Abstract: A suspension structure for a front wheel assembly of a wheelchair generally includes struts of front wheel assemblies disposed at corresponding mounting brackets on the frame of the wheelchair. The struts will rotate upward about the corresponding jockey wheels when the jockey wheels are passing an obstacle, and meanwhile it will effect an uplift of the front end of the frame of the wheelchair. As a result, the gravity center of the user will be shifted backward so as to reduce the load on the jockey wheels, by this way, the jockey wheels may traverse the obstacle without difficulties. Furthermore, the suspension for the front wheel assembly of a wheelchair is simply structured so as to facilitate the assembly and reduce the production cost as well.

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: In the torsion beam axle suspension of the present invention, by providing mounts formed on one end of each of trailing arms with a three-dimensional slant angle, when a transverse force is applied to a turning outer wheel at a rear suspension during cornering of a vehicle, toe-in characteristics are induced, and at the same time a transverse rigidity of the mounts can be increased.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle having at least one pair of forward and one pair of rearward wheels, including: a suspension arm (7–10) for each wheel providing at least partial location of the associated wheel, the suspension arm (7–8) of the forward wheel being pivotally mounted to a vehicle body at a pivot position (11, 15, 12, 16) rearward to an axle line of the forward wheel, the suspension arm (9–10) of the rearward wheel being pivotally mounted to the vehicle body at a pivot position (13, 17; 14, 18) forward to an axle line of the rearward wheel; at least one lever arm (19–22) moving in conjunction with and extending radially from the pivot position (11–18) of each suspension arm (7–10); wherein at each respective side of the vehicle, a ram assembly (23, 24) is located between the lever arms (19–22) of the forward and rearward wheel, the ram assembly (23, 24) including at least a first (25, 27) and second (26, 28) variable volume fluid chamber, each fluid chamber (25–28) being in fluid communication

Abstract: This invention generally relates to devices for an air ride suspension system for one or two axle light duty trailers. More specifically, this invention relates a novel air ride suspension system for light duty trailers that eliminates the need for leaf springs, dissipates normal road vibrations, dramatically reduces the stress on trailers and their fixtures and can be sold and installed in kit form for either above or below axle mounting.

Abstract: The present invention provides a suspension tuning device and kit for vehicles with four link rear suspensions. More specifically, the suspension tuning device generally comprises a pair of billet aluminum lower control arms each having a spring platform rotatably secured to a weight jacking bolt and a removable/replaceable sway bar attachment plate. Each end of the control arms include a transverse thru-bore adapted to accept a three part urethane bushing or a spherical bearing. The lower control arms are constructed to mount within a standard four link rear suspension, such as that supplied on a FORD MUSTANG, to permit quick suspension alterations throughout a predetermined range.

Abstract: A mid drive scooter includes a frame that supports a seat for a rider of the scooter, a front wheel connected with the frame, left and right drive wheels, and left and right rear wheels. A left suspension is interposed between the frame and the left wheels, and a right suspension is interposed between the frame and the right wheels. The suspensions support the frame on the drive wheels for movement of the frame relative to the drive wheels in first and second degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A rear suspension system of an automotive vehicle is disclosed. A trailing arm is disposed in a lengthwise direction of a vehicle body, and a mounting bush secures a leading end portion of the trailing arm to the vehicle body. A protrusion member protrudes from an outside circumference of the mounting bush. A coupling is provided on the leading end portion of the trailing arm, for making the length of the protrusion member varied in accordance with an external force imposed on the trailing arm. Thus, the wheel alignment is maintained at the tow-in during a braking or turning, and therefore, the vehicle posture is stabilized during the braking or turning.

Abstract: A suspension apparatus of a multi-axle vehicle capable of realizing high traveling stability is provided. For this purpose, the suspension apparatus forms a quadric link structure (31) by a vehicle body (9), a front link (21) with an upper end portion being connected to the vehicle body with a pin and a lower end portion being in a vicinity of a front axle, a rear link (22) with an upper end portion being connected to the vehicle body with a pin and a lower end portion located in a vicinity of a rear axle, and a connecting link (1) for connecting portions in vicinities of respective lower end portions of the front and rear links, and a side length at a side of the connecting link is made shorter than a side length at a vehicle body side.

