Abstract: A first bracket supporting a first lower arm includes a front wall part and a rear wall part that face each other in a vehicle longitudinal direction. Respective insertion holes, through which a supporting bolt pivotably supporting the first lower arm is inserted, are formed in the front wall part and the rear wall part so as to face each other. Furthermore, the front wall part includes a fracture starting point formed in a region on an outside, in a vehicle width direction, from a center position of the insertion hole. Consequently, it is possible to separate a front wheel from a vehicle body at the time of collision without providing any fragile part such as a cutout in the lower arm.

Abstract: A joint system for controlling maneuvering of the front wheels of a road vehicle. The joint system has a hollow joint body suitable for connecting to the chassis of a road vehicle and a body opening on a side surface thereof. A rod arm is connected to the joint body such that it is rotationally moved on a first rotation axis and has a rod arm body in the form of a ring, an arm and a rod arm gear in the form of a ring gear. An eccentric bearing member bears the rod arm body in the joint body. An axle is connected to at least one wheel shaft extending outward from the body opening and has an axle body located in the joint body and rotates on a second rotation axis parallel to the said first rotation axis.

Abstract: A steering mechanism is provided that steers by imparting a variable amount of toe or camber to a wheel, and is capable of imparting both toe and camber using a single mechanism. Some versions of the steering mechanism can provide extremely high stability during turns controlled by the simple leaning of the operator. Vehicles using the mechanism are provided, including lean-steered vehicles, and including a three-wheeled mobile elliptically driven device.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the camber and/or the toe of a vehicle wheel of a motor vehicle includes a wheel carrier, which has a wheel-side carrier part and an axle-side guide part, between which rotary parts that can be rotated relative to each other are arranged, wherein at least one of the rotary parts can be adjusted in both rotational directions by means of a drive and a gear stage in order to adjust the toe and/or the camber. The gear stage for the rotary part is configured as harmonic drive gear train having a driving, elliptical drive disk, and a stationary, internally toothed ring gear.

Abstract: The present invention provides an eccentric pivot member for effecting fore and aft movement of a leading end of a trailing beam member of a trailing beam suspension in response to rotation of the pivot member. Ratchet collars are provided which act between the eccentric pivot member and a suspension hanger to mechanically secure the assembly against rotation and any associated inadvertent misalignment.

Abstract: A steering mechanism is provided that steers by imparting a variable amount of toe or camber to a wheel, and is capable of imparting both toe and camber using a single mechanism. Some versions of the steering mechanism can provide extremely high stability during turns controlled by the simple leaning of the operator. Vehicles using the mechanism are provided, including lean-steered vehicles, and including a three-wheeled mobile elliptically driven device.

Abstract: An adjustment bolt for adjusting the camber angle in a vehicle. The adjustment bolt includes a head, a neck, a lobe, and a threaded portion. The head is configured to provide a gripping surface for a tightening tool (e.g., pliers, wrench). The neck extends eccentrically from the bottom surface of the head and the neck has a first diameter and a first centerline. The lobe extends eccentrically outward from a bottom surface of the neck and the lobe has a second diameter and a second centerline. The threaded portion extends eccentrically outward from a bottom surface of the lobe and has a third centerline. The first centerline, the second centerline, and the third centerline are different from one another. Additionally, the lobe diameter is substantially the same as an aperture diameter for an adjustment aperture in a knuckle operably connected to the vehicle.

Abstract: A steering mechanism is provided that steers by imparting a variable amount of toe or camber to a wheel, and is capable of imparting both toe and camber using a single mechanism. Some versions of the steering mechanism can provide extremely high stability during turns controlled by the simple leaning of the operator. Vehicles using the mechanism are provided, including lean-steered vehicles, and including a three-wheeled mobile elliptically driven device.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting the camber and/or toe of a motor vehicle wheel includes a wheel carrier, on which the wheel is rotatably mounted. The wheel carrier is divided into a carrier member receiving the wheel via a wheel bearing, an axle-side guide member, and a bearing assembly arranged therebetween. The bearing assembly includes rotary parts which can be rotated relative to each other and relative to both the carrier member and the guide member and which interact with confronting inclined faces. The wheel bearing includes a radially outer bearing housing, which is clamped by the bearing assembly formed from the rotary parts into a plug-and-socket connection with the carrier member.

