Abstract: The invention relates to vehicle axles. Self-steering axle systems are known and are adequate when the vehicle is moving forward but not when the vehicle is reversed. The invention avoids this by having a stub axle assembly located on a support by a first pivot the support being mounted on an axle beam by a second pivot, a drive means to cause the support to pivot between two opertional conditions, and the two pivots being angularly disposed to provide a first castor angle in one position, second opposite castor angle in the second position.

Abstract: A vehicle service system wherein a computer is configured for active wireless communication over a wireless micro-network with any of a variety of similarly configured external components and devices brought into proximity with the computer, including, but not limited to, sensors, input and output devices, mobile computers, onboard vehicle computers, and other vehicle service equipment.

Abstract: An automotive suspension assembly 10 is provided, including an upper control arm 20, a lower control arm 22 and a knuckle 24. The lower control arm 22 is rotatably affixed to the knuckle 24 by way of a lower mount joint 29 rotatably engaging a lower rotational joint 28. The upper control arm 20 is rotatably affixed to the knuckle 24 by way of an upper mount joint 36 rotatably engaging an upper rotational joint 34, the upper mount joint 36 including an upper control arm shaft 38 positioned within a slotted guide 40 such that the camber is adjustable by adjusting the position of the upper control arm shaft 38 within the slotted guide 40.

Abstract: A wheel end assembly in a steering beam axle for use in a motor vehicle. The wheel end assembly comprises a tube yoke attached to an axle tube defining an axle centerline, a steering knuckle defining a steering knuckle centerline, a driving axle shaft rotatably disposed in the axle tube, a live spindle rotatably supported by the steering knuckle, a stub shaft extending through the live spindle and rotatably coupled thereto, and a universal joint connecting the driving axle shaft and the stub shaft. The steering knuckle is pivotally coupled to the tube yoke through a pair of vertically spaced swivel joints defining a steering axis. The wheel end assembly further includes a knuckle centering adjuster for adjusting the knuckle centerline by selectively moving said steering knuckle relative to said tube yoke along said steering axis in order to align the knuckle centerline to the axle centerline.

Abstract: A steering wheel alignment system for a vehicle includes an outer shaft for operative connection to a steering unit and an inner shaft for operative connection to a steering wheel. The steering wheel alignment system also includes a coupling disposed between the inner shaft and outer shaft to allow engagement and disengagement between the steering wheel and the steering unit for alignment of the steering wheel with wheels of the vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for aligning a position sensor in a vehicle with steerable wheels comprising obtaining an absolute position value responsive to a position signal from a handwheel position sensor, obtaining a relative position value responsive to an encoder signal count from a position encoder, and obtaining an index position value responsive to an index position signal. The method further includes receiving an alignment enable signal and determining a correction factor responsive to the relative position value and the index position value. The method for aligning a position sensor is responsive to at least one of the absolute position value, the relative position value, and the index position value under conditions determined from the status of the alignment enable signal.

Abstract: The process of the invention consists in assembling a correction stub axle 2 comprising a correction angle &ggr;c on the receiving surface 3 of a suspension system 1. The stub axle is positioned along a correction azimuth &dgr;c as a function of an error azimuth &dgr;d of the orientation of the receiving surface 3 relative to the nominal orientation intended.

Abstract: A suspension hanger assembly for receiving the bush end of a control arm is provided for adjusting axle alignment, without vertical displacement, and includes spaced-apart sides; each having aligned bores for a spindle, a bush pin and a fastening bolt. Two cams, having openings for the spindle, bush pin and fastening bolt, are aligned with the bracket bores. The bush pin bore of the bracket is horizontally elongated limiting vertical displacement of the bush pin. The fastening bolt opening of each cam is arcuate-shaped which allows cam actuation in an eccentric pattern. As the cam is moved, the bush pin moves horizontally respective to the bracket. The control arm bush is secured via the bush pin and fastening bolt. The control arm is fixed to the axle and horizontal movement of the control arm within the hanger bracket results in linear movement of that axle respective to the vehicle chassis.

Abstract: A toe angle adjustment mechanism includes an electrical linear actuator, an interconnection arm, and a control lever, wherein the electrical linear actuator is mounted on a rear cross member of a vehicle having a pair of rear wheels. The interconnection arm, pivotally attached to the rear cross member, pivotally interconnects the electrical linear actuator with the control lever, which is pivotally connected with a steering knuckle rotationally coupled with a corresponding rear wheel. The electrical linear actuator has a housing, a motor, a lead screw rotated by the motor, and a nut rod operatively mounted on the lead screw for linear movement therealong in response to rotation of the lead screw by the motor.

