Abstract: An automotive strut type suspension system includes a pair of relatively telescopable members, one of which is attached to the vehicle sprung mass and the other of which is rotatable relative to the sprung mass, and a helical spring disposed around the relatively telescopable members. The spring is seated on the other telescopable member and bears at its opposite end against a retainer. A rigid bearing race is disposed on the sprung mass and includes race surfaces parallel to corresponding surfaces on the retainer. A dual function unitary bearing member is disposed between parallel surfaces on the bearing race and the retainer and accommodating relative rotation between the bearing race and the retainer the spring and the other telescopable member. The unitary bearing member is fabricated from plastic material which exhibits increased coefficient of friction with increased surface contact velocity so that rapid rotary oscillations between the bearing race and the retainer are effectively damped.

Abstract: Suspension strut which incorporates a jounce bumper of a suitable rubber or elastomer having an outwardly oriented knee which yields under low axial compression to provide a low initial spring rate as the suspension initially contacts the bumper. As the suspension travel increases, the knee in the bumper wall continues to yield so that the internal shape of the walls of the jounce bumper become active and progressively increases the effective contact area to provide a progressively increasing spring rate and improved jounce control.

Abstract: Shock absorber unit with polymeric convoluted compression spring having a variable spring rate is carried by the piston rod above the seal cover of the unit. The lower portion of the compression spring is formed with a series of mounting and stabilizing lips for the attachment of a dust tube encircling and protecting the upper portion of the piston rod. A rigid insert in the inner end of the compression spring prevents the polymeric material from flowing over the end of the shock absorber when the spring is under full compression loads and displacing the dust tube from its mounting.