Abstract: An adjustment bolt for adjusting the camber angle in a vehicle. The adjustment bolt includes a head, a neck, a lobe, and a threaded portion. The head is configured to provide a gripping surface for a tightening tool (e.g., pliers, wrench). The head has a first diameter and a first centerline. The neck extends eccentrically from the bottom surface of the head and the neck has a second diameter and a second centerline. The lobe extends eccentrically outward from a bottom surface of the neck and the lobe has a third diameter and a centerline that is the same as the first centerline. The threaded portion extends eccentrically outward from a bottom surface of the lobe and has a third centerline. The first centerline, the second centerline, and the third centerline are different from one another.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the camber and/or the toe of a vehicle wheel of a motor vehicle includes a wheel carrier, which has a wheel-side carrier part and an axle-side guide part, between which rotary parts that can be rotated relative to each other are arranged, wherein at least one of the rotary parts can be adjusted in both rotational directions by means of a drive and a gear stage in order to adjust the toe and/or the camber. The gear stage for the rotary part is configured as harmonic drive gear train having a driving, elliptical drive disk, and a stationary, internally toothed ring gear.

Abstract: A spherical bearing including a ball having an external surface defined by an outside diameter of said ball and an outer race having an inside surface contoured to a shape defined by said external surface of the ball. The inside surface extends between a stud end and a cover end of the outer race. The ball is moveably positioned within the outer race such that the inside surface and the external surface slidably engage one another. The inside surface includes at least one lubrication groove formed therein. The lubrication groove initiates at a first position adjacent to the cover end and terminates at a second position adjacent to the cover end. Remaining portions of the lubrication groove are spaced apart from the stud end.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting wheel alignment at an upper ball joint assembly of a vehicular suspension includes a bushing having an outer surface defined about a first axis, and a receptacle defined about a second axis eccentric to the first axis. The apparatus further includes a locking key having an arm portion adapted to removably cooperate with selected ones of slots arranged radially in a flange portion of the bushing so as to retain the bushing in a predetermined position.

Abstract: A driving device for adjusting an orientation of a wheel attached to a vehicle body includes: a driving unit; a lifting shaft extending along a first axis and capable of moving axially when driven by the driving unit; a suspension arm extending along a transverse direction intersecting the first axis, and having one end adapted for connection with the wheel and another end disposed in proximity to the lifting shaft; and a cam unit including at least one roller connected to one of the lifting shaft and the suspension arm, and an inclined cam face provided on the other one of the lifting shaft and the suspension arm. The roller and the inclined cam face interact with each other such that the suspension arm moves along the transverse direction.

Abstract: A steering mechanism is provided that steers by imparting a variable amount of toe or camber to a wheel, and is capable of imparting both toe and camber using a single mechanism. Some versions of the steering mechanism can provide extremely high stability during turns controlled by the simple leaning of the operator. Vehicles using the mechanism are provided, including lean-steered vehicles, and including a three-wheeled mobile elliptically driven device.

Abstract: Apparatus for adjusting the caster of the steering wheels of an all terrain vehicle. An eccentric threaded stud support is adjustively rotatable to position the eccentrically retained stud at a plurality of caster angle defining orientations extending from zero caster negatively or positively. Perceptible indicia identifies each caster incremental location.

Abstract: The invention encompasses a device for adjusting the trail of a cycle front wheel assembly including a hub for a wheel, the hub being adapted to receive an arrangement for tightening the wheel on a fork of the cycle and an interposed mechanism for adjusting the position of the fork center distance with respect to the transverse axis of the hub. The adjustment mechanism axially extends the hub and is configured and arranged to engage with a portion of the cycle fork so as to provide fork support as well as a predetermined setting of the position of the hub transverse axis with respect to the fork center distance. The invention also encompasses a wheel having such adjustment device, as well as a method of adjusting the trail.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a suspension and an insulator of the same. A plurality of car body points are uniformly spaced apart from each other on an imaginary circle formed by the car body points, and a strut point is eccentric from the center of the circle formed by the car body points. As the insulator is rotated about the center of the imaginary circle, relative positions of the strut point from the center of the imaginary circle are adjusted in the front and rear direction of a car body. Consequently, a caster angle is easily changed. Also, the caster angle is adjusted according to kinds of vehicles or depending on whether a power steering system is included or not without changing the structure of the suspension.

