Self-steer lift axle suspension system having a steering return, damper and lock integrated with a steering knuckle assembly

A vehicle suspension system, comprising:

• a steering knuckle assembly including:
• a steer return device,
• a biasing device which is deformed by the steer return device, the biasing device comprising an elastomeric toroid, and
• a steer lock positioned at the same end of the king pin, wherein the steer lock comprises a cam which rotates about the king pin.

A vehicle suspension system, comprising:

• a steering knuckle assembly including:
• a steer return device, and
• a biasing device which is deformed by the steer return device, the biasing device comprising an elastomeric toroid,
• wherein the steering knuckle assembly is rotated relative to a king pin, without axial displacement relative to the king pin, by a biasing force which results from deformation of the biasing device by the steer return device.

A vehicle suspension system, comprising:

• a king pin having opposite ends;
• and
• a steering knuckle assembly including a steer return device, a steer lock, and a biasing device which is deformed by the steer return device,
• wherein the steer return device, steer lock and biasing device are positioned at a same opposite end of the king pin.

A vehicle suspension system, comprising:

• a king pin;
• and
• a steering knuckle assembly including a steer return device which comprises at least one annular-shaped thrust bearing,
• wherein the steering knuckle assembly is rotated relative to the king pin, without axial displacement relative to the king pin, by a biasing force which results from deformation of a biasing device by the steer return device.

A vehicle suspension system, comprising:

• a king pin;
• and
• a steering knuckle assembly including a steer lock which selectively permits and prevents rotation of the steering knuckle assembly relative to the king pin, and
• wherein the steer lock includes a cam which extends about an axis of the king pin.