Abstract: A trailing arm suspension unit for use on a vehicle including a ring bearing, a trailing arm, a spring and damper for providing large vertical wheel travel in a jounce and rebound suspension condition. The ring bearing may include external threads for rotationally connecting the trailing arm to a mounting plate or a hull of the vehicle. Further, supply lines for electrical and fluids may be passed through the opening in the ring bearings without the use of a slip ring and passed through a passage in the trailing arm to a wheel on the vehicle. The spring and damper may be located on top of the trailing arm and separately connected to the mounting plate to generate significant mechanical advantage. The geometry of the spring, damper, and trailing arm allow the spring in the suspension unit to be gas cylinder employing air.

Abstract: A wheel support knuckle and trailing arm assembly that is attached to a toe link of a vehicle suspension system. The trailing arm assembly is formed by a blade member and a reinforcement member. The wheel support knuckle defines an axle bore and includes an integrally formed upper link receptacle and an integrally formed brake caliper track. The toe link is retained on the trailing arm assembly by a clevis formed by a transverse wall formed in the blade member and a parallel transverse wall formed in the reinforcement member. An alternative embodiment discloses a one-piece trailing arm that defines a clevis for connection to the toe link between a transverse wall and a tab that extends parallel to the transverse wall. A method of making cast wheel support knuckle and stamped trailing arm assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A personal mobility vehicle includes a power-driven base unit that supports a suspension system. The suspension system includes a front suspension arm that supports a front caster wheel and includes a suspension stop. A drive unit is pivotally supported on the base unit by a torque arm. The torque arm selectively disengages the suspension stop to allow movement of the front caster wheel in response to the terrain traversed.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for providing a suspension for a wheel on a motor vehicle. The wheel suspension includes a stub axle (36, 37) connected to a stub axle carrier (34, 35), a suspension arm (18, 19) which connects the stub axle carrier to the vehicle, and a stabilizer bar (9) fixed transversely to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The suspension arm (18, 19) is fixed against rotation to an outer end (14, 15) of the stabilizer bar and rotatably attached in at least one position (22, 23) axially separated from the outer end of the stabilizer bar. The invention also relates to a vehicle provided with such an arrangement.

Abstract: A cam shaft support/enclosure assembly for brake systems of heavy-duty vehicles is mounted on a beam of an axle/suspension system and includes a cam tube. A bracket for mounting the cam tube on the beam includes a pair of plates that are mounted on the beam. Each one of the plates is formed with an opening for receiving the cam tube and includes at least three tabs, and preferably four tabs, that extend outwardly from each respective plate adjacent the opening and contact the outer surface of the cam tube. Each tab includes a generally arched and optionally textured face for mating with an outer surface of the cam tube, which may also be optionally textured, so that when the plates are mounted the tabs engage the cam tube in a press-type fit, minimizing movement of the cam tube.

Abstract: An improved trailer wheel system including a trailer mounting support, a fender mounting support, a main suspension support arm and an air bag. The trailer mounting support is mounted to a trailer platform. The fender mounting support is attached to the trailer mounting support. One end of the main suspension support arm is mounted to one end of the trailer mounting support. The air bag is attached to the other end of the main suspension support arm and the fender mounting support. A wheel axle is mounted to the main suspension support arm and a wheel is mounted to the wheel axle. The air bag is used to raise or lower the trailer for more efficient loading and unloading, as well as acting as an anti-theft device, and providing a smoother ride for the equipment being transported and the towing vehicle.

Abstract: A system for adjusting the height or spacing between the frame and axle of a vehicle. The system may operate by manipulating a suspension system connecting the frame to the axle and comprising shock assemblies. The system may include hydraulic spacers selectively changing in length in unison, thereby manipulating the equilibrium positions of the shock assemblies and changing the distance between the frame and axle. Between changes in length, the hydraulic spacers may act as a substantially rigid bodies.

