Abstract: A number of variations may include a brake disc may include a hub portion and a cheek portion. The hub portion may include a receiving flange for mechanically engaging the cheek portion. The cheek portion may include an upper cheek and a lower cheek connected and separated by a web, and an inner flange extending radially inward from the upper cheek to mechanically engage and communicate with the receiving flange of the hub portion such that the hub portion and the cheek portion form a single brake disc. The inner flange may include a at least one spline tooth circumferentially arranged around the inner flange and constructed and arranged to facilitate the mechanical engagement of the receiving flange and the inner flange.

Abstract: A brake rotor for an automotive vehicle braking system includes a brake rotor hat having a generally circular mounting portion, a generally cylindrical wall connected to the mounting portion and being generally symmetrical about an axis, and first and second pluralities of fingers extending radially outward from the wall. Each of the first plurality of fingers and each of the second plurality of fingers has a respective terminal end portion. The terminal end portions of the first plurality of fingers are coplanar about a first plane. The terminal end portions of the second plurality of fingers are not coplanar about the first plane, and are coplanar about a second plane that is parallel with the first plane. A rotor cheek may be cast around the fingers.

Abstract: A number of variations may include a brake disc may include a hub portion and a cheek portion. The hub portion may include a receiving flange for mechanically engaging the cheek portion. The cheek portion may include an upper cheek and a lower cheek connected and separated by a web, and an inner flange extending radially inward from the upper cheek to mechanically engage and communicate with the receiving flange of the hub portion such that the hub portion and the cheek portion form a single brake disc. The inner flange may include a at least one spline tooth circumferentially arranged around the inner flange and constructed and arranged to facilitate the mechanical engagement of the receiving flange and the inner flange.

Abstract: A brake rotor for an automotive vehicle braking system includes a brake rotor hat having a generally circular mounting portion, a generally cylindrical wall connected to the mounting portion and being generally symmetrical about an axis, and first and second pluralities of fingers extending radially outward from the wall. Each of the first plurality of fingers and each of the second plurality of fingers has a respective terminal end portion. The terminal end portions of the first plurality of fingers are coplanar about a first plane. The terminal end portions of the second plurality of fingers are not coplanar about the first plane, and are coplanar about a second plane that is parallel with the first plane. A rotor cheek may be cast around the fingers.

Abstract: A braking system for retarding rotation of a wheel includes a rotor having two opposing rotor sides, wherein the rotor is coupled to the wheel. The braking system also includes a knuckle rotatably coupled to the rotor, a caliper disposed relative to the knuckle, and first and second friction pads. Each friction pad is positioned relative to one of the rotor sides. The friction pads are housed within the caliper, which includes a hydraulic piston positioned to engage one of the friction pads. Movement of the hydraulic piston engages the friction pads with the respective rotor sides to retard the wheel. The braking system also includes a spacer disposed between the caliper and the knuckle and a fastener that fixes the caliper and the spacer to the knuckle. The spacer generates a wedging effect between the caliper and the knuckle when the rotation of the wheel is being retarded.

Abstract: A braking system for retarding rotation of a wheel includes a rotor having two opposing rotor sides, wherein the rotor is coupled to the wheel. The braking system also includes a knuckle rotatably coupled to the rotor, a caliper disposed relative to the knuckle, and first and second friction pads. Each friction pad is positioned relative to one of the rotor sides. The friction pads are housed within the caliper, which includes a hydraulic piston positioned to engage one of the friction pads. Movement of the hydraulic piston engages the friction pads with the respective rotor sides to retard the wheel. The braking system also includes a spacer disposed between the caliper and the knuckle and a fastener that fixes the caliper and the spacer to the knuckle. The spacer generates a wedging effect between the caliper and the knuckle when the rotation of the wheel is being retarded.

Abstract: An automotive product having a plurality of components coated with a refractory interface coating and method for making the same are provided. The automotive product may include at least a first component and a second component configured to interconnect and engage one another. The first component may be composed of a first high-density material. The second component may be formed of a second lower-density material. A refractory interface coating may be applied at the interconnection between the first and second components to provide an enhanced surface finish to limit friction, prevent metallurgical bonding between the first material and second material, provide a barrier against galvanic corrosion, and provide a thermal barrier between the first component and second component to guard against thermal deformation or change in dimension of the second component.

Abstract: In accordance with exemplary embodiments, a wheel assembly is provided for a vehicle. The wheel assembly includes a knuckle having a tapered inner surface to interface with an outer flange of a bearing. A threaded fastener retains the bearing within the knuckle. A wheel hub couples to an inner flange of the bearing permitting rotation of the wheel hub relative to the knuckle.

Abstract: In accordance with exemplary embodiments, a wheel assembly is provided for a vehicle. The wheel assembly includes a knuckle having a tapered inner surface to interface with an outer flange of a bearing. A threaded fastener retains the bearing within the knuckle. A wheel hub couples to an inner flange of the bearing permitting rotation of the wheel hub relative to the knuckle.

Abstract: A steering knuckle for a vehicle includes a metal body having a first portion defining a bore therethrough and a second portion extending longitudinally from said first portion. The steering knuckle also includes a ceramic insert disposed with the first portion and the second portion and surrounding the bore. A method of forming the steering knuckle includes disposing the ceramic insert within a cavity of a mold, sufficiently filling the cavity with a molten metal to contact and envelop the ceramic insert with the molten metal, and solidifying the molten metal so as to surround the ceramic insert with the metal body to thereby form the steering knuckle.

Abstract: A steering knuckle for a vehicle includes a metal body having a first portion defining a bore therethrough and a second portion extending longitudinally from said first portion. The steering knuckle also includes a ceramic insert disposed with the first portion and the second portion and surrounding the bore. A method of forming the steering knuckle includes disposing the ceramic insert within a cavity of a mold, sufficiently filling the cavity with a molten metal to contact and envelop the ceramic insert with the molten metal, and solidifying the molten metal so as to surround the ceramic insert with the metal body to thereby form the steering knuckle.

Abstract: A hydroformed steering knuckle assembly for a vehicle and method of making same includes a hydroformed main body. The hydroformed steering knuckle assembly also includes at least one component secured to the hydroformed main body. The hydroformed main body is a hydroformed monolithic structure being integral, unitary, and one-piece.

Abstract: A hydroformed steering knuckle assembly for a vehicle and method of making same includes a hydroformed main body. The hydroformed steering knuckle assembly also includes at least one component secured to the hydroformed main body. The hydroformed main body is a hydroformed monolithic structure being integral, unitary, and one-piece.