Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle having a breakaway tie rod. The tie rod has a longitudinal axis oriented substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and includes a rod portion and a receiver portion. The rod portion includes a proximal ball joint disposed at the proximal end and a male coupling section disposed at the distal end. The receiver portion includes a female coupling section disposed at the proximal end, a distal ball joint disposed at the distal end, and a narrowing feature disposed between the proximal end and distal end. The male coupling section of the rod portion is received into the female coupling section of the receiver portion, forming a connection, and the distal end of the rod portion is disposed proximate to the narrowing feature. The narrowing feature is configured to fracture when subjected to a threshold force substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

Abstract: A composite material bush may include a center plate; and an outer foam which is arranged outside the center plate to surround the center plate and is made of different kinds of materials.

Abstract: A vehicle knuckle 1 includes a main body 10, a strut junction 11 that is positioned at a first side in an extending direction of an axle supported by the main body and fastens a strut damper, and an arm 12 that couples the main body to the strut junction. The vehicle knuckle has a continuous space 17 formed inside the strut junction and the arm. The arm has a first through-hole 17a on a wall 12a that couples an end 10d at the first side of the main body to the strut junction. The first through-hole is formed, with being adjacent to the end at the first side, at the side of the main body with respect to the center of a coupling position of the wall and the main body and a coupling position of the wall and the strut junction and is communicated with the space.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a dual linkage assembly coupled to two front wheels and a fork. The dual linkage assembly includes arms coupled at pivot points. Each arm rotates independently at the pivot points and responds to force applied by the rider, such that both front wheels maintain contact with the ground. The vehicle further includes a lock assembly including a lever and a lock block coupled to the front fork, a first piece with a first notch coupled to one or more of the arms, and a second piece with a second notch coupled to a head tube. When locked, the lock block engages the first notch, preventing the dual linkage assembly from rotating, and engages the second notch, preventing the fork from rotating. The vehicle is then capable of standing upright without assistance from a rider or stand.

Abstract: A lightweight suspension upright or knuckle including: a bearing connection interface having a first sleeve element and a second, radially outer, sleeve element and further including a BMC/LFT/DLFT annular body; at least one attachment interface configured to connect the suspension upright or knuckle to a respective control or support element; and a supporting structural body mechanically connecting the bearing connection interface with the at least one attachment interface. The supporting structural body is shaped as a reticular frame including first blade elements chemically and mechanically interconnected to each other and to the outer lateral surface; each blade element consisting in one or more mats or plies of continuous fibers embedded in a polymer matrix, stacked onto one another and that have been compression molded together and with the annular body. Also, a method for obtaining a lightweight suspension upright or knuckle for a vehicle providing a bearing connection interface.

Abstract: Measuring probe for non-destructive measuring of the thickness of thin layers, in particular in cavities, which are accessible by an opening or on curved surfaces, with a measuring head, which includes at least one sensor element and at least one contact spherical cap, assigned to the sensor element on a surface, to be checked, of the cavity, and with a gripping element for positioning and guiding the measuring probe on and/or along the surface to be measured, wherein on the gripping element, a long, elastically yielding guide bar is provided, which accepts the at least one measuring head on its end opposing the gripping element, in such a way that it is moveable with at least one degree of freedom in relation to the guide bar.

Abstract: A low suspension arm strut coupling is provided for a suspension of an off-road vehicle. The suspension comprises a lower suspension arm that is hingedly coupled between a chassis of the off-road vehicle and a spindle assembly that is coupled with a front wheel. An upper suspension arm is hingedly coupled between the chassis and the spindle assembly. A strut is coupled between the lower suspension arm and the chassis. A lower pivot couples the strut to the lower suspension, and an upper pivot couples the strut to the chassis. The upper and lower pivots provide a lower center of gravity of the off-road vehicle and a relatively smaller shock angle. The lower suspension arm is reinforced to withstand forces due to movement of the front wheel and operation of the strut in response to travel over terrain.

Abstract: A rod-end front suspension is provided for an off-road vehicle. The rod-end front suspension comprises a spindle assembly that is pivotally coupled with an upper suspension arm by way of a first rod-end joint and pivotally coupled with a lower suspension arm by way of a second rod-end joint. A steering rod-end joint coupled with the spindle assembly pivotally receives a steering rod. An axle assembly coupled with the spindle assembly conducts torque from a transaxle to a wheel coupled with the spindle assembly. Each of the first and second rod-end joints comprises a ball rotatably retained within a casing. The ball is fastened within a recess between parallel prongs extending from the spindle assembly. A threaded shank extending from the casing is threadably fixated with the suspension arm, such that the spindle assembly may be moved with respect to the casing and the suspension arm.