Abstract: In a trailing arm suspension for a vehicle, an axle carrier is fitted to the wheel-side end of a trailing arm, and an axle bearing is fitted to the axle carrier. The axle carrier includes a first flat plate-like member and a second flat plate-like member. The first flat plate-like member is arranged in substantially the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The axle bearing is fitted to the first flat plate-like member. The second flat plate-like member is fixed to the front end of the first flat plate-like member at an angle at or around 90 degrees. The second flat plate-like member is fixed to the wheel-side end of the trailing arm at an angle within the range of 60 degrees to 90 degrees.

Abstract: A four-point wishbone-shaped linkage is disclosed for use in a suspension system. The wishbone-shaped linkage includes a base and two limbs extending away from the base creating a large mouth open area between the limbs and base. The base includes a bar and bushing assembly extending laterally therethrough. Also disclosed are suspension systems incorporating the four-point wishbone-shaped linkage. The suspension system connects an axle to a vehicle chassis having a first frame member and a second frame member extending longitudinally on opposite sides of the chassis, respectively. The first and second frame hangers are mounted to the first and second frame member, respectively, a cross member connects the first and second frame hangers and the wishbone-shaped linkage is pivotally connected to the axle seats mounted to the axle and to the cross member. The suspension system also can include air springs, shock absorbers and torque rods.

Abstract: A saddle-riding type vehicle includes a vehicle body, a pivot frame that supports a swing arm for rear wheel suspension, and a rear master cylinder disposed rearwardly of the pivot frame. A reservoir tank supplies hydraulic fluid to the rear master cylinder, and the reservoir tank is disposed between the pivot frame and the rear master cylinder. A portion of the swing arm, adjacent to the reservoir tank, is configured with a concave recess formed therein extending inwardly towards a longitudinal center line of the vehicle body. The reservoir tank is situated closer to a vehicle body inner side, and is deeper in the recess than the rear master cylinder.

Abstract: A wheeled conveyance comprising a chassis (4), support means for a load mounted on the chassis (4), a suspension assembly mounted on the chassis (4), and at least one shock absorber means (38) acting on at least part of the suspension assembly and adapted and arranged to limit tilting of the chassis (4) relative to at least part of the suspension assembly under dynamic load conditions tending to produce such tilting. The suspension assembly comprises spring means (32) and suspension arms pivotably mounted on the chassis (4) and extending in forward and rearward directions in the region of opposite sides of the chassis (4). Each suspension arm has a wheel (16, 26) rotatably mounted at the free end.

Abstract: A rear suspension assembly for a drag racing vehicle in which the assembly includes a plurality of links with a brace assembly connecting a pair of links. The links provide a connection between the vehicle chassis and the rear axle housing. The brace assembly is attached to two links on opposite sides of the drive shaft, thereby maintaining the two links in a fixed spatial relationship. In one embodiment, the brace assembly includes members arranged in an X-shape, with the outboard ends of the X-shape attached to the distal ends of two links. In one such embodiment, the cross-brace assembly includes a cross-brace extending from the medial section of one link to the medial section of the opposite link and the cross-brace is connected to the center of the X-shaped brace. In another embodiment, the brace assembly includes members in a Y-shape in conjunction with members bridging the two links.

Abstract: A structure for installing a rear cushion in a motorcycle having a hydraulic shock absorber with a subsidiary cylinder used as the suspension device. The rear swing arm includes a pair of left and right arm portions, the respective front portions being coupled with a first cross member and a second cross member. A pair of cushion brackets extend in the back-and-forth direction with the upper portion of the rear cushion sandwiched therebetween. The front and rear ends of the cushion brackets are coupled to the first and second cross members, thereby supporting the cushion brackets at both ends. An upper portion of the rear cushion fits within a space enclosed by the first and the second cross members, and the left and right cushion brackets, and is coupled to the intermediate portion of the left and right cushion brackets.