Abstract: An equalized suspension system for a vehicle includes a first trailing arm, a second trailing arm, first and second wheels, and a cushion. The first trailing arm has a lower end pivotally secured to the first wheel, and an upper end pivotally secured to the frame. The second trailing arm has a lower end pivotally secured to the second wheel, a free upper end, and an intermediate portion pivotally secured to the frame. The cushion extends between the lower end of the first trailing arm and the free, upper end of the second trailing arm and serves to transfer and equalize pressures between the first and second wheels. When the first wheel engages an obstacle and moves in a first direction, the cushion forces the second wheel, via the second trailing arm, in a second 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: 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. One of the first and second cast components includes an integrally formed air spring seat and the other of the first and second cast components includes an integrally formed bushing housing for connection to a frame.

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 spindle bracket for rear suspensions includes a bracket body welded to a trailing arm and having a mounting hole into which a spindle is inserted, and a lateral strength reinforcing piece secured between the trailing arm and the bracket body.

Abstract: A control rod suspension has at least one dampening structure having an outboard end and an inboard end. The inboard end is pivotally mounted to the vehicle frame. The outboard end is pivotally mounted to a king pin. A king pin rotatably connects the knuckle with a steer axle beam.

Abstract: A sensor for a height control system in a trailing arm suspension uses a transducer to detect changes in position of a trailing arm relative to a vehicle and sends a proportional signal to a microprocessor that, in turn, actuates a pneumatic valve operably connected to an air spring between the trailing arm and the vehicle. The transducer includes an optical bridge, a variable capacitor, or a flexible variable resistor.

Abstract: A vehicle-towed trailer includes a trailer frame, at least two wheels, and an independent suspension system securing each wheel to the frame. The independent suspension system includes a rotatable suspension rod supported by the frame and a trailing arm secured to the suspension rod. The trailing arm is adapted to pivot relative to the vehicle frame as the suspension rod rotates and includes a hub adapted to support one of the wheels. A bellcrank is secured to the suspension rod and is adapted to pivot relative to the vehicle frame as the suspension rod rotates. The bellcrank is spaced angularly relative to the trailing arm about the axis of the suspension rod. A spring member is pivotably secured on one end to the frame and on the other end to the bellcrank. The spring member is compressed and extended as the bellcrank pivots relative to the vehicle frame.

Abstract: The wheel assembly of this invention eliminates the problem associated with solid cross axles in pull behind trailers, and includes a sturdy fender and a wheel mount pivotally connected to the fender within the wheel well. The wheel mount is suspended by a leaf spring also mounted to the fender within the wheel well. The fender provides the structural support of each wheel assembly and is simply mounted to the trailer frame. The wheel assemblies are mounted directly to the side of the trailer frame, instead of under the trailer frame, which lowers the trailer floor without compromising ground clearance. Since each wheel mount is independently suspended within the wheel well, the trailer rides smoother over rough ground and trailers with less road sway and yaw.

Abstract: A low profile chassis and suspension system for a road vehicle. The chassis supports a payload section or cargo compartment, such as for a delivery truck, ambulance, or shuttle bus. The chassis includes a largely planar frame having a top surface which is located beneath the rotational axes of the rear wheels. The wheel suspension system is particularly compact and close to the road surface. A trailing arm-type wheel support supports a stub axle in a cantilevered fashion. A spring urges the wheel support apart from the frame. A planar portion of the wheel support, the wheel support pivot joints, and the spring are located beneath the rotational axis of the wheel. In another embodiment, the frame includes a recessed pocket which facilitates use of ramp for wheel chair access.

Abstract: A vehicular rear suspension system includes an upper arm, a lower arm, and a control arm, each of which is connected to a knuckle. A straight line passing through a ball joint and a rubber bushing joint intersects the road surface at an intersection point that is positioned behind a ground contact point of the rear wheel in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. The ball joint connects the upper arm to the knuckle, and the rubber bushing joint connects the lower arm to the knuckle. Longitudinal elastic coefficients of the three arms are set in a predetermined relationship. Therefore, the intersection point at which an elastic kingpin intersects the road surface is positioned without fail behind a point of action of a lateral force when turning in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body to achieve a lateral force toe-in and enhanced steering stability of the vehicle.

Abstract: An improved semi-trailing arm rear suspension is provided for use in vehicles having low floors. The suspension positions the outboard pivot attachment further outboard than the longitudinal centerline of the wheel to improve reaction during vehicle braking. The suspension may also place the pivot axis below the rotational axis of the wheel in order to maximize available cargo space and at a slight angle to the rotation axis of the wheel to improve vehicle handling.