Abstract: A ball joint relocation kit including a ball stud having a ball end, a threaded end, and a shaft with a straight outer diameter, and a sleeve having a tapered outer diameter and a straight inner diameter, wherein the sleeve is adapted to be received in a tapered hole through a steering knuckle from a bottom side, and the ball stud is adapted to be received through the tapered hole and the sleeve from the top side. The ball joint relocation kit can be used to replace an OEM ball stud to relocate the ball joint from below the steering knuckle to above the steering knuckle in suspension lifted vehicles.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a ball joint and a method for manufacturing the same, the method injection-molding a ball sheet using a ball stud having a spherical head portion, which has a non-spherical surface formed thereon, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process and improving productivity. In order to implement the purpose, a ball joint according to the present invention comprises: a ball stud (100) provided with a spherical head portion (110); a ball sheet (200) surrounding the outer peripheral surface of the spherical head portion (110) and allowing the ball stud (100) to play within an operating angle range; a cap (300) covering the spherical head portion (110) to form a sealed space between the cap (300) and the outer peripheral surface of the spherical head portion (110); and a socket (400) having an inner space, into which the spherical head portion (110), the ball sheet (200), and the cap (300) are inserted.

Abstract: A suspension assembly for a utility vehicle includes a knuckle having a boss, a first suspension arm extending radially outward from the boss, a second suspension arm extending radially outward from the boss in a direction opposite to the first suspension arm, a first brake arm extending radially outward from the boss near the first suspension arm, and a second brake arm extending radially outward from the boss near the second suspension arm. The knuckle can be switchably used for both of a right driving wheel and a left driving wheel. The suspension assembly further includes an upper arm connected to the first suspension arm, a lower arm connected to the second suspension arm, and a brake caliper connected to the first brake arm and the second brake arm.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a front wheel. A steering column assembly is coupled to the front wheel. The steering column assembly includes a steering wheel and a steering column coupled to the steering wheel. A steering rack assembly includes a rack coupled to the front wheel. The rack extends in a vehicle lateral direction and is translatable with respect to a body of the vehicle in the vehicle lateral direction. A steering knuckle assembly is coupled to the steering rack assembly by a tie rod. A tie rod disconnect feature decouples the steering knuckle assembly and the steering rack assembly upon movement of the tie rod beyond a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A snowmobile has a front suspension and ski assembly having a right side and a left side. The right and left sides each have an upper arm, a lower arm and a spindle. A ski is connected to the lower portion of each spindle. At least one of the upper arms has a least one protrusion extending therefrom.

Abstract: A steering attenuator assembly including a first and second sleeves defining axial passages, the second sleeve engaged within the first sleeve and movable relative thereto in an axial direction, and first and second spring members fitted internal to the attenuator, the first spring member arranged to compress under compressive loading of the steering attenuator and the second spring member arranged to compress under tensile loading of the steering attenuator, wherein the attenuator is tunable.

Abstract: A stabilizer link in which weight reduction can be achieved and the circumferential position and the distance between both housings can be adjusted, and a method for manufacturing same, are provided. A solid bar made of a light weight metal or a fiber reinforced plastic is used for a support bar. An end portion of the support bar is inserted into a mold as a core, and a housing is formed at the end portion of the support bar by injection molding. In this case, the resin is mold-shrunk, whereby a boss portion of the housing covers and adheres to the whole circumference of the end portion of the support bar thereof. Therefore, the boss portion is rigidly fixed to the end portion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a steering linkage system that includes a steering tie bar extending between a first spindle and a second spindle of the vehicle. The system includes a joint that is adaptable for movement in a direction that the steering tie bar extends. The system further includes a first steering link attached to and extending between a first steering location that is on or connected directly to a pitman arm of the vehicle and a second steering location that is on or connected directly to the steering tie bar by way of the joint such that the joint is movable in the direction that the steering tie bar extends. The system includes a second steering link attached to and extending between a third steering location that is on or connected directly to a middle of the first steering link that is located between the first and second steering locations, and a fourth steering location that is on or connected directly to the steering tie bar.