Abstract: A suspension structure includes a subframe and a suspension arm. The suspension structure has strength lower than that of the subframe. When an excessive external force acts from a road surface on a wheel, the suspension arm is deformed before the subframe is, thereby preventing the excessive external force from directly acting on the subframe.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension and alignment device therefor is provided. The suspension includes a suspension control arm connected to an axle of the vehicle and having one end pivotally connected to a bracket extending from a frame of the vehicle. The end of the control arm is capable of rotation about a first axis extending transverse to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The suspension further includes a thrust washer disposed between one wall of the bracket and the end of the suspension control arm and a fastener that extends through the bracket, the washer, and the end of the suspension control arm. The washer is configured for engagement by a tool used to rotate the washer and cause movement of the suspension control arm relative to the bracket to thereby align the suspension and a vehicle axle.

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 kit and method for raising the static height of the front end of a vehicle having independent front wheel suspension while substantially retaining the suspension geometry of the front wheels. Pairs of bracket adaptors and modified upper control arms of a length shorter than the factory control arms are used. The bracket adaptors interfit with factory brackets and facilitate the attachment of the inboard ends of an A-frame upper control arm with a pivot axis at least about one inch lower and at least about one inch outboard of the factory location. The inboard ends of each modified upper control arm are suitably pivotally linked to the bracket adaptors, and the outboard end is conventionally attached via the upper ball joint to the spindle plate.

Abstract: A lift axle suspension adapted to be mounted to a vehicle frame for selectively supporting a vehicle frame on an axle with ground engaging wheels includes a pair of trailing arm assemblies each of which includes a hanger bracket adapted to be mounted to the vehicle frame, a trailing arm pivotally mounted to the hanger bracket for pivotal movement relative to the frame about a pivot axis, a spring operably connecting the trailing arm to the vehicle frame for resisting the pivotal movement of the trailing arm about the pivotal axis toward the frame, an inflatable lift bag operably connecting the trailing arm to the hanger bracket and for selectively raising the trailing arm relative to the frame when the lift bag is inflated and an axle rigidly mounted to the trailing arm. The iift bag is positioned inboard of the hanger bracket and the trailing arm. The hanger bracket is adapted to be mounted to the outboard side of the frame rail.

Abstract: An upper control arm adjustment system for an automobile is described. The system includes a bracket, a pair of spaced and opposed indexing fingers located on top of the bracket, and a lever that rotates about a slot formed in the bracket. As a manipulation device is selectively rotated either clockwise or counterclockwise, the lever is rotated towards one of the indexing fingers, thus causing a bolt or cam fastened to the lever to move within the slot, thus causing the upper control arm to move either inboard or outboard with respect to the slot, thus altering the pivot position of the upper control arm.

Abstract: A lower control arm adjustment system for an automobile suspension system is described. The system primarily includes a substantially U-shaped bracket member selectively fastened to a lower control arm member with a cam bolt, wherein when the cam bolt is moved in a first direction, the lower control arm member moves to a first position, and when the cam bolt is moved in a second direction, the lower control arm member moves to a second position. In this manner, the lower control arm member can be moved inboard/outboard with respect to the automobile body.

Abstract: A wheel alignment system including at least one sensing device for acquiring automotive data, interface circuitry in communication with the sensing device for transferring data representative of automotive data acquired by the sensing device, and a host computer in communication with the interface circuitry for performing a sequence of operations on the data transferred by the interface circuitry. The host computer provides integrated Internet access to allow for transmission to the vehicle wheel alignment system, from a remote server, via the Internet, updated information and software applications and components necessary to accurately diagnose a vehicle, and the return of diagnostic, statistical, and log information associated with the vehicle wheel alignment system.

Abstract: Attachment bracket with attachment plate for fixing a V-shaped torque rod. The bracket (21) has a support plate (22) intended to be fixed on a frame member, and a bearing surface (23) which forms an angle of less than 90° with the support plate and against which an attachment plate (19) fixed to the torque rod is intended to be screwed securely. The bracket and the plate have slots (27, 28, 31) which are open to the sides and which receive screws (29, 30), that slot (27) of the bracket nearest the support plate being designed so that the screw can be pivoted between a mounting position parallel to the support plate and a position at right angles to the bearing surface.

Abstract: A frame hanger for suspending an axle/suspension system from an aluminum vehicle frame also is formed of aluminum. The hanger is directly a ached to the other components of the frame by welds. The hanger is an integral structure that successfully reacts loads encountered by the axle/suspension system during operation of the vehicle, and which are transmitted into the other components of the vehicle frame through the hangers. The hanger reacts such loads and especially side or lateral loads, despite being formed from the lightweight metal aluminum, and together with the other components of the vehicle frame is free of add-on support structures such as gussets or the like. The aluminum hanger achieves such efficient load reacting capabilities due to its structural design which substantially completely and continuously surrounds and laterally supports its respective beam bushing assembly of the axle/suspension system suspended from the hanger.

