Abstract: A piston valve assembly for a damper comprises a piston having a central hole and a fluid passageway spaced from the hole. A deflection disc having a central aperture is aligned with the hole. A hub, common across different dampers, includes a neck that is arranged in the hole and the aperture of the deflection disc. A retainer abuts an unthreaded outer surface of the hub. During assembly, the retainer is received on the cylindrical outer surface in a slip fit relation and secured to the hub under a predetermined clamp load. Throughout the manufacturing process, components of the piston valve assembly are marked with identifying information that may be compared to other identifying information on the piston assembly throughout the manufacturing process to ensure integrity of the piston valve assembly. The piston valve assembly and other assemblies can be sent to another OEM facility near the customer to manufacture dampers that satisfy build requests for low volume dampers.

Abstract: A piston assembly for a monotube shock absorber includes a piston body with a non-symmetrical outer band that provides a bearing surface against a shock tube wall. The outer band defines a first diameter that is a maximum outer diameter of the piston assembly. The piston body also includes an outer surface portion that is defined by a second diameter less than the first diameter, and which comprises a non-contact surface. The outer band extends in a serpentine manner about an outer circumference of the piston body such that recesses are formed between the shock tube wall and the non-contact surface. Side ports are located within these recesses to allow a blow-off area to be increased by incorporating annular lands into the piston assembly.

Abstract: A piston valve assembly for a damper comprises a piston having a central hole and a fluid passageway spaced from the hole. A deflection disc having a central aperture is aligned with the hole. A hub, common across different dampers, includes a neck that is arranged in the hole and the aperture of the deflection disc. A retainer abuts an unthreaded outer surface of the hub. During assembly, the retainer is received on the cylindrical outer surface in a slip fit relation and secured to the hub under a predetermined clamp load. Throughout the manufacturing process, components of the piston valve assembly are marked with identifying information that may be compared to other identifying information on the piston assembly throughout the manufacturing process to ensure integrity of the piston valve assembly. The piston valve assembly and other assemblies can be sent to another OEM facility near the customer to manufacture dampers that satisfy build requests for low volume dampers.

Abstract: A piston valve assembly for a damper comprises a piston having a central hole and a fluid passageway spaced from the hole. A deflection disc having a central aperture is aligned with the hole. The deflection disc is arranged adjacent to the piston and at least partially blocks the fluid passageway for regulating the flow of hydraulic fluid between the fluid chambers when installed in the damper. A hub, common across different dampers, includes a neck that is arranged in the hole and the aperture of the deflection disc. A retainer abuts an unthreaded outer surface of the hub. During assembly, the retainer is received on the cylindrical outer surface in a slip fit relation. The deflection disc and pistons are loaded to a predetermined clamp load. The retainer is secured to the outer surface by a securing material such as a weld bead.

Abstract: A piston valve assembly for a damper comprises a piston having a central hole and a fluid passageway spaced from the hole. A deflection disc having a central aperture is aligned with the hole. The deflection disc is arranged adjacent to the piston and at least partially blocks the fluid passageway for regulating the flow of hydraulic fluid between the fluid chambers when installed in the damper. A hub, common across different dampers, includes a neck that is arranged in the hole and the aperture of the deflection disc. A retainer abuts an unthreaded outer surface of the hub. During assembly, the retainer is received on the cylindrical outer surface in a slip fit relation. The deflection disc and pistons are loaded to a predetermined clamp load. The retainer can be positioned axially to account for variability due to tolerance stack-ups. The retainer is secured to the outer surface by a securing material such as a weld bead.

Abstract: A piston valve assembly for a damper comprises a piston having a central hole and a fluid passageway spaced from the hole. A deflection disc having a central aperture is aligned with the hole. The deflection disc is arranged adjacent to the piston and at least partially blocks the fluid passageway for regulating the flow of hydraulic fluid between the fluid chambers when installed in the damper. A hub, common across different dampers, includes a neck that is arranged in the hole and the aperture of the deflection disc. A retainer abuts an unthreaded outer surface of the hub. During assembly, the retainer is received on the cylindrical outer surface in a slip fit relation. The deflection disc and pistons are loaded to a predetermined clamp load. The retainer is secured to the outer surface by a securing material such as a weld bead.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension assembly includes a control rod pivotally connected between a vehicle frame and an axle. The control rod controls longitudinal and vertical movement of the axle. A spring member is pivotally connected to the frame and fixed to the axle. Air spring assemblies are mounted between the axle and frame. The rigidly mounted spring member exerts torsion forces on the axle to counter roll forces and the air spring assemblies provide favorable ride characteristics adaptable to various trailer load conditions.

Abstract: A tandem axle suspension assembly includes a pair of walking beams disposed substantially parallel to a vehicle longitudinal axis supporting first and second axles. A link plate is pivotally attached to each of the walking beams and is pivotal about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis. A first and a second link include pivotal connections between the link plate and a vehicle frame member. Vertical movement of the walking beams causes a corresponding rotation of the link plate to compensate for longitudinal displacement of the pivotal links with the first and second links and minimize longitudinal displacement of the walking beams.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension is provided that includes a frame supporting a pair of laterally spaced apart suspension members pivotally supported on the frame and movable in a vertical direction. Each of a pair of wheel ends is supported respectively on one of the suspension members. A stabilizer bar is supported on the frame laterally between the suspension members. The stabilizer bar includes opposing ends each respectively proximate one of the suspension members. Each of a pair of resilient stabilizer bar links respectively interconnects one of the ends and one of the suspension members and transmits torsional force to the stabilizer bar in response to movement of the suspension members in the vertical direction during roll conditions. The links have first and second deflection rates during the roll condition with the first rate being less than the second deflection rate.