Abstract: A steering system including a rack and pinion, and two tie rods is provided. The rack has a rack axis, and each of the two tie rods has a tie rod axis. The rack is engaged by the pinion, such that rotation of the pinion drives the rack to move in a linear direction. Each of the two tie rods has its first end connected to the rack, such that the tie rod axis is offset from the rack axis. Further, each of the two tie rods has a second end, which is connected to the wheels of a vehicle.

Abstract: A process for forming closed sections using electromagnetic force. A sheet metal stock is folded into a generally closed section having flanges. The folded section is placed in a die and the die is closed. An electromagnetic force is applied to the die to expand the sheet metal towards interior walls of the die, thereby forming the closed section to a predetermined shape. During expansion, the flanges are drawn inward toward the die. After removed from the die, excess flanges are trimmed from the section if needed, the sections welded closed.

Abstract: A spring and strut mount assembly for an automotive vehicle including a strut in the form of a shock absorber having a piston reciprocable within a cylinder, and a piston rod extending axially outwardly from the piston through a cap on an end of the cylinder. The assembly also includes a strut mount adapted to be secured to rigid frame structure of the vehicle. The piston rod is secured to the strut mount. A spring unit resists retraction of the piston rod into the cylinder. A jounce bumper of flexible compressible material is sleeved on the rod between the strut mount and the end of the cylinder. The jounce bumper is compressed axially by contact with the end of the cylinder when the piston rod strokes. A cup is provided to limit radially outward expansion of the jounce bumper when it is compressed by the end of the cylinder. The cup includes a side wall of plastic material surrounding the jounce bumper. The base of the cup is a metal washer.

Abstract: A spring and strut module for an automotive vehicle includes an extensible and contractable strut adapted to be secured to a rigid frame of the vehicle by a strut mount, and a spring unit including a spring for resisting retraction of the strut. A bearing and upper spring seat assembly includes an upper spring seat for the spring and an annular bearing for the spring seat. A bearing base is formed integrally with the spring seat and supports the lower race. A bearing cap covers the upper race. The bearing cap provides a seat for the strut mount. The spring seat is made of a plastic, preferably glass fiber reinforced Nylon. The bearing base has drain holes for carrying away any possible foreign matter. The spring seat has an annular upwardly opening trough, and the strut has an annular downturned lip extending into the trough providing a labyrinth seal inhibiting the entry of foreign matter into the bearing.

Abstract: Pin and slot structure for rotationally positioning a bearing and spring seat assembly relative to a strut mount of a spring and strut module. The bearing and spring seat assembly includes a spring seat having a slot. The strut mount includes a strut mount plate having a slot registering with the slot in the spring seat. The pin has opposite side walls which taper longitudinally toward one another. The slot in the spring seat has side walls which have a taper corresponding to the taper of the side walls of the pin. The pin is insertable into the slots with the tapered side walls of the pin in wedging engagement with the tapered side walls of the slot in the spring seat. One of the side walls of the slot in the spring seat is axially serrated to provide ridges which grip the pin when the pin is inserted. The pin has end walls provided with integral shear strips engageable with the end walls of the slot in the strut mount when the pin is inserted.

Abstract: An adjustable tie-rod assembly for an automotive vehicle has inner and outer rod end sections, and an intermediate rod section. The intermediate and inner rod end sections are rotatably connected together. The intermediate rod section is threaded on the outer rod end section and a jam nut maintains this connection. A stud projects laterally outwardly from the outer rod end section for connection to a steering arm.

Abstract: An adjustable tie-rod assembly for an automotive vehicle has inner and outer rod end sections, and an intermediate rod section. The intermediate and inner rod end sections are rotatably connected together. The intermediate rod section is threaded on the outer rod end section and a jam nut maintains this connection. A stud projects laterally outwardly from the outer rod end section for connection to a steering arm.