Abstract: A steering attenuator assembly including a first and second sleeves defining axial passages, the second sleeve engaged within the first sleeve and movable relative thereto in an axial direction, and first and second spring members fitted internal to the attenuator, the first spring member arranged to compress under compressive loading of the steering attenuator and the second spring member arranged to compress under tensile loading of the steering attenuator, wherein the attenuator is tunable.

Abstract: A ride steer adjustment device for a vehicle includes an insert sleeve that has an opening configured so that the insert sleeve has an interference fit with a tie rod ball stud when the tie rod ball stud extends through the opening. The insert sleeve has external threads and is configured to be threaded to the knuckle steer arm at the external threads. A distance between the knuckle steer arm and the tie rod is adjustable by turning the insert sleeve relative to the knuckle steer arm at the external threads. Adjusting the distance between the knuckle steer arm and the tie rod changes the angle of the tie rod and thereby the ride steer.

Abstract: A joint and/or bearing arrangement (1) has at least two connecting rods (2, 3), which come together in a receiving region (4), and accommodate a joint (5) or bearing in the receiving region (4), The joint or bearing (5) comprises a joint body (7), which is movably held in a joint body seat (6), and a housing (8) which accommodates and radially externally encloses the joint body seat (6), is designed such that the housing (8) comprises, on the outside, at least one rotation-lock region (9, 10, 14) having a non-circular contour.

Abstract: A torque rod assembly includes a pair of end joint assemblies with a thin wall connecting tube disposed between them. The end joint assemblies each include an eye which is friction welded to the thin wall connecting tube. The use of the thin wall connecting tube and the friction welding process allow the friction weld to be located immediately adjacent a bore extending through the eye. The eyes and the thin wall connecting tube can be cast, extruded or formed from steel, aluminum or cast iron.

Abstract: A steering axle assembly includes a wheel end having a knuckle section comprising a first arm and a second arm each extending therefrom. The steering axle assembly includes an axle beam having a connecting end. A pin is disposed in respective bores of the first and second arms and of the connecting end. The steering axle assembly includes a self-lubricated bearing system that including a first tubular bushing, a second tubular busing and an annular thrust bearing. The self-lubricated bearing system has an adequate amount of lubricant therein at a beginning of life state and the amount of the lubricant being sufficient for an end of life state defined by at least one million miles of operation of the heavy duty truck, without replenishment of the lubricant.

Abstract: A control arm assembly for an automotive wheel suspension, having: an elongate control arm having a transverse mounting socket with an internally threaded surface; and a ball joint having: a steel housing with an externally threaded surface and; a ball stud with a partially spherical ball head upwardly restrained within the housing and a shank extending upwardly through an upward opening in the housing; and a bearing having a partially spherical inner surface engaging the ball head and having an outer surface engaging the inner chamber; wherein the housing has a laterally extending collar with a lower contact surface that engages the upper mounting surface of the control arm when the threaded surfaces are fully torqued together; and wherein the upper portion of the outboard wall having a thickness greater than or equal to a thickness of a lower portion.

Abstract: A ball joint assembly may include a housing having a cavity, a friction seat received within the cavity, and a ball stud having a ball that frictionally contacts the friction seat. In one embodiment, a friction control mechanism moves the friction seat within the cavity to adjust the friction between the ball and the friction seat. In another embodiment, both the cavity and an outer surface of the friction seat may be substantially frustoconically shaped.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a torque rod comprised of a two piece mating design which increases rigidity and reduces the number of welds. Unlike other designs this design has single piece forged ends which permits the torque rod of the present invention to take greater payloads than other designs can take. The design further includes internal bearings.

Abstract: A joint arrangement (1) comprising a journal-like retaining body (5) and a joint head (4) is provided, at the axial head end thereof, for engaging with one of a one-piece or multi-piece supporting device. The base region (5a, 5b) of the retaining body (5) is connected to an axle body (10), particularly of a utility vehicle, and designed such that, in addition to the retaining body (5) extending in a journal-like manner, the joint arrangement (1) also comprises a separate flange body (8) which can be used to apply force to the retaining body (5) in the direction of the base region (5a, 5b) thereof for the purpose of connecting the retaining body (5) to the axle body (10).

Abstract: A structural unit having a tube (2) which is provided on at least one end with an internal thread (1) which is formed in a first direction of rotation. An adjustment sleeve (3) is screwed into the first end of the internal thread (1) of the tube (2), and the adjustment sleeve (3) has an internal thread (4) which is formed in the opposite direction to the first direction of rotation, and a shank (5) is screwed into the adjustment sleeve (3) and an adjustment travel of the shank (5) is limited by a blocking element (6). The adjustment sleeve (3) supports the blocking element (6) which is located within a groove (7), formed on the outer lateral surface of the shank (5), so as to limit adjustment travel over a range of motion.

