Shrink fit suspension arrangement

Abstract

A method for making a vehicle suspension assembly includes forming a beam having a forward end defining a pivot, and a rearward end having an axle-receiving opening therethrough defined by a surface. At least a portion of the surface is generally cylindrical, and the surface defines a first diameter when the beam is at a first temperature. The method further includes providing an axle defining an axis and having a generally cylindrical outer surface portion defining a second diameter when the axle is at the first temperature, and wherein the second diameter is larger than the first diameter. The method further includes raising the temperature of the beam to expand the axle-receiving opening. The axle is then inserted into the axle-receiving opening while the opening is expanded due to the elevated temperature. The temperature of the beam is then lowered to provide a tight interference fit between the beam and the axle member.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.