Abstract: A front end portion of a trailing arm is removably fitted to a vehicle body through a cylindrical bush. A bracket, which holds the bush to fit the front end portion to the vehicle body, includes: a holding portion that holds the bush; right/left first flange portions provided below the holding portion at positions on right/left sides of the holding portion, wherein the first flange portions contact lower surfaces of the respective horizontal wall portions, and the first flange portions are removably fixed to the respective horizontal wall portions using first fastening portions; and right/left second flange portions provided behind the holding portion at positions on right/left sides of the holding portion, wherein the second flange portions contact rear surfaces of the respective upright wall portions, and the second flange portions are removably fixed to the respective upright wall portions using second fastening portions.

Abstract: A distributed compliance air-ride axle/suspension system includes an integral structure preferably formed of a lightweight composite material, replacing traditional beams and an axle. The composite structure includes a plurality of plates of various sizes and shapes, with the size, shape and arrangement of the plates being determined by the load capacity model of a specific vehicle application. Traditional axle spindle ends are mounted on the integral plate structure, together with pivot bushings, air springs, and shock absorbers, to complete the air-ride axle/suspension system. The system in turn is pivotally mounted on frame brackets of a heavy-duty vehicle such as a semi-trailer or dump truck. Forces, loads and/or stresses imposed on the axle/suspension system during vehicle operation are distributed generally throughout the composite structure to achieve the desired structural roll compliance of the axle/suspension system for the particular application.

Abstract: An axle/suspension system for a wheeled vehicle, in which the vehicle has a frame, includes an integral arm structure that includes an attachment member for connecting the integral arm structure to the vehicle frame. A flexible transition member is connected to and extends from the attachment member and a body is connected to and extends from the transition member The flexible transition member may be generally curved or angular and enables pivotal movement of the integral arm structure and cooperates with the body to distribute forces encountered by the axle/suspension system The body may be a truss structure or a solid body, which may include a member that replaces a conventional axle tube. Optionally, two axle/suspension integral arm structures may be used to capture a conventional axle tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a suspension device for the load-bearing and resilient support of a wheel in a motor vehicle. The device comprises at least one spring cylinder with a piston which is guided in a manner moveable relative to it in a pressure cylinder. A driving device converts pivoting movement of a wheel oscillating-crank supporting arm, which movement oscillates about an oscillating-crank axis into the relative movements between the pressure cylinder and the piston. The piston acts counter to an elastically compressible spring medium in order to produce a load-bearing supporting spring force. The driving device is designed as a gearwheel mechanism.

Abstract: In a trailing arm suspension for a vehicle, an axle carrier is fitted to the wheel-side end of a trailing arm, and an axle bearing is fitted to the axle carrier. The axle carrier includes a first flat plate-like member and a second flat plate-like member. The first flat plate-like member is arranged in substantially the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The axle bearing is fitted to the first flat plate-like member. The second flat plate-like member is fixed to the front end of the first flat plate-like member at an angle at or around 90 degrees. The second flat plate-like member is fixed to the wheel-side end of the trailing arm at an angle within the range of 60 degrees to 90 degrees.

Abstract: A wheel support knuckle and trailing arm assembly that is attached to a toe link of a vehicle suspension system. The trailing arm assembly is formed by a blade member and a reinforcement member. The wheel support knuckle defines an axle bore and includes an integrally formed upper link receptacle and an integrally formed brake caliper track. The toe link is retained on the trailing arm assembly by a clevis formed by a transverse wall formed in the blade member and a parallel transverse wall formed in the reinforcement member. An alternative embodiment discloses a one-piece trailing arm that defines a clevis for connection to the toe link between a transverse wall and a tab that extends parallel to the transverse wall. A method of making cast wheel support knuckle and stamped trailing arm assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a vehicle lift kit that allows a vehicle to be lifted or raised from the ground without moving the stock torsion bar bracket and assembly. The present lift kit has a drop bracket having a front pivot point, a rear pivot point, and a torsion bar socket for receiving a torsion bar of the vehicle. The lift kit also provides a link attached to the front pivot point of the drop bracket and a stock control arm and a bracket attachable to the rear pivot point of the drop bracket and the stock control arm. The drop bracket may have a bump stop pad. The link attaches to a shock mount of the stock control arm. The bracket is attaches to a pivot point of the stock control arm. The link has a body joining an upper hole and a lower hole.