Abstract: A trailing beam suspension comprises a hanger bracket adapted to be mounted to a vehicle frame, wherein the hanger bracket includes a mounting aperture, and a trailing beam pivotally mounted to the hanger bracket by a pivot pin extending through the mounting aperture of the hanger bracket. The trailing beam suspension also comprises an adjustable mechanism operably coupled to the hanger bracket including a selector member in operable engagement with the pivot pin and having a plurality of first coupler portions, and at least one second coupler portion that is selectively engageable with at least one of the first coupler portions, wherein adjusting the selector member such that alternative first coupler portions engage the at least one second coupler portion adjust the position of the trailing beam with respect to a vehicle frame rail in a fore-or-aft direction.

Abstract: A sub-frame assembly for use with a vehicle having wheels such as a trailer is provided. The sub-frame assembly comprises two or more frame members, one or more cross members, and two or more stub torsion axle assemblies. Each of the stub torsion axle assemblies have a torsion arm, a spindle extending from the torsion arm for mounting one of the wheels, and a distal end extending from the stub torsion axle assembly for mounting to the frame assembly. The frame assembly may further comprise one or more shim plates for reception between the cross member and the distal end of the stub torsion axle assembly for allowing adjustment of the toe angle of the wheel assembly. In addition, the stub torsion axle assembly may be rotatably mounted to the cross member whereby the camber angle of the wheel assembly may be adjusted.

Abstract: A toe link assembly of a suspension system includes a cam sleeve having a first and second end, a first cam plate fixedly attached to the cam sleeve at the first end, and a second cam plate fixedly attached to the cam sleeve at the second end. In addition, the toe link assembly includes a first cam washer rotatably received by the first cam plate, a second cam washer rotatably received by the second cam plate, and a bolt having a head fixedly attached to the first cam washer, a body extending between the first and second ends of the cam sleeve, and a shank fixed for rotation with the second cam washer. Rotation of the bolt causes the first and second cam washers to react against the first and second cam plates to position the bolt relative to the cam sleeve along a first longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An improved system used for alignment of a vehicle suspension and axle includes a cam plate that is rotatable relative to one of two spaced plates of a hanger bracket about an axis of rotation extending through a center of the cam plate. An aperture in the cam plate is aligned with an elongated opening in the bracket plate and defines a cam surface. A bushing may be disposed in the aperture and ride on the cam surface. A fastener extends through the bushing, the elongated openings in the bracket plates, and the suspension control arm. Rotation of the cam plate and movement of the bushing and the fastener along the cam surface of the aperture displaces the fastener along the elongated openings of the bracket.

Abstract: A vehicular suspension assembly is applicable to both manual and power steering systems. In the suspension assembly, when the manual steering system and the power steering system are exchanged with each other, a strut, a lower arm and a frame are commonly used. Three mounting bolts of an insulator are eccentrically disposed relative to the center of the strut. A connector has an insertion hole which is eccentrically drilled on a connector. A bracket of the frame is shared by two applications. Thus, it is possible to perform all functions of both manual and power steering systems.

Abstract: A toe link assembly of a suspension system includes a cam sleeve having a first and second end, a first cam plate fixedly attached to the cam sleeve at the first end, and a second cam plate fixedly attached to the cam sleeve at the second end. In addition, the toe link assembly includes a first cam washer rotatably received by the first cam plate, a second cam washer rotatably received by the second cam plate, and a bolt having a head fixedly attached to the first cam washer, a body extending between the first and second ends of the cam sleeve, and a shank fixed for rotation with the second cam washer. Rotation of the bolt causes the first and second cam washers to react against the first and second cam plates to position the bolt relative to the cam sleeve along a first longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A system and method for adjusting at least one of a camber and a caster of a suspension system. The system includes a lower control arm and a suspension member coupled to the lower control arm. The system also includes a plate or plates defining a slot, the slot having a cam retaining element. In addition, the system includes one or more cams retained by the cam retaining element, the cam or cams defining an off-axis opening. The system also includes a bolt extending through the slot and through the off-axis opening in the cam. Upon rotation of the cam, the at least one plate is caused to move relative to the suspension member, which in turn causes the suspension member to move relative to the lower control arm.

