Abstract: Disclosed is a steering apparatus of a vehicle in which a rack housing of a gear box may be accurately mounted on a vehicle body part without coming off, and when an angle difference of the vehicle body part is present, the angle difference may be compensated for when the rack housing is mounted. The steering apparatus has a mounting structure configured to fixedly mount the rack housing on the vehicle body part. The mounting structure includes a coupling part formed on the rack housing and having a coupling hole, a mounting part provided on the vehicle body part and having a mounting hole, a nut pipe installed at the mounting part and provided with an insertion part, a washer coupled to an outer circumference of the insertion part, and a bolt inserted into the coupling hole, the washer and the mounting hole and threadedly engaged with the nut pipe.

Abstract: A center load rack and pinion steering mechanism is disclosed. The mechanism comprises a center load steering rack housing mounted to a vehicle frame, with a longitudinal slot through the front surface thereof, the slot being fitted with a bushing of a material that is resistant to damage from heat and bending. A pair of center link mounting bolts secure a center link and a center link pad to the rack wherein the center link pad extends through the bushing such that the upper and lower surfaces of the center link pad engage the upper and lower inner surfaces of the bushing, respectively, to prevent upward and downward movement and twisting of the center link and the center link pad relative to the rack in response to steered wheels of the vehicle contacting rough or uneven terrain while in use to prevent damage to components of the steering mechanism.

Abstract: A securing arrangement for a steering gear housing is provided. The securing arrangement includes at least one steering gear securing portion formed on the steering gear housing and at least one bodywork securing portion formed on a bodywork component of a vehicle. Each steering gear securing portion has a steering gear bearing surface and each bodywork securing portion has a bodywork bearing surface configured to support a respective steering gear bearing surface so as to form a respective pair of bearing surfaces when the steering gear housing is arranged on the bodywork component. Each pair of bearing surfaces includes a convex bearing surface and a substantially planar bearing surface.

Abstract: A steering apparatus for a vehicle may include: a pinion gear rotated in connection with a steering wheel; a rack housing for housing a rack bar which is rotated while engaged with the pinion gear; and a mounting member coupled to the rack housing, wherein the mounting member may be coupled to a subframe while the shape thereof is changed according to the position or shape of the subframe.

Abstract: A rack guide unit includes a closure member secured to an external opening end of an accommodation portion of a housing, and a rack guide. A compression coil spring and a coned disc spring that urge the rack guide toward a rack shaft are interposed between the closure member and the rack guide. A holding member that holds the coned disc spring includes a guide tube that guides a radially inner portion of the coned disc spring and a seat plate that receives a load from the coned disc spring. An elastic member held in an accommodation groove formed in the outer periphery of the guide tube is frictionally engaged with the inner periphery (opposed portion) of a tubular portion of the rack guide.

Abstract: This invention relates to a steering system arrangement for a vehicle, the steering system arrangement comprising a first portion providing a steering input, and a second portion providing a steering output, the first and second portions being connected by connection means selectively releasable to permit selection of the relative positioning of the steering input and the steering output. An associated method for retro fitting the steering system arrangement to a vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A rack guide unit includes a closure member secured to an external opening end of an accommodation portion of a housing, and a rack guide. Coned disc springs that urge the rack guide toward a rack shaft are interposed between the closure member and the rack guide. A protrusion of the closure member is passed through the coned disc springs and inserted in a recessed portion of the rack guide. An O-ring held in an accommodation groove formed in the outer periphery of the protrusion, at a position closer to the distal end of the protrusion than the coned disc springs are, functions as a retaining protrusion that restrains the coned disc springs from coming off the protrusion. For example, the coned disc springs and the closure member constitute a subassembly formed in advance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a steering apparatus for a vehicle, and an embodiment of the present invention can improve a repair efficiency of a vehicle due to easy detachment between a dust cap and an inner cover.