Abstract: A control arm assembly includes a control arm including a knuckle support member having an upper surface, a lower surface, a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The upper surface includes a recessed portion extending from the distal end portion toward the proximal end portion. The distal end portion includes a collar defining an aperture for receiving a housing of a ball joint. The control arm assembly also includes a protective cap attached to the knuckle support member. The protective cap overlies the recessed portion of the upper surface of the knuckle support member.

Abstract: A suspension coupling for use in a vehicle suspension system the suspension coupling including a knuckle and bushing assembly wherein the knuckle member is a cast aluminum piece having a passage for receiving a two-piece bushing having a formed, metal inner member and a molded, elastomeric outer member having extension members at each end. The bushing member is press-fit into the knuckle member and exhibits higher stiffness in the radial and axial directions and lower stiffness in the torsional and conical directions.

Abstract: A steering apparatus includes a first joint disposed on a control rod that extends rotatably through a head tube, two second joints disposed respectively on two suspension units, and two connecting bars each connected between the first joint and a respective one of the second joints. The first joint includes a seat disposed fixedly on the control rod, at least one first rotating member having a central axis and rotatable on the seat about the central axis of the first rotating member, and at least one second rotating member having a central axis and rotatable on the first rotating member about the central axis of the second rotating member. The axes of the first and second rotating members of the first joint are perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: A suspension assembly includes at least one suspension arm having a suspension joint structured to vary the height of a vehicle dependent on the operative orientation of the suspension arm and suspension joint when connected to the vehicle. The suspension joint includes two bushing members each formed of a resilient material and two retaining assemblies, wherein each retaining assembly is disposed in a retaining relation to a different one of the two bushing members on opposite sides of one end of the suspension arm. Either each of the bushing members or each of the two retaining assemblies includes a first section and a second section being of different, predetermined thicknesses. While the suspension arm and suspension joint may be produced as equipment of original manufacture, a conventional suspension arm may be repaired or retrofitted by replacing its original suspension joint with a modified suspension joint.

Abstract: A coupled torsion beam axle (CTBA) has improved compliance characteristics that can control a tow value of a rear wheel to be towed in during steering when the steering is performed in a simple structure. The CTBA includes trailing arms and carriers on which rear wheels are mounted via carrier brackets at both ends of a torsion beam, respectively, a center pipe penetrating in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle at the center of the torsion beam, and a steering rod of which one end is linked to the carrier and the other end is linked to the center pipe.

Abstract: A CTBA with improved compliance characteristics has a simple structure and can control a tow value of a rear wheel to be towed in while steering is performed in. The CTBA may include trailing arms and carriers on which rear wheels are mounted via carrier brackets at both ends of a torsion beam, a mounting bracket fixed to the bottom of a vehicle body, and a steering rod of which one end is linked to the carrier and the other end is linked to the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A suspension assembly structured to facilitate a selective variance in a height of a vehicle including at least one suspension arm having a suspension joint structured to vary the height of the vehicle dependent on the operative orientation of the suspension arm and suspension joint when connected to the vehicle. The suspension joint includes two bushing members each formed of a resilient material and two retaining assemblies, wherein each retaining assembly is disposed in retaining relation to a different one of the two bushing members on opposite sides of one end of the suspension arm. Either each of the bushing members or each of the two retaining assemblies includes a first section and a second section being of different, predetermined thicknesses. While the suspension arm and suspension joint may be produced as equipment of original manufacture, a conventional suspension arm may be repaired or retrofit by replacing its original suspension joint with a modified suspension joint.

Abstract: An idler arm assembly employed in a steering assembly of a vehicle having a body. The idler arm assembly comprises: an idler housing mounted to the body and including a bore; a pivot shaft mounted in the bore and being rotatable and telescopically slidable in the bore, with the pivot shaft having a cavity at a first end; an idler arm having a first end supported by the second end of the pivot shaft and a second end that supports the steering assembly; a ball stud having a ball end secured in the cavity and supporting the pivot shaft in the telescopically slidable direction, and a shank having threads; and a threaded cap secured to the idler housing and engaged with the threads on the shank, whereby rotation of the threads relative to the threaded cap will telescopically slide the pivot shaft relative to the idler housing.