Abstract: A torsion beam axle suspension is provided, in which a shock absorber is directly mounted on right and left trailing arms and is further mounted to the mount by a ball joint. Thus, it is possible to reduce the weight and production expenses, thus to enhance productivity. Further, it is possible to considerably decrease a friction caused by movement of the shock absorber even though the transverse force is applied, thus to enhance the riding comfort.

Abstract: A drive axle and suspension assembly for a vehicle having a power source and wheels including a torsionally compliant twist beam suspension and a driveline assembly. The twist beam includes a twist element defining a first lateral axis and arm portions adapted to rotatably support the wheels of the vehicle along a second axis extending substantially parallel to the first axis. The driveline assembly is adapted to receive torque from the power source and drive the wheels. The driveline assembly includes a plurality of power transmission rotatably supported by arm portions.

Abstract: A short span fifth wheel hitch comprising a hitch plate, at least one back rib, a peripheral flange connected to ends of the back rib, and a main rib extending between the back rib and a portion of the peripheral flange, with the main rib being connected to ends of the peripheral flange. The fifth wheel hitch also includes skirts extending from the hitch plate adjacent the back rib. At least two pairs of mounting ribs are located interior of the peripheral flange and the back rib, each pair of mounting ribs including aligned apertures for accepting a mounting pin therein, whereby a mounting bracket can be inserted into a space between the mounting ribs of each pair of mounting ribs and the mounting pin can be placed through the aligned apertures and the mounting bracket to connect the fifth wheel hitch to a tractor.

Abstract: A center section for a crossmember of a vehicle chassis comprises a driveshaft hoop, crossmember attachment areas extending generally from opposing sides thereof, and trailing arm mounts on either side of the driveshaft hoop for attachment of one or more trailing arms to the center section. The crossmember attachment areas have heights that allow attachment of crossmember portions to the center section at offset heights. A method of constructing a crossmember of a vehicle chassis comprises providing a center section having crossmember attachment areas of predetermined heights extending generally from opposite sides of a driveshaft hoop, and attaching crossmember portions within the crossmember attachment areas at heights that are offset from each other.

Abstract: To limit a vehicle-widthwise swing amount of a shock absorber to a smaller amount, thereby reducing the width of a vehicle. When a shock absorber is attached to an upper bracket portion provided on a swing arm via a spherical joint, both the end faces of the upper bracket portion provided on both sides of one end of the shock absorber via gaps are such that the size of the end face in the back-and-forth direction of the vehicle body (i.e., the diameter D of the end face) is greater than the vehicle-widthwise distance S between both the end faces.

Abstract: A support block at a trailing arm and a stabilizer link that varies in contact state to the support block form a large toe-in during out-of phase movement of both wheels and form a small toe-in during in-phase movement of the wheels, thereby embodying an appropriate toe-in displacement according to the vehicle turn and forward motion, thus improving the vehicle driving characteristics.

Abstract: A control arm for the wheel suspension of a motor vehicle with an arm body 1 made of at least one sheet metal part and at least one pivotal point for connection to a fixing point on the vehicle body side is introduced, whereby the pivotal point is designed as a circular mounting bushing 2 for an elastic bearing element 3. According to the present invention, the wall of the mounting bushing 2 is molded in one piece with the arm body 1 and consists of a bearing area 4 having a ring-shaped design as well as a mounting strap 5 fixed on the arm body 1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a suspension device for the load-bearing and resilient support of a wheel in a motor vehicle, comprising at least one spring cylinder with a piston, which is guided in a manner moveable relative to it in a pressure cylinder, and comprising a driving device for converting pivoting movements of a wheel oscillating-crank supporting arm, which movements oscillate about an oscillating-crank axis, into the relative movements between the pressure cylinder and piston, the piston acting counter to an elastically compressible spring medium (FM) in order to produce a load-bearing supporting spring force (F), the driving device being designed as a gearwheel mechanism.