Abstract: A wheeled vehicle includes a solid vehicle frame and a solid front axle including wheels movable to change the direction of the vehicle, a steering assembly including a steering wheel, a steering shaft coupled with the steering wheel, and a rotary output member having an end selectively movable in response to an input to the steering wheel, the solid front axle vehicle includes an electric power assist steering (EPAS) system for selectively steering the vehicle separately from any input to the steering wheel. The EPAS system includes a motor having a rotary output coupled to a steering gear and a steering rack having a longitudinal extent defining an axis having an end coupled a tie rod of the steering assembly. The longitudinal axis of the EPAS assembly is aligned with or transverse to the forward vehicle direction so its output is coupled to the output of the steering wheel and can be actuated independently.

Abstract: A compact steering mechanism for steering a vehicle having a steering input being a pinion shaft coupled to a pinion meshing with a rack, and a steering output member coupled to the rack. The pinion is positioned at a middle portion of the rack and the output member is positioned between opposing ends of a rack. The mechanism includes a compact steering housing supporting the pinion shaft and containing the rack-and-pinion. The pinion and pinion shaft have a center axis parallel to an axis of the output member. The output member, being a steering pin and rack carrier, a gear, or a flange, is coupled to left and right tie rod assemblies and wheels for steering the vehicle to improve handling.

Abstract: A front axle support is provided with arrangement of a steering gear and a front axle stabilizer. The front axle support has receptacles for fastening the steering gear and for fastening the front axle stabilizer with screw connections. The steering gear and the front axle stabilizer are fixed on a common fitting. The common fitting is disposed with a common screw connection on the front axle support.

Abstract: When a motor vehicle is steered, as turning reaction forces from the road surface, for example, rearward radial loads are applied from rear wheels to corresponding end portions of a steered shaft via corresponding knuckles and corresponding tie rods. A motor vehicle steering system includes first and second counter load application mechanisms that apply counter loads against the radial loads to the corresponding end portions of the steered shaft. Each of the counter load application mechanisms includes a motion conversion mechanism that converts torsional motion of the corresponding end portion of an axle beam caused by a ground contact reaction force of the corresponding rear wheel via the corresponding knuckle and a corresponding king pin into, for example, forward motion of the corresponding end portion of the steered shaft.

Abstract: Disclosed is a front axle support for a motor vehicle having support members, which comprise holders for mounting wheel guidance members, and a transverse structure, which forms a housing of a steering gear, wherein the support members are connected to the transverse structure by weld joints. In a first teaching, the front axle support according to the invention is characterized in that the support members are in the form of longitudinal supports, a portion of each longitudinal support being formed from sheet metal shells welded together, and in that the transverse structure is in the form of a transverse support and is formed from a steering gear housing made of steel.

Abstract: A rack-assist type electric power steering apparatus, in which when a ball nut slides a rack bar while rotating, a vibration and a noise in the axis direction and the radial direction, generated from the rack bar and a rack housing, are absorbed. This facilitates the operation of the ball nut and the rack bar, and reduces the vibration and the noise, thereby resulting in an effect for providing a comfortable steering feeling to a driver.

Abstract: A steering gear of a motor vehicle is fastened to a chassis via several bearing points, each of which includes, but is not limited to bolt penetrating eyes of the chassis and the steering gear and an elastic sleeve. The elastic sleeve of at least a first of the bearing points is accommodated in the eye of the chassis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rack bar supporting device of a rack and pinion type steering apparatus for a vehicle. The disclosed device can prevent free movement from increasing by automatically adjusting a predetermined free movement even when wear occurs in a support yoke after degradation of driving durability of the vehicle, and can prevent a noise from occurring caused by an increase of free movement when the support yoke collides with a yoke plug by an impact reversely input from an uneven road surface, etc. This can provide a comfortable steering feeling to the driver.

Abstract: A vehicle steering system includes: a steering member; steered wheels; a steered shaft; a housing; a fitting bracket that has a first bolt insertion hole; a vehicle body-side member that has a second bolt insertion hole; and a bolt that is inserted through the first bolt insertion hole and the second bolt insertion hole. One of the first bolt insertion hole and the second bolt insertion hole is a long hole. When a reverse input equal to or larger than a predetermined value is applied from a road surface to the steered wheel, the bolt is displaced within the long hole in the lateral direction, causing the fitting bracket to displace with respect to the vehicle body-side member in the lateral direction.