Abstract: An assembly comprises a carrier part and a ball joint housing. The housing is provided with an attachment projection which is formed integrally with the housing on an outer surface of the housing. The carrier part is formed as a double-layer structure, and the attachment projection is held between two layers of the carrier part.

Abstract: A ball joint assembly includes a stud bracket having the shape of a rectangular block, a first ball joint connected to an upper surface of the stud bracket and a second ball joint connected to a lower surface of the stud bracket. The first and second ball joints extend from the stud bracket at an angular displacement of 180 degrees and with a relatively small distance defined therebetween as seen in plan view. The stud bracket comprises a bracket main body having a rectangular shape and integrally including a pair of ball studs extending from the upper and lower surfaces thereof.

Abstract: A composite tube assembly and a method of making the same are provided. The composite tube assembly includes a composite tube and a fitting penetrating the composite tube. The fitting includes a reduced diameter section surrounded by a reduced diameter tube portion of the tube. A bolstering structure surrounds this reduced diameter tube portion. The method includes inserting the fitting into the composite tube, heating the tube portion surrounding the fitting to soften the same, radially compressing the tube portion onto the fitting reduced diameter section, and providing a bolstering structure surrounding the compressed tube portion.

Abstract: A suspension arm may include a metal ball housing, a metal bushing housing, a metal connecting portion including a ball housing annulus at an end portion thereof, wherein the metal ball housing is inserted and mounted in the ball housing annulus, and wherein the other end portion of the metal connecting portion is connected to the metal bushing housing, and a reinforcement member wrapping the metal ball housing, the metal bushing housing and the metal connecting portion.

Abstract: A suspension arm may include a metal portion including a hemispherical metal ball housing, a metal bushing housing, and a metal connecting portion, one end of the metal connecting portion being connected to the metal ball housing and the other end of the metal connecting portion being connected to the metal bushing housing, a bearing, made of synthetic resin material, disposed in and coupled to the metal ball housing, a ball stud, one end of which is disposed in and coupled to the bearing, and a reinforcement member, made of synthetic resin material, wrapping the metal portion and connecting the bearing to the metal ball housing.

Abstract: A lower arm mounting unit for a multi-link suspension system having a knuckle rotatably supporting a wheel, and first and second lower arms connecting the knuckle to a vehicle body, may include a pair of mounting protrusions formed to the knuckle, a first ball stud connecting an end portion of the first lower arm to the pair of the mounting protrusions, and a second ball stud connecting an end portion of the second lower arm to the pair of the mounting protrusions and the first ball stud by inserting the end portion of the second ball stud between the pair of the mounting protrusions, the end portion of the first ball stud, and the knuckle.

Abstract: In summary, there is provided a front axle mounting assembly (100) which is suitable for a tractor or a construction vehicle for example. The assembly comprises a steerable front axle (130), which is typically the front axle on a tractor, and a pair of support arms (120) which extend forwardly from the main body of the vehicle. The arms are pivotally mounted to the body of the vehicle, for example, at the front of the chassis, at transversely spaced mounting points (121). The other ends of the arms (120) are pivotally attached to, and maintained at a fixed spacing, by a crosslink member (124). The axle (130) is mounted to the crosslink member (124) so as to be parallel thereto when viewed from above. By mounting the axle (130) on two support arms (120) instead of one, the effective radius of pivot of the axle is significantly increased, thereby allowing the axle to move sideways to a greater extent for a given angular displacement.

Abstract: A joint unit such as for mounting the vehicle control arm of a motor vehicle, is provided with a control arm-side housing (1), in which a pivot pin (2) is mounted pivotably by means of a spheroidal bearing surface (3), wherein the joint unit has a securing unit against the separation of the housing (1) from the pivot pin (2). The securing unit includes a securing bolt (9), arranged within the pivot pin (2) essentially in parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the pivot pin (2) and with a blocking element (12) at a free end. A securing mount (13) is located within the housing (1) or the pivot pin (2) and in this the blocking element (12) is mounted in a contactless manner in the mounted state of the joint unit. The securing mount (13) is part of the securing unit, and the securing bolt (9) is fixed to the component of the joint unit (housing (1) or pivot pin (2)) that is not provided with the securing mount (13).