Abstract: In a vehicular trailing arm type suspension structure, a trailing arm is formed by arranging and joining a first half trailing arm plate member and a second half trailing arm plate member in a longitudinal direction. The first half trailing arm plate member and the second half trailing arm plate member are formed so that, when they are joined, a predetermined length portion in the trailing arm relatively close to a vehicle body-side end of the trailing arm in the longitudinal direction has a hollow shape, and a predetermined length portion in the trailing arm relatively close to a wheel-side end of the trailing arm in the longitudinal direction is platy so as to allow a use as an axle bearing mount surface.

Abstract: The specification herein discloses a tracking control system for a vehicle such as a snowmobile. Such a vehicle includes a chassis with at least one ride member, such as a ski. The tracking control system includes a suspension arm, a spindle, and a slide bar. The suspension arm extends outwardly from the chassis, the arm being pivotally secured to the chassis. The spindle is secured to an outward end of the suspension arm. The spindle has an upper end a lower end with the slide bar secured to the lower end. The slide bar is oriented generally transverse to the spindle and to a major axis of the ski. The ski is movably coupled to the slide bar and spring biased in a direction away from the chassis.

Abstract: A suspended axle for a vehicle comprising, for each wheel (2), a longitudinal arm (5) intended to be articulated with respect to the body of the vehicle so as to allow the wheel its suspension travel, said axle comprising a transverse torsion element (10), each end (11) of the transverse torsion element being rigidly connected to a longitudinal arm to form a rigid part (12) of the axle, the two rigid parts of the axle being joined together by a torsion part (13). The axle comprises for each wheel, a hub carrier (3) connected to a respective one of the rigid parts.

Abstract: In a rigid vehicle axle comprising an axle beam with axle journals forming wheel carriers arranged at the ends thereof, and at least two trailing arms rigidly fixed to the axle beam, each half of the rigid vehicle axle comprises an axle beam section, a trailing arm section and a wheel head section arranged adjacent one after another and the ends of the axle tube sections overlap with the adjoining ends of the trailing arm sections and their end faces are congruent with the respectively adjoining end faces of the wheel head sections, at least in some areas, and the adjoining sections are welded together.

Abstract: The invention provides a suspension apparatus of a vehicle comprising a base end portion of a swing arm pivotally attached to a vehicle body so as to freely oscillate, and a wheel which is rotatably supported to a leading end portion of the swing arm. A first link is pivotally attached to a portion between the base end portion and the leading end portion of the swing arm. A second link is pivotally attached to a position which is below a pivot point to which the base end portion of the swing arm is pivotally attached in the vehicle body, and the first link and the second link are pivotally attached. One end of a cushion unit is pivotally attached to the vehicle body. Another end of the cushion unit is pivotally attached to one of the first link and the second link, in which the first link or the second link comprises an expandable link. The expandable link is energized in a contracting direction.

Abstract: A trailing arm assembly for a suspension includes at least first and second cast components. The first and second cast components are welded to each other to substantially surround an outer perimeter of an axle member. The first cast component is then welded to one side of the axle member at a first weld and the second cast component is welded to an opposite side of the axle member at a second weld. A bushing tube is then welded to one of the first and second cast components and is subsequently attached to a vehicle frame member. The first weld area comprises a pair of laterally spaced window welds and the second weld area comprises a single window weld.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an independent rear vehicle suspension that comprises a fore/aft link with first and second ends, where a bracket pivotally supports the first end of the fore/aft link from a vehicle frame member. The fore/aft link has an air bag spring located between the fore/aft link's second end and the frame member. A lateral link pivotally connects between the fore/aft link's second end and the vehicle frame. A wheel upright, with an axle aperture extending through it, is rigidly attached near to the second end of the fore/aft link and located above the fore/aft link. An upper control rod is pivotally connected to the wheel upright and pivotally mounted to the frame member.

Abstract: A vehicle includes: a chassis; a driving unit including a mounting seat pivoted to the chassis, a driving member mounted on the mounting seat, and two driving wheels mounted rotatably on the mounting seat and driven by the driving member; two front wheel units, each including a front lever having first and second ends and pivoted to the chassis, a front wheeled member connected to the first end, and a first cushioning member pivoted to the second end and the mounting seat for urging the front lever to rotate; and two rear wheel units, each including a rear lever having first and second ends and pivoted to the chassis, a rear wheeled member connected to the first end, a second cushioning member pivoted to the first end and the mounting seat, and a linkage pivoted to the second end of the rear lever and the mounting seat.