Abstract: A cam bolt assembly for using in a vehicle's suspension system to adjust the vehicle's wheel alignment is disclosed having a threaded fastener defining a pair of longitudinal channels, a first cam plate is coupled to the threaded bolt, a second cam plate defining an aperture is mated to the pair of longitudinal channels. At least one of the cam plates has an arcuate slot configured to mate with a component of the suspension system.

Abstract: A system and method for adjusting at least one of a camber and a caster of a suspension system. The system includes a lower control arm and a suspension member coupled to the lower control arm. The system also includes a plate or plates defining a slot, the slot having a cam retaining element. In addition, the system includes one or more cams retained by the cam retaining element, the cam or cams defining an off-axis opening. The system also includes a bolt extending through the slot and through the off-axis opening in the cam. Upon rotation of the cam, the at least one plate is caused to move relative to the suspension member, which in turn causes the suspension member to move relative to the lower control arm.

Abstract: A suspension adjustment device for adjusting both camber and caster of a wheel is provided. A suspension control arm is mounted between a pair of vehicle frame support members using a single fastener. Cams are disposed on either end of the fastener. The cams rotate in grooves defined in the vehicle frame support members and cause the fastener to move inboard or outboard in slots defined in the frame support members in order to adjust wheel camber. Shims are disposed about the fastener on either side of the control arm between the control arm and the frame support members. Shims are removed from one side and added to the other side to move the control arm in the fore-aft direction and adjust wheel caster Alternatively, the fore-aft position of the control arm may be adjusted by rotating a threaded bushing disposed about the fastener and extending through the control arm.

Abstract: A replacement ball joint apparatus and method for conveniently modifying motor vehicle suspension camber, caster or camber/caster combination angle by means of repositioning a wheel spindle top or bottom relative to a control arm. The apparatus includes a mount assembly secured at one end of a ball joint which is connectable at its other end to the spindle, the mount assembly having a slide with a stud extending therefrom. A guide assembly is securable at the control arm and receives and guides the slide.

Abstract: An adjustable mounting assembly for a steerable wheel assembly. A pin member is horizontally movably disposed within a slot formed in the lower arm of a yoke assembly. A ball joint forging is adjustably secured to the lower arm. The pin member extends between the lower arm and a ball joint forging to facilitate selective adjustment therebetween. A pair of set screws are secured to the lower arm to engage opposite sides of the pin member to selectively move the pin member within the slot. By simply rotating the set screws, the pin member is horizontally adjusted to selectively move the ball joint forging in a horizontal direction to adjust the caster of the wheel assembly. Horizontal slots are formed in the lower arm to align with boltholes formed in the ball joint forging to allow the forging to be bolted to the lower arm over a range of horizontal positions.

Abstract: A replacement apparatus for a ball joint for conveniently modifying motor vehicle suspension camber, caster or camber/caster combination angle by means of repositioning a wheel suspension steering knuckle top or bottom relative to a knuckle mount. The apparatus includes a body with an orientation mark and positioning teeth, a lower support with degree offset marks and matching positioning teeth, a bearing insert, an upper support, and a shaft.

Abstract: A grease hold extends in an axial direction from one end of a rotary pin to an eccentric portion, and a pair of grease injection holes communicating to the grease hole is open on the outer circumferential surface of the eccentric portion. These grease injection holes are arranged so as to be axially separated on both sides from a central portion C of the eccentric portion by L/4 when L is an length of the eccentric portion.

Abstract: Replacement ball joint apparatus and methods for conveniently modifying motor vehicle suspension camber, caster or camber/caster combination angle by means of repositioning a wheel spindle top or bottom relative to a control arm. The apparatus includes a module securing one end of a ball joint which is connectable at its other end to the spindle, the module having guide slots at an upper surface thereof and a threaded bore therein. An insert is securable at the control arm and has an elongated slot through which a bolt is received and engageable at the threaded bore in the module. Protruding guides are defined at a surface of the insert, the guides and guide slots being engageble for maintenance of module orientation.