Abstract: A suspension system capable of lowering a vehicle chassis for flush contact with the ground beneath the vehicle, the suspension system comprising separate assemblies attaching each vehicle wheel to the chassis, each assembly having a front connection that is detachable from the chassis to permit the lowering of the chassis to the ground and having a pivoting rear connection to permit the chassis to be positioned beneath the vehicle.

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 in 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: Opposite ends of a torsion beam are connected to left and right trailing arms, and a spindle which supports a wheel is secured to a spindle support plate which is welded to each of the left and right trailing arms. Bent flanges which are formed in the outer periphery of a body of the spindle support plate, are fitted to the outer periphery of the end of trailing arm and secured by welding. With this arrangement, thermal warp of the body of the spindle support plate which supports spindle can be prevented, and not only can the mounting precision of the spindle be improved, but also the thickness of the spindle support plate can be reduced to reduce the weight.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heavy duty suspension system including a frame and a pair of spaced apart trailing arms. The trailing arms have at least a portion with an open bottom and flanges extending away from the opening. The trailing arm preferably has a generally U-shaped cross-section over a substantial portion of its length. An axle has opposing end portions pivotally supported respectively on the trailing arms. A V-rod includes first and second spaced apart ends extending to a common third end with the first and second ends preferably pivotally attached to the frame. The third end is preferably pivotally attached to the axle. The V-rod provides lateral stability and defines a pinion angle with the trailing arms. The trailing arms extend longitudinally from the forward portion to a rearward portion. An anti-roll bar includes opposing end portions and a central portion transverse to and extending between the end portions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved vehicle suspension system. More particularly, the present invention relates to an independent suspension system for light and medium duty trailers which utilizes a flexible bladder mounted between the vehicle frame and the axle. The flexible bladder is housed within a casing to control the flow of air into the bladder and to provide for flexible movement of the axle relative to the vehicle frame. In the preferred embodiment, the flexible bladder is a traditional break-chamber housing and multiple break-chamber housings may be utilized to increase the load-carrying capacity of the trailer.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system comprising a frame and a pair of levers carried by the frame. Each lever is pivotally mounted for swinging movement on an axis extending transverse to the frame. A pair of forward-extending beams and rearward-extending beams have pivot connections with a respective lever and support a forward and rearward axle. Two forward springs and two rearward springs are each interposed between the beams and the frame. A pair of torque arms is carried by the frame forward of the forward-extending beams. Each torque arm has a first pivot connection with a respective beam and a second pivot connection with the frame forward of the first pivot connection with the beam. The torque arms function to restrict pivotal movement of the beams about their respective pivot connections with the levers thereby to reduce torsional forces applied to the forward axle.

Abstract: A non-torque reactive air suspension exhibiting excellent roll stability characteristics is shown to include frame hangers mounted to frame rails extending longitudinally on opposite sides of a vehicle. Longitudinally extending beams are connected to the frame hangers at one end and extend parallel to the frame rails. At their other ends, the beams are joined by a crossbrace extending laterally across the vehicle centerline. In a central portion thereof, the beams have an axle pivot bore to which an axle clamp assembly is connected, the axle clamp assembly clamping a drive axle housing for the vehicle. The axle pivot bore is generally aligned with the drive axle. A control rod assembly is connected to suspension or frame components. Together with the beams, the control rod assembly forms a parallelogram configuration wherein the beams form the lower linkages of that configuration and the control rods included within the control rod assembly form the upper linkages of that configuration.

Abstract: A knuckle is minimized in size to be located in an internal space of a rear wheel. An upper arm is disposed lower than a conventional double wishbone type and one end of the upper arm is secured to the knuckle. A shock absorber couples at a lower end thereof to the knuckle by passing through a space between a lower arm and assist arm. This configuration thus constructed greatly increases the space of the trunk room, reduces noise by minimizing the transmission of road impact and vibration, and improves ride comfort as well as braking stability and turn stability.

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: The present invention provides a torsion beam suspension including a left spindle that rotably supports a left wheel of rear wheels, a right spindle that rotably supports a right wheel of the rear wheels, a left trailing arm, a right trailing arm, a left bush, a right bush, and a torsion beam for connecting the left trailing arm arid the right trailing arm. The torsion beam has a U-shaped open section in which openings are formed in a rear portion of the car body, the open section of the torsion beam is enlarged and is located closer to the rear portion of the car body as the openings are closer to the left and right trailing arms, and the torsion beam comprises ribs having closed sections which are increased as the enlarged open section is closer to the left and right trailing arms.