Abstract: A rear suspension apparatus is disclosed for a high speed vehicle body having a first and a second driven ground engaging wheel. The apparatus includes a first truck arm having a first and a second end. The first end of the first arm is connected to the body of the vehicle at a first fixed location. A second truck arm has a first and a second extremity, the first extremity of the second arm being connected to the body of the vehicle at a second fixed location. A drive axle has a first and a second side, the second end of the first arm being secured adjacent to the first side of the axle. The second extremity of the second arm is secured adjacent to the second side of the axle such that the axle is supported by the arms. The arrangement is such that a first plane extending through the first and second sides of the axle is disposed spaced and parallel relative to a second plane extending through the first and the second locations.

Abstract: A rear axle suspension for a highway truck that includes a pair of trailing arms suspended below a frame by a pair of hanger brackets. The hanger brackets define a pivot axis for the trailing arms. A supplemental axle locating member is attached to the axle and includes an extension member that is engageable with a bracket held by the frame. The hanger brackets are laterally compliant and each comprise an inner and outer plate, one of which is bent outwardly to define a gap within which an associated trailing arm is mounted. A moment canceling member extends between the hanger brackets and resists outward bending of the brackets. A height control valve is operated by an operating rod having an axis that passes through, or in close proximity, to the roll center of the vehicle in order to reduce ride height errors.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension includes trailing arm assemblies that have one end pivotally mounted to a first suspension rail, an opposite end with an air spring support formed with the trailing arm, and an axle mount portion that is mounted to an axle beam. A Panhard arm provides lateral stiffness and includes a first pivotal connection to the trailing arm and a second pivotal connection to a second suspension rail laterally spaced from the first suspension rail.

Abstract: A wheel drive assembly and suspension for a vehicle wheel includes a spindle, a wheel drive shaft that rotates relative to the spindle about an axis of rotation, and an electric motor that has a motor output shaft for driving the wheel drive shaft. A motor housing encloses a speed reducing planetary gear set that is driven by the motor output shaft. The motor output shaft and the wheel drive shaft are co-axial. A suspension arm extends in a direction transverse to the axis of rotation. The suspension arm includes a pivot end attached to a vehicle structure and an attachment end that is rigidly attached to the motor housing such that the electric motor is a structural part of the suspension.

Abstract: A suspension system for a motor vehicle comprising a chassis, a rigid drive axle, an opposite axle and road wheels attached to the ends of each axle, a torque reaction control link positioned longitudinally of the motor vehicle with longitudinal control arms pivotally attached to the rigid drive axle, for controlling torque reaction of the rigid drive axle, in combination with the torque reaction control link. The torque reaction control Link has a longitudinal plane that extends longitudinally of the motor vehicle and whereby the effective projection lines of the longitudinal control arms and the longitudinal plane of the torque reaction control link Intersect each other forming a convergent angle at an instant center located closer to the opposite axle than to the rigid drive axle and that when a force moves the rigid drive axle vertically up the convergent angle does not increase.

Abstract: An independent rear suspension system is provided that has a trailing arm connected between a frame rail and a wheel support knuckle. A lower control arm is connected between a frame cross member and the knuckle. The suspension system also includes an upper link that extends between the frame rail and the knuckle. The toe link and upper link are generally vertically aligned. A stabilizer bar extends between the toe link and upper link and is connected to the lower control arm outboard of the shock and spring to reduce space requirements for the suspension system forward of the wheel support knuckle. The lower control arm is elongated and attached to the frame cross member inboard of the frame rails to improve the ratio of wheel travel to shock travel.