Abstract: A replacement ball joint apparatus and method for conveniently modifying motor vehicle suspension camber, caster or camber/caster combination angle by means of repositioning a wheel spindle top or bottom relative to a control arm. The apparatus includes a mount assembly secured at one end of a ball joint which is connectable at its other end to the spindle, the mount assembly having a slide with a stud extending therefrom. A guide assembly is securable at the control arm and receives and guides the slide.

Abstract: There is provided a suspension arm mounting structure in which a mounting end portion 2 of a suspension arm 1 is fastened relative to a vehicle body 4 with a bolt 11 and a nut 12 and in which the wheel alignment is adapted to be adjusted by displacing the bolt in a direction orthogonal to an axis thereof through rotation of a pair of plate cams 15, 19 disposed at ends of the bolt, characterized in that a cylindrical collar 13 is provided over a shank portion 11b of the bolt; in that one 15 of the pair of plate cams and an engagement portion 16 for engagement with a turning tool are provided at one end of the cylindrical collar in such a manner as to prohibit a relative rotation therebetween, and in that an engagement portion 17 is formed on the other end of the cylindrical collar so as to prohibit a relative rotation between the cylindrical collar and the other 19 of the pair of plate cams.

Abstract: A steering device for an industrial vehicle such as forklift. A pair of knuckle arms are rotatably supported at the ends of a rear axle. Each knuckle arm supports a rear wheel. A cylinder located in the rear axle includes an actuator rod. A pair of tie-rods couple the ends of the actuator rod to the knuckle arms. A toe angle adjusting mechanism is located between one end of the actuator rod and the corresponding tie-rod. The toe angle adjusting mechanism includes an adjuster pin having an eccentric shaft. The toe angle of the rear wheel that does not have the toe angle adjusting mechanism is adjusted by changing the neutral position of the actuator rod relative to the cylinder. Thereafter, the toe angle of the other rear wheel is adjusted by the toe angle adjusting mechanism, which facilitates adjustment of the toe angle of the wheels. The location and number of angle adjusting mechanisms are varied in alternate embodiments.

Abstract: An adjustment offset conical mount for use in combination with motor vehicles equipped with conically shaped strut mount towers formed in the chassis of the vehicle. The offset mount is rotatably and adjustably received within the tower and the arcuate position of the offset mount relocates the strut and its associated wheel assembly to a correct position within the vehicle and particularly within vehicular chassis. Camber and caster parameters are correctable, with camber ranges from at least +1.5° and −0.75° being achieved, while caster correction is available between +−1.12°.

Abstract: An adjustable mounting assembly for a steerable wheel assembly. A cam member is rotatably disposed within a recess formed in the lower arm of a yoke assembly. An eccentric cylinder of the cam member extends within a vertically oriented slot formed in a ball joint forging which is in turn adjustable secured to the lower arm of the yoke. By simply rotating the cam member, the eccentric cylinder engages the slot and moves the ball joint forging in a horizontal direction to adjust the caster of the wheel assembly. The vertical slot in the ball joint forging prevents vertical movement to facilitate adjustment of the caster without affecting a camber setting, the distance between the upper and lower ball joints, or ball joint pre-loading. Horizontal slots are formed in the lower arm to align with boltholes formed in the ball joint forging to allow the forging to be bolted to the lower arm over a range of horizontal positions. A method of adjusting the camber of the wheel assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: An adjustable mount for the upper end of a vehicle suspension strut allowing the strut to be relocated relative to a vehicle chassis member. The mount comprises a bush adapted to receive and secure the upper end of the strut, a flange extending radially outwardly from the bush, and a clamping plate adapted to abut the lower face of the flange. The flange has upper and lower faces, and the clamping plate has an opening therethrough larger than the perimeter of the bush such that the clamping plate can relatively slide over the lower face of the flange over a limited area. A plurality of studs extend upwardly from the clamping plate. The studs are located outside the periphery of the flange and restrict the sliding movement of the flange relative to the clamping plate by engagement with the periphery of the flange.

Abstract: A screw bolt has shank portions of different thicknesses which are arranged along two mutually displaced axes and cooperate with securing walls of a spring strut and with a steering knuckle respectively in the manner of cams or eccentrics in order to adjust the camber between the spring strut and the wheel suspension.