Patent ID: 6783137
Filing Date: 2004-08-31
Classification: B60G,F16C

Abstract:
A steering knuckle carrier-to-suspension arm pivotal connection, comprising:(a) an annular member centrally located along and projecting radially into a bore through a steering knuckle carrier; (b) an elongated pin extending through said bore and having an annular flange formed around and projecting radially outwardly from and proximate one end of said pin and an annular groove formed around and projecting radially inwardly into and proximate an opposite end of said pin; (c) a pair of opposing annular bearing assemblies disposed around said pin and located between said one and opposite ends thereof and having components rotatable relative to one another fitted around said pin and within said bore of said carrier on opposite sides of said annular member in said bore such that said pin is rotatable relative to said carrier, both of said annular bearing assemblies abutting opposite sides of said annular member in the bore, one of said annular bearing assemblies abutting a side of said annular flange on said pin and the other of said annular bearing assemblies being spaced from said annular groove in said pin so as to define an annular gap extending from said annular groove to said other annular bearing assembly; (d) a retainer member disposed in said annular groove in said pin and projecting radially outwardly beyond said pin and spaced by said annular gap from said other annular bearing assembly; (e) means positioned around said pin between said retainer member and said other annular bearing assembly so as to fill said annular gap in a manner that imposes a predetermined preload force on said annular bearing assemblies that causes said annular bearing assemblies to clamp therebetween said annular member in said bore of said carrier; and (f) means disposed at opposite ends of said pin for attaching said pin to a suspension arm.