Abstract: A vehicle has a body and at least two trailing arm suspensions, one proximate each side of the body. Each trailing arm suspension has a swing arm pivotably mounted at one end to the body and a fluid suspension extending between the swing arm and the body. A wheel is rotatably mounted to a free end of each swing arm. A power plant is provided for powering each wheel and a control system is provided for controlling a volume of fluid in each fluid suspension. The vehicle may have a longitudinally extending body with a sliding side door riding along a track configured such that said door has an open position extending transversely of said body. The vehicle may have a monocoque body with at least substantially planar sides and at least one parcel shelf extending along an inside of, and attached to, each of the sides for stiffening the sides and resisting torsion.

Abstract: A suspension structure for an electric wheelchair comprises a frame, two cantilevers, two drive wheels, two rollers, four wheel-mounting assemblies, two front wheel assemblies, two draglines and two rear wheel assemblies. When surmounting a barrier, the front wheel assemblies will pivot upward and press down the drive wheels through the cantilevers, thus improving the road holding performance of the drive wheels. In other words, the drive wheels and the front wheels can move interactively to surmount the barrier.

Abstract: A suspension that has particular application for a front axle of a heavy vehicle includes suspension arms that are better able to withstand increased brake torques that are expected to soon be mandated in heavy vehicles. In one embodiment, the suspension includes a plurality of arms pivotally connected to a vehicle frame, and rigidly secured to an axle. By utilizing the plurality of arms, simple spring elements are better able to withstand the increased brake torques.

Abstract: A pivot bearing used in a vehicle trailing arm suspension includes a housing, a resilient bush compressed and bonded in the housing, and a rigid axial sleeve in the bush. The bush has voids above and below the sleeve when the pivot bearing is fitted for use and stiffening elements which extend between the voids at opposite sides of the sleeve. When the pivot bearing is in use in a vehicle trailing arm suspension, the voids increase flexibility of the bush under generally vertical loading on the pivot bearing. The stiffening elements enhance the stiffness of the bush in generally horizontal direction for improved vehicle dynamics and reduced vibration. Preferably, the stiffening elements are of plate or leaf form, are bonded to the bush, and extend arcuately about the sleeve. The voids extend partially through the axial thickness of the bush from opposite ends of the bush and generally accurately about the sleeve. The bush also has enlarged opposite circumferential end portions.

Abstract: An engine and rear axle are mounted on a drive train sub-frame of a utility vehicle, with two generally parallel plates spaced from each other on the first end of the drive train sub-frame. A cross bolt extends laterally between the two plates and through an opening in a retainer attached to the main frame of the utility vehicle. The retainer opening has a height and width larger than the diameter of the cross bolt.

Abstract: A torsion-beam-type suspension apparatus includes a torsion beam and left and right trailing arms connected to the axially outer portions of the torsion beam. The left and right trailing arms are composed of a pair of left and right first arms and a pair of left and right second arms. The left and right first arms, which extend along a fore-aft direction of the vehicle, are connected, at respective rear end portions, to the corresponding axially outer portions of the torsion beam, and mounted, at respective front end portions, to a vehicle body so as to be rotatable about a generally horizontal axis. The left and right second arms, which extend along the fore-aft direction of the vehicle, are connected, at respective front end portions, to the corresponding axially outer portions of the torsion beam, and support left and right wheels at respective rear end portions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a torsion beam axle-type rear suspension, which simplifies and minimizes the shape and size of a rubber bush that prevents oversteer due to lateral force generated during a turning movement of a vehicle, by causing toe-in.

Abstract: A trailing arm suspension unit for use on a vehicle including a ring bearing, a trailing arm, a spring and damper for providing large vertical wheel travel in a jounce and rebound suspension condition. The ring bearing may include external threads for rotationally connecting the trailing arm to a mounting plate or a hull of the vehicle. Further, supply lines for electrical and fluids may be passed through the opening in the ring bearings without the use of a slip ring and passed through a passage in the trailing arm to a wheel on the vehicle. The spring and damper may be located on top of the trailing arm and separately connected to the mounting plate to generate significant mechanical advantage. The geometry of the spring, damper, and trailing arm allow the spring in the suspension unit to be gas cylinder employing air.