Abstract: A non co-planar trailing beam or walking beam variable height suspension which allows vehicles to lower cargo bodies onto the ground as well as use conventional loading docks. The toe angle changes as the vehicle height changes to compensate for bending forces applied to trailing and walking beams during high speed turns.

Abstract: A swing arm suspension for reducing the number of parts to thereby reduce the number of man-hours for assembly, the weight and the cost. The swing arm suspension includes a pivot plate provided with a pivot shaft, a swing arm having a rear end portion supporting a rear wheel that is swingably mounted at a front end portion to the pivot shaft and a shock absorber that is mounted at an upper end portion to the swing arm and connected at a lower end portion through a link mechanism to a portion of the pivot plate at a lower level than the pivot shaft. An exposing portion is provided for exposing a shock absorber arrangement space to an upper space above the swing arm. At least one of a subtank and an adjuster as functional components of the shock absorber is located in the exposing portion.

Abstract: A height control valve linkage assembly for an air suspension system, including an air bag and a height control valve controlling the supply of air to the air bag. A telescopic linkage is positioned between the arm of the height control valve and the suspension. The linkage is extended to alter the ride height setting of the height control valve, thereby selectively providing additional clearance.

Abstract: A vehicle has a chassis with a front and rear ends and at least one front wheel mounted on the front end. A one-sided swing arm having an outer end portion, a support portion including a strut assembly, and an inner end portion is pivotally mounted on the rear end of the chassis. A wheel mounting assembly is disposed on the outer end portion of the swing arm, and a rear wheel which is interchangeable with the front wheel is mounted thereon. In one embodiment, the vehicle includes steering means for pivoting the front wheel about a first vertical axis to control the direction of movement of the vehicle, and a hub and pivot means mounting the hub on the outer end of the swing arm for pivotal movement of the rear wheel about a second vertical axis. The rear wheel is rotatably supported on the hub and naturally tracks the front wheel in a cooperating turning arc.

Abstract: A commercial vehicle with a technically simple single wheel suspension for the wheels mounted in wheel supports, guaranteeing safe protection of the cardan shaft driving the wheels from harmful influences, includes a wheel support (8; 33), which a) together with a spring arm (7; 35) forms a longitudinal swinging arm (16; 21; 37) which is articulated to the gearbox (1) in front of the wheel (4) in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, b) extends directly to the gearbox (2; 25; 32) and c) fully receives the cardan shaft (12) arranged between the output shaft (5) of the gearbox (2; 25;32) and the assigned wheel shaft (10).

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 truss structure 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 truss structure to distribute forces encountered by the axle/suspension system. The truss structure may include a truss member that replaces a conventional axle tube. Optionally, two axle/suspension integral arm structures may be used to capture a conventional axle tube.

Abstract: A lift axle suspension system. In a described embodiment, a lift axle suspension system includes: an axle assembly; an air spring connected between the axle assembly and a bracket attached to a vehicle frame; a trailing arm attached to the axle assembly; and a lift air spring. The lift air spring is connected between the bracket and the trailing arm, so that the axle assembly is lifted when the lift air spring is extended.

Abstract: An anti-lift characteristic of a rear suspension of a vehicle is enhanced by including a carrier at which a rear wheel is rotatably mounted; a trailing arm longitudinally aligned with respect to a vehicle body, ends of the trailing arm being respectively connected to the carrier and the vehicle body; and a connecting unit connecting the vehicle body and a body-side end of the trailing arm, and varying a vertical position of the body-side end according to a running state of the vehicle.

Abstract: A non-torque reactive air suspension exhibiting excellent roll stability characteristics is shown to include frame hangers mounted to frame rails extending longitudinally on opposite sides of a vehicle. Longitudinally extending beams are connected to the frame hangers at one end and extend parallel to the frame rails. At their other ends, the beams are joined by a crossbrace extending laterally across the vehicle centerline. In a central portion thereof, the beams have an axle pivot bore to which an axle clamp assembly is connected, the axle clamp assembly clamping a drive axle housing for the vehicle. The axle pivot bore is generally aligned with the drive axle. A control rod assembly is connected to suspension or frame components. Together with the beams, the control rod assembly forms a parallelogram configuration wherein the beams form the lower linkages of that configuration and the control rods included within the control rod assembly form the upper linkages of that configuration.