Abstract: A steering mechanism includes a relay rod and an idler arm operatively attached to a first end thereof. A pitman arm includes a stud and is operatively attached to a second end of the relay rod. A bushing is configured to allow displacement of the pitman arm relative to the relay rod. The bushing includes an outer can, an inner metal member, and a bushing disposed therebetween. The inner metal member has a tapered receptacle configured to mate with a tapered portion of the stud. The resilient member may include voids, which may be oriented generally perpendicular to a turning direction and may be tapered from the base to the opening. The inner metal member may have a generally-cylindrical portion and substantially-opposing outer flats interrupting the same. The outer flats are spaced by a distance smaller than the cylinder diameter and may be substantially parallel to the turning direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wheel suspension of a steerable wheel, which wheel suspension has at least one wheel carrier to which are connected at least one steering rod and at least one lower transverse link. The wheel carrier is designed in at least three parts with a first wheel carrier part, a second wheel carrier part and a third wheel carrier part, which wheel carrier parts can be connected to one another by means of connecting elements in such a way that the at least three wheel carrier parts are moveable relative to one another.

Abstract: A hybrid component for lightweight, structural uses, including a steel member formed of a high strength steel; and a cast coupling member cast on a portion of the steel member by casting-in-place a semi-solid aluminum about the portion of the steel member, thereby positively and rigidly securing the coupling member to the steel member. A method of forming a hybrid component for lightweight, structural uses, including: forming a steel member formed of a high strength steel into a predetermined configuration; and casting a coupling member on a portion of the steel member by casting-in-place a semi-solid aluminum about the portion of the steel member, thereby positively and rigidly securing the coupling member to the steel member.

Abstract: A knuckle includes two steering bosses (i.e., upper and lower), each having a continuous channel, connecting, respectively, separate channel openings where the channels taper outward from an inner diameter to each of their respective openings. A hollow first adapter sleeve is located within either one of the channel openings of the upper steering boss, and a hollow second adapter sleeve is located within either one of the channel openings of the lower steering boss. As a result of this structure, the knuckle may be used on either side of a vehicle, allow for entry of a steering arm/tie rod arm from forward to rear (rearwardly directed) or vice versa in either of the steering bosses, and may be applied to various sizes of knuckle-steer axle assemblies.

Abstract: A steering mechanism includes a relay rod and an idler arm operatively attached to a first end thereof. A pitman arm includes a stud and is operatively attached to a second end of the relay rod. A bushing is configured to allow displacement of the pitman arm relative to the relay rod. The bushing includes an outer can, an inner metal member, and a bushing disposed therebetween. The inner metal member has a tapered receptacle configured to mate with a tapered portion of the stud. The resilient member may include voids, which may be oriented generally perpendicular to a turning direction and may be tapered from the base to the opening. The inner metal member may have a generally-cylindrical portion and substantially-opposing outer flats interrupting the same. The outer flats are spaced by a distance smaller than the cylinder diameter and may be substantially parallel to the turning direction.

Abstract: A ball joint integrated knuckle and an assembling method thereof is provided. The ball joint integrated knuckle includes: a knuckle integrating a housing formed with a first screw thread on its one side surface; and a ball joint having a thread seat formed with a second screw thread, wherein the ball joint is integrated into the knuckle by combining the first screw thread of the housing of the knuckle with the second screw thread of the thread seat of the ball joint. Thus, it is possible to easily attach/detach the ball joint with respect to the knuckle by combining/removing the ball joint using the first screw thread, formed in an inner circumferential surface of the housing integrally formed with the knuckle, and the second screw thread formed in an external circumferential surface of the thread seat. Also, according to the present invention, the ball joint is not manufactured as a finished product, but provided as kit.

Abstract: In one aspect, a vehicle steer axle has a horizontal axle member that has a steering axis male feature integrally formed on an end, wherein a vehicle steering knuckle, which forms a vehicle steering axis female feature, is directly rotatably coupled to the vehicle steer axle. In another aspect, a vehicle steering knuckle has a horizontal steering knuckle member that has a steering axis male feature integrally formed on an end, wherein the vehicle steering knuckle is directly rotatably coupled to a vehicle steer axle, which forms a vehicle steering axis female feature. Neither of these aspects utilize a separable kingpin.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a steering and suspension system of a vehicle and a translational ball joint for use in a steering and suspension system. The system may include a lower joint assembly that employs the translational ball joint to couple a steering knuckle to a strut extension member. The translational ball joint may include a socket having a ball stud mounted therein, with the ball stud including a ball, mounted in the cavity, and a shank, including a cylindrical portion adjacent to the second end that is slidably received in a central bore of the ball and has a retention flange extending radially outward that has a diameter that is larger than a diameter of the central bore to thereby prevent the retention flange from sliding through the central bore.