Abstract: A vehicle steering system has a pitman arm being pivotable about a pitman arm pivot axis in response to pivoting of a steering column, a link pivotally connected to the pitman arm, an idler arm pivotally connected to the link and being pivotable about an idler arm pivot axis, the link extending between the pitman arm and the idler arm, a first tie rod pivotally connected to the pitman arm and extending from the pitman arm in a first direction, and a second tie rod pivotally connected to the idler arm and extending from the idler arm in a second direction, the second direction being opposite the first direction. A vehicle having the vehicle steering system is also described.

Abstract: A power steering system including a first linkage arm pivotally coupled to a cross-link member extending in a transverse direction. Also included is a first shaft generally orthogonal to the first linkage arm, the first shaft configured to rotate the first linkage arm. Further included is a power portion of the first linkage arm extending from a first end of the first linkage arm to the first shaft. Yet further included is an assist portion of the first linkage arm extending from the first shaft to a second end of the first linkage arm. Also included is an electric actuator. Further included is a linkage member extending from the electric actuator and operatively coupled to the assist portion of the first linkage arm.

Abstract: A power steering system includes a first linkage arm pivotally coupled to a cross-link member extending in a transverse direction. Also included is a first shaft generally orthogonal to the first linkage arm and configured to rotate the first linkage arm. Further included is a second linkage arm pivotally coupled to the cross-link member with a pivot location. The power steering system yet further includes an electric actuator. Also included is a linkage member extending from the electric actuator and operatively coupled to an assist portion of the second linkage arm to reduce the steering effort required by a driver of the vehicle.

Abstract: A flexible joint for attachment to a suspension link. The flexible joint includes a housing, where the housing includes an external surface and an internal surface. The flexible joint also includes a joint insert. The joint insert includes a first section and a second section attached to the first section at an attachment point. The joint insert also includes an inner sleeve, where the inner sleeve includes a first portion in the first section of the joint insert and a second portion in the second section of the joint insert. The inner sleeve also includes a channel, where the channel is configured to receive at least a portion of an external device and an external surface. The joint insert further includes an elastomer, where the elastomer is fused to at least a portion of the external surface of the inner sleeve, a portion of the elastomer is in contact with the internal surface of the housing, and the elastomer is not permanently attached to the internal surface.

Abstract: An automotive rear-suspension subassembly includes a rear-suspension frame, a first and second independent suspension, and a steering actuator coupled with each independent suspension through a bellcrank. The frame includes a front cross-member, a first side-rail, and a second side-rail, and defines a first side and a second side. The actuator is disposed on the first side of the frame, and the bellcrank extends across the frame from the first side to the second side. Each independent suspension is respectively configured to support a vehicle wheel, and includes a respective knuckle. Actuation of the steering actuator urges each respective knuckle to rotate.

Abstract: A system of linkages for a beam-type straight axle drive arrangement which accurately control the vehicle steering as well as axle location throughout its full range of suspension compression. This system can be retrofitted onto existing vehicles as a “bolt-on” retrofit kit, thereby dramatically improving the handling characteristics of such vehicles.

Abstract: The invention contemplates steering damper to drag link attachment clamp and method. A vehicle steering linkage has a steering damper including a drag link attachment joint, and a mounting bolt operatively engaging the drag link attachment joint. A drag link assembly has a main drag link socket assembly including a main rod portion; a clamp includes a main body and a pair of legs extending therefrom, with the main body defining a rod receiving bore within which is mounted the main rod portion of the drag link socket assembly, and the legs each include a bolt hole through which the mounting bolt extends; and a weld securing the main body of the clamp to the main rod portion. A nut engages the bolt such that the legs are pulled closer together, causing the main body to apply a clamping load to the main rod portion.

Abstract: A steering mechanism for a model vehicle is provided, having one or more steering actuators, a steering control arm pivotally mounted for rotation relative to a model vehicle chassis, the steering control arm being coupled directly to at least two tie rods, each tie rod controlling the steering of at least one wheel of a vehicle, and each of the one or more steering actuators coupled to the steering control arm to rotate the control arm relative to the vehicle chassis.

Abstract: A steering knuckle assembly for a steering apparatus in a motor vehicle has an attachable and separable connector for ball joint connection between a tie rod and a knuckle. Therefore, the tie rod can be more easily separated from the knuckle at improved work efficiency, and the entire knuckle assembly does not have to be newly developed to change a ball joint point of the end of the tie rod. As a result, manufacture cost is greatly reduced and work efficiency for the steering knuckle assembly is improved.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus related to the suspension and steering of all terrain vehicles (ATVs) are disclosed. An ATV having a frame and a wheel carrier for rotatably supporting a wheel is provided. A tie rod is coupled to the wheel carrier at an outer joint. An inner joint of the tie rod is preferably located in a desirable location. A method for identifying the desirable location may include the steps of defining a first reference plane associated with a full compression position of the suspension, defining a second reference plane associated with a full extension position of the suspension, identifying a reference line formed by an intersection of the first reference plane and the second reference plane, and selecting a location proximate the reference line as the desirable location for the inner joint.

Abstract: A pinion mounted at the lower end of a steering column engages a rack which is supported for movement laterally of the longitudinal axis of a riding lawnmower. Opposite ends of the rack have respective drag links pivotally mounted thereto. Free ends of the drag links are connected to the ends of respective spindle arms, each of which is rotatable about a vertical axis. Each spindle arm supports a ground-engaging wheel. When a steering wheel joined to the steering column is turned, the pinion displaces the rack. The drag links impart pivotal movement to the spindle arms to cause the wheels to turn in the direction the steering wheel has been turned.

Abstract: A toe-angle adjusting mechanism that accurately adjust a toe angle of a wheel. The mechanism includes adjusting pins and a locking plate. The adjusting pins have eccentric shafts and engagement shafts. The locking plate has engaging holes. The locking plate prevents rotation of the adjusting pins by fitting the engaging holes with the engagement shafts.