in the rack housing. A first isolator, a second isolator and a first shim are provided wherein the first isolator is disposed between an inner surface of the housing and a first surface of an outer race of the bearing, the second isolator is disposed between an opposite second surface of the outer race of said bearing and the first shim, the first shim is disposed between the second isolator and the spanner nut. The first shim is provided with a member configured to be coupled to the housing to allow for axial movement but prevent rotational motion of the shim during installation of the spanner nut.

Abstract: This invention relates to a commercial vehicle suspension assembly that includes an axle, a rack and pinion steering assembly, and a pivot mount assembly for connecting the rack and pinion steering assembly to the axle of the vehicle. The pivot mount assembly controls a pivoting motion of the axle relative to the rack and pinion steering assembly. The pivot mount assembly comprises a clamp portion and a mounting portion. The clamp portion is configured to support the rack of the rack and pinion steering assembly. The mounting portion is configured to attach the rack and pinion steering assembly to the axle.