Abstract: An integrated steering gear, frame structure and engine mount base for a vehicle includes an elongate, generally hollow housing having at least one mounting portion at each of opposing ends. A steering gear including a steering gear input and a pair of opposingly-oriented tie rods is assembled within the hollow housing such that the steering gear input and the tie rods extend from the interior of the housing. An engine mount base is integrated into the housing. The integrated steering gear, frame structure and engine mount base is mountable to a vehicle support frame to function as a subframe member of the support frame.

Abstract: A vehicle steering system includes a gear rack supported in a fixed position, a pinion gear in meshing engagement with the gear rack, a steering subsystem supporting the pinion gear and moveable in a translational manner relative to the gear rack and at least one steering arm coupled to steering subsystem and configured to steer a motive member in response to movement of the steering subsystem. The vehicle steering system is configured to remain substantially within a framework of the vehicle while steering one or more motive members of the vehicle.

Abstract: A steering rack housing (20, 100, 100?, 100?) for a power steering system that surrounds a steering rack in a tubular manner and includes a hydraulic region (32), a mechanical region (34), and as an inner supporting bearing (38), wherein the supporting bearing is held in the steering rack housing (20, 100, 100?, 100?) by at least two cross-sectional contractions (46) of the housing.

Abstract: A steering system including a rack and pinion, and two tie rods is provided. The rack has a rack axis, and each of the two tie rods has a tie rod axis. The rack is engaged by the pinion, such that rotation of the pinion drives the rack to move in a linear direction. Each of the two tie rods has its first end connected to the rack, such that the tie rod axis is offset from the rack axis. Further, each of the two tie rods has a second end, which is connected to the wheels of a vehicle.

Abstract: Even when bending stress acts on a steering gearbox 1 about attachment holes 161 and 171 of vehicle attachment boss portions 16 and 17, deformation of the vehicle attachment boss portions 16 and 17 in both the longitudinal direction and the vertical direction of the vehicle becomes small since rigidity with respect to deformation in the vicinity of the vehicle attachment boss portions 16 and 17 in both the longitudinal direction and the vertical direction of the vehicle is large due to a first rib 61 to a fourth rib 64. Accordingly, it is possible to improve steering stability at the time a steering reaction force occurs.

Abstract: A vehicle axle construction comprises a suspension for supporting the axle from first and second frame rail members. Elongated support members extend forwardly from respective locations along the frame rail members that are rearwardly of the axle and are clamped or otherwise coupled to the axle. A single pivot may be utilized to couple the respective rearmost end portions of the supports to the respective frame members. The forward ends of the supports may be coupled to respective air springs. Desirably, at least a portion of each air spring is positioned forwardly of the axle. In addition, at least one lateral stabilizer rigidifies the suspension. An alternative suspension utilizes leaf springs. A double acting rack-and-pinion steering mechanism may be rigidly coupled to the axle for use in steering the wheels of the vehicle.

Abstract: A steering gear for a rack and pinion steering system, including a housing in which a steering rack is guided for displacement along its axis, has an auxiliary support which is located at an axial end of the housing, the auxiliary support limiting a bending of the steering rack.

Abstract: A device for exposing an opening in a housing part of a steering gear in a vehicle steering system has a closure element that closes the opening and a component that, when it comes into contact with a liquid, changes at least one of its properties such that, after the component cooperates with the closure element, the closure element exposes the opening.

Abstract: A motor vehicle wherein the steering includes: a steering bar including a rack steering component and a steered component fitted in a sliding manner; a rack housing passed through by the steering component and including a plate displaying a correction sliding rail receiving a roller; two correction arms; assembly elements of the rack housing suitable for allowing pivoting of the rack housing in a steering plane, around an attachment axis obliged to move in a direction contained in the steering plane and in a longitudinal plane of the chassis; a telescopic steering column; two steering gears connecting the steering component and the steered component to the stub pivot arms of the front guiding wheels. The correction slide rail follows a suitable curve such that the vehicle wheel stubs extend along directions that intersect, at each time, at the same point.