Abstract: A composite suspension trailing arm for heavy commercial vehicles includes an axle locating portion integral with the trailing arm, a chassis mounting feature to mount the trailing arm to a chassis component of a vehicle and a spring mounting feature integral with the trailing arm. The axle locating portion is located between the chassis mounting feature and the spring mounting feature. The composite material is made of a matrix material and a reinforcement material.

Abstract: A conversion assembly for enabling or improving wheelchair accessibility to a front-wheel-drive vehicle, wherein said assembly comprises rear suspension mountings for fixing to the structure of the vehicle in place of an existing rear suspension such that a portion of a floorpan of the vehicle of sufficient width to accommodate the width of a wheelchair can be lowered between said rear suspension mountings. A method of converting a front-wheel-drive vehicle to enable or improve wheelchair accessibility to the vehicle, the method including the steps of removing an existing rear suspension from the vehicle, installing rear suspension mountings to the vehicle, one at each side of the structure of the vehicle, and lowering a portion of the floorpan of the vehicle between said rear suspension mountings.

Abstract: A new system of suspension and car body control art in a car of a wheel-in motor system for variably controlling a spring and a damper according to a road state and controlling car body posture, thereby improving comfortableness to ride in.

Abstract: A vehicle rigid axle includes an axle beam with axle journals or wheel carriers arranged at the ends thereof, and at least two trailing arms rigidly fixed to the axle beam. Each half of the vehicle rigid axle—viewed from the middle of the axle—includes an axle beam section, a trailing arm section and a wheel head section arranged in tandem, the wheel head section including at least one axle journal or one wheel carrier. In each case the end faces of the axle tube sections are congruent with the adjoining end faces 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. The adjoining sections are in each case welded together at their end faces. The vehicle rigid axle may increase the ride comfort and driving safety and may reduce the tire wear.

Abstract: A lift axle suspension system to be mounted under a vehicle for selectively raising a tire wheel assembly out of engagement with a road surface which vehicle includes a lift axle mounted to a hanger bracket via a pivot connector. The hanger bracket is rigidly attached to a vehicle frame and has articulating arms pivotally connected thereto. These arms connect at their opposite ends to the axle. A pair of diaphragm chambers such as brake chambers each include upper and lower chambers separated by a flexible bladder that moves under pressurization causing a push rod affixed thereto to translate. The diaphragm chambers and push rods extending therefrom are connected in different embodiments to the hanger bracket or other rigid structures as well as the articulating arm such that movement of the push rods causes movement of the articulating arms and thus movement such as lifting of the axle.

Abstract: A suspension system for suspending a vehicle frame above a plurality of ground-engaging wheels includes a wheel-carrying axle comprising a first end a second end, and a pair of frame bracket assemblies each comprising a resiliently-bushed pivotable connection defining a pivot axis, wherein the frame bracket assemblies are operably coupled to opposite sides of the frame bracket, and wherein the resiliently-bushed pivotable connection comprises a substantially cylindrically-shaped bushing. The suspension system also includes a pair of trailing arms each comprising a first end operably coupled to the first end and the second end of the axle, respectively, and a second end comprising an aperture that receives the bushing of one of the frame bracket assemblies therein, wherein the aperture of the second end of each trailing arm is nonsymmetrical, thereby causing a nonsymmetrical compression of the bushing about the pivot axis.

Abstract: A swing arm for a snowmobile has an upwardly curved, stepped, or angled intermediate portion that increases the swing arm's ground clearance relative to conventional, straight swing arms. The increased ground clearance permits more snow and other elements to pass underneath the swing without contacting the swing arm.

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 wheel suspension system for a vehicle includes a vehicle wheel having a wheel rim and a tire secured to the wheel rim. The wheel is secured to a frame portion of the vehicle by a spindle assembly. The spindle assembly includes a wheel carrier arm pivotally secured thereto at a pivot point, such that the wheel and the wheel carrier arm rotate together about an axis of rotation defined by pivot point. The wheel carrier arm is in communication with a shock absorption device. The shock absorption device is located within a space defined by the wheel, such that the shock absorption spring device is hidden when the vehicle wheel is viewed from a side direction. The shock absorption spring device compresses upon an impact force contacting the vehicle wheel. In the most compact form, the wheel carrier arm and the shock absorbing spring device is packaged within the wheel rim volume such that both are hidden when the vehicle wheel is viewed from a front direction.

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 in 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.