US 2002/0171218 A1 · Tie rod end support

Abstract

A steering assembly interconnects right and left wheel ends on a vehicle. The steering assembly includes right and left steering knuckles that each support tie rod arms. One of the knuckles includes a steering arm that receives steering input from the vehicle's steering wheel. A tie rod assembly includes a cross-tube and a pair of tie rod end assemblies that connect the tie rod arms to the cross-tube. The tie rod assembly transmits the steering input force from the steering arm knuckle to the opposite knuckle. Ball studs are used to connect each of the tie rod ends to the respective tie rod arm. A support member is mounted to the tie rod arm or ball stud to prevent separation of the tie rod end from the respective ball stud as tie rod end components wear or fail. The support member includes a lower portion that extends underneath the tie rod end and an upper end that engages the tie rod arm or ball stud assemblies to prevent separation.

Claims19

Dependent claims

A tie rod assembly comprising:

a tie rod arm supported by an axle member;
a tie rod end for connecting said tie rod arm to a tie rod that extends laterally from said tie rod arm toward a second axle member to transmit steering forces between said first and second axle members;
a ball stud for connecting said tie rod arm to said tie rod end;
and
a support member attached to one of said tie rod arm or said ball stud to prevent said tie rod end from separating from said ball stud.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Tie rod end support

Life of this patent

Tie rod end support

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19