Abstract: A front structure for a vehicle comprises a power unit mounted at a front end of the vehicle, a steering gear box provided in front of or behind the power unit in the vehicle, and a suspension member supporting the steering gear box, the steering gear box being situated at a bottom surface of the suspension member so as to move beneath the power unit when the front end of the vehicle is deformed due to a frontal collision.

Abstract: A rack and pinion steering gear assembly including a housing, a rack that is translatably moveable relative to the housing along an axis and a bushing operably disposed between the rack and housing. The bushing defines a gap which extends the entire axial length of the bushing. At least one compressible member may be disposed between the bushing and the housing with the compressible member extending across the gap in the bushing and fully encircling the bushing. The bushing may also include a radial flange that acts as a travel stop. The bushing may also be formed of an acetal material wherein the flange and a tubular portion of the bushing are axially separated by an intermediate portion having a relatively thin radial thickness. Axially extending recesses may be provided to enhance the flexibility of the bushing.

Abstract: Even when bending stress acts on a steering gearbox 1 about attachment holes 161 and 171 of vehicle attachment boss portions 16 and 17, deformation of the vehicle attachment boss portions 16 and 17 in both the longitudinal direction and the vertical direction of the vehicle becomes small since rigidity with respect to deformation in the vicinity of the vehicle attachment boss portions 16 and 17 in both the longitudinal direction and the vertical direction of the vehicle is large due to a first rib 61 to a fourth rib 64. Accordingly, it is possible to improve steering stability at the time a steering reaction force occurs.

Abstract: A steering apparatus includes an attaching bracket connecting end portions of a pair of tie rods to a rack shaft. The attaching bracket includes a base which is fixed to the rack shaft and includes at least one fixing member inserting hole through which a fixing member fixing the attaching bracket to the rack shaft is provided, and a supporting stay supporting the end portions of the pair of tie rods via ball joints respectively. The supporting stay extends from an intermediate portion of the base in an axial direction of the rack shaft. A center of the ball joint supporting the end portion of each of the tie rods is positioned offset from an axial line of the fixing member by a predetermined distance when viewed along the axial direction of the rack shaft.

Abstract: A bracket for connecting a steering rack housing to a vehicle body comprises a cylindrical inner member that is secured to one of the steering rack housing and the vehicle body; an outer member having a cylindrical bore in which the cylindrical member is disposed leaving a cylindrical space therebetween, the outer member being secured to the other one of the steering rack housing and the vehicle body; a first cylindrical elastic member received in the cylindrical space while being compressed between the inner and outer members; and a second elastic member put on at least one of axial ends of the outer member. The first and second elastic members are produced through different production processes.

Abstract: A vehicle axle construction comprises a suspension for supporting the axle from first and second frame rail members. Elongated support members extend forwardly from respective locations along the frame rail members that are rearwardly of the axle and are clamped or otherwise coupled to the axle. A single pivot may be utilized to couple the respective rearmost end portions of the supports to the respective frame members. The forward ends of the supports may be coupled to respective air springs. Desirably, at least a portion of each air spring is positioned forwardly of the axle. In addition, at least one lateral stabilizer rigidifies the suspension. An alternative suspension utilizes leaf springs. A double acting rack-and-pinion steering mechanism may be rigidly coupled to the axle for use in steering the wheels of the vehicle.

Abstract: A rack-and-pinion steering system, in particular for lighter commercial vehicles, has a housing, a toothed rack, a driven element and a servo unit. The driven element is arranged between the toothed rack and the servo unit.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for a steering system of a vehicle includes a tubular boss for operative connection to a steering gear of the steering system and a tubular sleeve disposed within the tubular boss for operative connection to a frame of the vehicle. The mounting assembly also includes a conductive bushing disposed between the tubular sleeve and the tubular boss to allow electrical grounding of the steering gear to the frame of the vehicle.

