Abstract: A bushing is disclosed for pivotally mounting an end portion of an axle-supporting beam of a vehicle suspension system to a hanger bracket of the vehicle with a pair of wear pads positioned between sides of the end portion of the beam and the hanger bracket, where the pair of wear pads each has a central opening defined by an inner edge. The bushing includes a tubular body having a longitudinal axis, a first end portion, a second end portion and a beam support portion positioned between the first and second end portions. A first resilient wear pad retainer extends radially from the first end portion of the body and a second resilient wear pad retainer extends radially from the second end portion of the body.

Abstract: A bushing assembly for use in a vehicle suspension system includes an outer sleeve, with an elastomeric element at least partially positioned within the outer sleeve. An inner sleeve is at least partially positioned within the elastomeric element, while a bar pin having a central section is at least partially positioned within the inner sleeve. A retaining ring is positioned at or adjacent to a first end of the central section of the bar pin and at least partially within the outer sleeve. The retaining ring is positioned between the inner sleeve and at least one radially enlarged section at the first end of the central section of the bar pin and/or at least one radially inwardly directed section at a first end of the outer sleeve.

Abstract: A bushing is disclosed for pivotally mounting an end portion of an axle-supporting beam of a vehicle suspension system to a hanger bracket of the vehicle with a pair of wear pads positioned between sides of the end portion of the beam and the hanger bracket, where the pair of wear pads each has a central opening defined by an inner edge. The bushing includes a tubular body having a longitudinal axis, a first end portion, a second end portion and a beam support portion positioned between the first and second end portions. A first resilient wear pad retainer extends radially from the first end portion of the body and a second resilient wear pad retainer extends radially from the second end portion of the body.

Abstract: A bushing for use in an axle/suspension system of a heavy-duty vehicle. A beam supports an axle for pivotal movement with a hanger of the heavy-duty vehicle at a pivot connection. A bumper is fixed to the beam and contacts an engagement member of the heavy-duty vehicle to limit the relative pivotal movement of the beam and axle in one direction. A force is applied to the pivot connection in a force application direction that is angularly spaced from horizontal and vertical planes. The pivot connection includes a bushing to connect the beam and the hanger. The bushing includes an elastomeric bushing body with at least one void for decreasing rigidity of the bushing body in a substantially vertical direction. The one void is located in the bushing body angularly spaced from the force application direction. The bushing body is substantially solid along the force application direction.

Abstract: A bushing for use in an axle/suspension system of a heavy-duty vehicle. A beam supports an axle for pivotal movement with a hanger of the heavy-duty vehicle at a pivot connection. A bumper is fixed to the beam and contacts an engagement member of the heavy-duty vehicle to limit the relative pivotal movement of the beam and axle in one direction. A force is applied to the pivot connection in a force application direction that is angularly spaced from horizontal and vertical planes. The pivot connection includes a bushing to connect the beam and the hanger. The bushing includes an elastomeric bushing body with at least one void for decreasing rigidity of the bushing body in a substantially vertical direction. The one void is located in the bushing body angularly spaced from the force application direction. The bushing body is substantially solid along the force application direction.

Abstract: A bushing assembly for use in a vehicle suspension system includes an outer sleeve, with an elastomeric element at least partially positioned within the outer sleeve. An inner sleeve is at least partially positioned within the elastomeric element, while a bar pin having a central section is at least partially positioned within the inner sleeve. A retaining ring is positioned at or adjacent to a first end of the central section of the bar pin and at least partially within the outer sleeve. The retaining ring is positioned between the inner sleeve and at least one radially enlarged section at the first end of the central section of the bar pin and/or at least one radially inwardly directed section at a first end of the outer sleeve.