Steering knuckle assembly

Abstract

The application relates to a steering knuckle assembly of the type utilized for supporting the steerable wheel of an automotive vehicle. Two embodiments of the steering knuckle assembly are disclosed and both comprise an integral metal housing formed from metal plate. The housing has a front extending between a top and a bottom and includes flanges extending rearwardly from the front along the sides and top and bottom. The housing includes an actuator opening in which a hydraulic actuator is disposed. A wheel supporting means is disposed in the front of the housing. The wheel supporting means in the first embodiment comprises a flange for rotatably supporting a driven axle. The wheel supporting means in the second embodiment includes a spindle for rotatably supporting a wheel. Both embodiments include a floating rotor defining a disk which is disposed between a pair of brake shoes, one of which is supported by an abutment connected to the housing and the other of which is movably supported on the housing for movement by the actuator. Each rotor disc comprise first and second members, the first of which is L-shaped in cross section and the second of which is U-shaped in cross section. The members are connected so as to define an inner space.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.