Abstract: A bearing module for a motor vehicle steering gear, comprising a steering rack (9) and a driving pinion (10) engaging therewith. The bearing module comprises at least one pressure part (3; 13, 30) exhibiting recess concavity, whose concave wall surrounds a guide through-passage (14) for axial guidance of the steering rack (9), and radial forces emitted from the wall are generated by means of at least one translatory displaceable wedge device (3c, 13; 30a; 31a) for pressing the steering rack (9), which is received in the guide through-passage (14), onto the drive pinion (10) engaging therein. The wedge device or wedge devices (3c, 13; 30a; 31a) are displaceably (14) guided in one direction extending axially or parallel to the axis in relation to the guide through-passage (14) for the steering rod (9).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a replacement steering assembly for a rear steer vehicle and requires no cutting/removal of suspension components or drilling holes or welding of vehicle frame rails. The replacement steering assembly includes a cradle for support a replacement steering system. The cradle includes spaced apart first and second side plates and a center support extending therebetween. A mounting portion of the first side plate includes mounting holes to affix the plate to the left side frame rail and a mounting portion of the second side plate includes mounting holes to affix the plate to the right side frame rail. The first and second side plate mounting holes are configured to align with existing mounting holes in the frame rails which were provided to mount original vehicle steering assembly. The center support is offset vertically downwardly and positioned forwardly of the side plate mounting portions.

Abstract: The toothed rack steering gear has an adjusting nut and a housing. An opening with internal thread of the housing is adapted to the adjusting nut and receives the adjusting nut in the assembled state. In the housing at least one recess is provided in direct proximity of the opening. A retainer is provided; it has a ring shaped body and at least one finger. The finger protrudes from this ring shaped body and can engage into the recess. The retainer has a back surface and the adjusting nut has a front surface. In the assembled state both are in contact. A connecting device is provided and secures the connection between the back surface and the front surface.

Abstract: In order to provide a housing cover for fixing to a housing, in particular to a gear housing or a steering gear housing, which is simple to produce and to fit, it is proposed that the housing cover is configured as a sheet metal formed part, that the housing cover is provided with a plurality of fastening means through-apertures and with a sealing bead, which comprises an elastomeric material, and that when the housing cover is in a rest state prior to tightening the housing cover against the housing by means of the fastening means, at least one contact region portion of the inside of the housing cover which faces the housing when the housing cover is in the fitted state, said contact region portion being located between two fastening means through-apertures and carrying a portion of the sealing bead, projects, at least in a section thereof, over the inside edges of the two adjacent fastening means through-apertures.

Abstract: A rack-and-pinion assembly comprises a housing, a rotatable pinion gear including a plurality of teeth, and at least one moveable mount for providing a moveable attachment of the housing to the vehicle. A rack is slidably positioned within the housing and includes a plurality of teeth corresponding to the pinion teeth. A tie rod is operably attached to one of two ends of the rack, and may also be attached to a first wheel. A cross car link is operably attached to the first wheel and a second wheel. Rotation of the pinion gear causes translational movement of the rack and tie rod relative to the housing, which may thereby turn the first wheel. The first front wheel cooperates with the cross car link to simultaneously turn the second wheel, and the housing moves with respect to the vehicle as the first and second wheels turn.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for a steering system of a vehicle includes a tubular boss for operative connection to a steering gear of the steering system and a tubular sleeve disposed within the tubular boss for operative connection to a frame of the vehicle. The mounting assembly also includes a conductive bushing disposed between the tubular sleeve and the tubular boss to allow electrical grounding of the steering gear to the frame of the vehicle.

Abstract: A bracket for connecting a steering rack housing to a vehicle body comprises a cylindrical inner member that is secured to one of the steering rack housing and the vehicle body; an outer member having a cylindrical bore in which the cylindrical member is disposed leaving a cylindrical space therebetween, the outer member being secured to the other one of the steering rack housing and the vehicle body; a first cylindrical elastic member received in the cylindrical space while being compressed between the inner and outer members; and a second elastic member put on at least one of axial ends of the outer member. The first and second elastic members are produced through different production processes.

Abstract: A vehicle axle has two supporting members, which are engaged in rotary manner by respective vehicle wheels, are hinged to a frame of the axle, and are movable about respective hinge axes by at least one steering actuating cylinder acting on one of the supporting members; and a connecting bar having a central portion connected in sliding manner to the frame, and two lateral portions, each connected in rotary manner to one of the supporting members and to the central portion.

