Abstract: A steering apparatus (10) for turning steerable wheels of a vehicle in response to rotation of a vehicle steering wheel (12) comprises a first assembly (16), a second assembly (26), and a mechanism (108). The first assembly (16) is operatively coupled to the steering wheel (12) and includes components (18 and 22) for monitoring applied torque and angular rotation of the steering wheel. The second assembly (26) includes a steering gear (34) and components (28 and 30) for receiving the first signal and actuating the steering gear (34) in response to the first signal. The mechanism (108) when in a first mode of operation provides a mechanical connection between the steering wheel (12) and the steering gear (34). When the mechanism (108) is in the second mode of operation, the steering wheel (12) and the steering gear (34) lack a mechanical connection.

Abstract: A steering apparatus (10) for turning steerable wheels of a vehicle in response to rotation of a vehicle steering wheel (12) comprises a first assembly (16), a second assembly (26), and a mechanism (108). The first assembly (16) is operatively coupled to the steering wheel (12) and includes components (18 and 22) for monitoring applied torque and angular rotation of the steering wheel. The second assembly (26) includes a steering gear (34) and components (28 and 30) for receiving the first signal and actuating the steering gear (34) in response to the first signal. The mechanism (108) when in a first mode of operation provides a mechanical connection between the steering wheel (12) and the steering gear (34). When the mechanism (108) is in the second mode of operation, the steering wheel (12) and the steering gear (34) lack a mechanical connection.

Abstract: The spacer (50) comprises a generally C-shaped member which is disposed about a complementary shaped pin (40) which connects a caliper housing (12) to a torque support member (16) of a disc brake (10). The pin (40) has radially opposite flat side portions (42, 44) connected by curved surfaces (46, 48). The spacer (50) includes a pair of oppositely disposed and axially spaced apart upper flanges (58) at opposite ends of a bowed upper portion (54), and axially spaced apart lower flanges (60) which are bent axially inwardly toward one another. Each of the lower flanges (60) has a corner ear (62) adjacent a curved portion (52) of the spacer (50) which are bent outwardly away from one another. Adjacent the ears (62) where the lower flanges (60) engage the curved portion (52) are axially opposite notches (64) which prevent stress cracking of the spacer (50).

Abstract: A disc brake assembly includes a torque member which carries at least one pin for slidably supporting a caliper. The one pin threadably engages the torque member and extends on both sides of the disc. A pair of friction elements are engageable with the disc to retard rotation of the latter. On one side of the disc the one pin slidably engages the caliper, while on the other side of the disc the one pin slidably engages one of the pair of friction elements. The one pin is spaced from the caliper on the other side of the disc where the one pin engages one of the pair of friction elements. The one pin cooperates with a resilient bushing on the caliper to form a sliding connection therebetween and also cooperates with a resilient bushing on the one friction element to form a sliding connection therebetween. An optional thermoplastic sleeve may be disposed between the resilient bushing on the caliper and the one pin.

Abstract: A disc brake assembly includes a torque member which carries at least one pin for slidably supporting a caliper. The one pin threadably engages the torque member and extends on both sides of the disc. A pair of friction elements are engageable with the disc to retard rotation of the latter. On one side of the disc the one pin slidably engages the caliper, while on the other side of the disc the one pin slidably engages one of the pair of friction elements. The one pin is spaced from the caliper on the other side of the disc where the one pin engages one of the pair of friction elements. The one pin cooperates with a resilient bushing on the caliper to form a sliding connection therebetween and also cooperates with a resilient bushing on the one friction element to form a sliding connection therebetween. An optional thermoplastic sleeve may be disposed between the resilient bushing on the caliper and the one pin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved drum brake assembly having an automatic adjuster to compensate for lining wear to a pair of brake shoes. A backing plate includes an anchor to pivotally support the pair of brake shoes and to secure a hydraulic actuator thereto. An extendible member cooperates with the pair of brake shoes to define a non-braking position and the hydraulic actuator is operable to move the pair of brake shoes to a braking position in engagement with a rotatable member. A pawl is pivotally engageable with the extendible member and the hydraulic actuator via a spring extending from one of the pair of brake shoes to the pawl so as to pivot when the hydraulic actuator is operable. The pivoting of the pawl causes the pawl to extend the extendible member if the movement of the pair of brake shoes is above a predetermined value. The pawl includes an arm which is pivotally engageable with a piston of the hydraulic actuator.