Abstract: An improved steering assembly incorporates an adjustably mounted lower boss in a steering knuckle. The lower boss can be positioned at any of a variety of locations relative to a rotational axis of the wheel mounted on the knuckle. This allows adjustment of the distance between an I-beam spring pad and the rotational axis for the wheel hub. In this way, the present invention eliminates the necessity to have a number of different I-beam configurations. Preferably, the lower boss is bolted to a flange on the steering knuckle. Further, the upper boss may also be removably mounted to the steering knuckle such that the distance between a steering arm connection and the spring pad may also be adjusted.

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 lift axle is pivotally mounted to the frame of a vehicle for selectively providing additional flotation for the vehicle. A pair of frame brackets are secured to the frame members of the vehicle and have horizontally disposed mounting plate portions adjacent the lower ends thereof which have transversely extending bolt slots formed therein. First and second trailing arm mounting brackets are positioned below the first and second frame brackets, respectively, and have bolt openings provided in an upper mounting plate portion thereon to enable bolts to adjustably secure the trailing arm mounting brackets to the frame brackets. The lift axle suspension system is operatively connected to the mounting brackets. The connection of the first and second mounting brackets with respect to the first and second frame brackets permits the lift axle assembly to be mounted on frame members having varying distances therebetween and having varying frame thicknesses.

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.

Abstract: A regulatable suspension system for an active chassis of a motor vehicle has at least two actuators which are capable of being set via actuating signals in order to influence the relative movement between a wheel of the motor vehicle and the vehicle body. A control unit is provided for generating the actuating signals as a function of input signals representing vehicle state variables. Actuating movements that can be applied to the wheel by the actuators and acting on the wheel have parallel direction components. In the event of a fault, if one actuator is defective, actuating signals coupling the actuators can be generated in such a way that a control function assigned to the defective actuator can be set via an intact actuator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suspension system (10,12) for installation between a chassis (14,16) and dual axles (18,20) of a vehicle. The suspension system (10,12) includes an equaliser beam (22) pivotally linking the axles (18,20) together. A trailing arm support member (14) is pivotally attached to a hanger bracket (68) on chassis (14,16). A suspension saddle (58) is secured to trailing arm support (64) to provide pivotal support for equaliser beam (22) and air spring means (72) located between chassis (14,16) and trailing arm support member (64).

Abstract: A V-configuration torque rod has an apex pivotal joint system which includes a pair of pivotal end joint assemblies connected by a bar-pin journal. The bar-pin journal is bent as an angle to define the V-configuration of the torque rod. By using the bent bar-pin journal, straight links for the arms of the V-configuration can be utilized using similar components at each end joint assembly.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a V-configuration torque rod has an apex joint assembly and a pair of end pivotal joint assemblies. The apex joint assembly is attached to each end pivotal joint assembly using a rod. The rod includes a headed end which increases the radial distance at which the rod is welded to the joint assembly. The attachment of the rod to the apex joint assembly can be by welding or by using a clamp. The rod can either be a solid rod or it can be a tubular rod. In another embodiment, the torque rod is a straight torque rod which includes a rod connecting two end pivotal joint assemblies. Both ends of the rod include a headed end which increases the radial distance at which the rod is welded to the joint assembly. The rod can either be a solid rod or it can be a tubular rod.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mounting structure for a suspension V-rod which can establish firm connection of a V-rod to an axle by fastening with unexcessive proper torque. Ends of an oscillating pin carried by a central bent end of the V-rod are aligned with brackets on a center of the axle and are fastened to the latter by a plurality of pairs of bolts and nuts. At least one pair of bolt and nut among the bolt and nut pairs and a bolt hole mating with the one pair are tapered such that a bold head of the bolt and the nut have tapered portions formed on opposed end faces thereof and gradually decreasing in diameter toward each other and that the mating bolt hole is complementarily tapered to snugly receive the tapered bolt head and the tapered nut.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suspension system (10,12) for installation between a chassis (14,16) and dual axles (18,20) of a vehicle. The suspension system (10,12) includes an equalizer beam (22) pivotally linking the axles (18,20) together. A trailing arm support member (64) is pivotally attached to a hanger bracket (68) on chassis (14,16). A suspension saddle (58) is secured to trailing arm support (64) to provide pivotal support for equalizer beam (22) and air spring (72) located between chassis (14,16) and trailing arm support member (64).