Abstract: A mounting system for coupling attaching mounting a steering gear housing member to a vehicle frame, comprises at least one single-piece steering gear bracket secured to a cross member of the vehicle frame, and at least one corresponding single-piece steering gear joint member integral with the steering gear housing member and secured to the steering gear bracket.

Abstract: A composite tubular housing for an automotive steering system, preferably an electronic power assist steering system, is formed of seamless metal tube section welded into an integral component. The housing includes a rack section and a pinion section having an opening that is welded to the rack section. A yoke section is formed of a tube having an end that is welded to the rack section opposite the pinion section. The pinion section may contain a drive pinion coupled to a steering wheel of the vehicle. The housing may also include sections for an assist pinion coupled to an electric motor, and a yoke which are attached to the rack section apart from the drive pinion.

Abstract: A mounting system for coupling attaching mounting a steering gear housing member to a vehicle frame, comprises at least one single-piece steering gear brackets secured to a cross member of the vehicle frame, and at least one corresponding single-piece steering gear joint member integral with the steering gear housing member and secured to the steering gear bracket.

Abstract: An apparatus for attachment to the body (240) of a vehicle (12) which has a front, rear and opposite sides and which has steerable wheels. The apparatus comprises a lower part (22) having structure (40, 48) for fixed attachment at each of the opposite sides of the vehicle. A first steering control arm (150) is pivotally connected to the lower part (22) at one side of the vehicle. A second steering control arm (160) is pivotally connected to the lower part (22) at an opposite side of the vehicle. An upper part (24) is connected with the lower part (22). A rack and pinion steering mechanism (10) includes a rack bar (180) movable axially in opposite directions to effect steering movement of the steerable wheels of the vehicle. The steering mechanism (10) includes a chamber (80) through which the rack bar (180) extends. The chamber is defined by surfaces of the upper and lower parts (22, 24).

Abstract: This invention is designed as an accessory for vehicles which provides added road feel and reduced steering wander. It provides additional support to the sector shaft in a vehicle steering gear-box by adding an outboard support bearing below the pitman arm. It is typically comprised of an additional crossmember, replacement sector shaft nut, bearing assembly and mounting plates. The outboard bearing reduces play and flex in the sector shaft, and thus improves vehicle handling.

Abstract: There is disposed a damper made of a synthetic resin having at least a column-shaped member (pillar-shaped member) of which one end and the other end come in contact with a support yoke and a yoke plug, respectively. This damper restrains a teeth beating noise generated by a rack and a pinion, from being propagated from the support yoke to the yoke plug, lowers its noise pressure level or changes its noise quality.

Abstract: A vehicular frame assembly 10 having a pair of members 12, 14 which are generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of symmetry 16 of the vehicle which is constructed by use of the frame assembly 10. Each member 12, 14 is connected by use of members 11, 18, 20, 21, and 13 and has a pair of portions 22, 24 which each have a relatively tall sectional height which include an aperture 28. A unique one of the half shafts 32, 34, 36, and 38 are received within each of these apertures 28, thereby allowing the portions 22, 24 to have a relatively tall sectional height and thereby allowing the frame assembly 10 to have a lowest resonant frequency mode in excess of about fifty hertz.

Abstract: An apparatus for attachment to the body (240) of a vehicle (12) which has a front, rear and opposite sides and which has steerable wheels. The apparatus comprises a lower part (22) having structure (40, 48) for fixed attachment at each of the opposite sides of the vehicle. A first steering control arm (150) is pivotally connected to the lower part (22) at one side of the vehicle. A second steering control arm (160) is pivotally connected to the lower part (22) at an opposite side of the vehicle. An upper part (24) is connected with the lower part (22). A rack and pinion steering mechanism (10) includes a rack bar (180) movable axially in opposite directions to effect steering movement of the steerable wheels of the vehicle. The steering mechanism (10) includes a chamber (80) through which the rack bar (180) extends. The chamber is defined by surfaces of the upper and lower parts (22, 24).