US 2004/0164513 A1 · Suspension

Abstract

A rear axle suspension for a highway truck that includes a pair of trailing arms suspended below a frame by a pair of hanger brackets. The hanger brackets define a pivot axis for the trailing arms. A supplemental axle locating member is attached to the axle and includes an extension member that in engageable with a bracket held by the frame. The hanger brackets are laterally compliant and each comprise an inner and outer plate, one of which is bent outwardly to define a gap within which an associated trailing arm is mounted. A moment canceling member extends between the hanger brackets and resists outward bending of the brackets. A height control valve is operated by an operating rod having an axis that passes through, or in close proximity, to the roll center of the vehicle in order to reduce ride height errors.

Claims16

Dependent claims

A suspension assembly, comprising:

a) a trailing arm;
b) a hanger bracket for attaching a leading end of said trailing arm to a vehicle frame member and defining a pivot axis for said trailing arm;
c) a spring acting between a spring seat attached to said trailing arm and said frame member;
d) an axle attached to said trailing arm;
and,
e) a supplemental axle locating member for supplementally locating said axle with respect to said frame.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Suspension

Life of this patent

Suspension

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims16