Patent ID: 8444158

Claim:
A knuckle and bushing assembly for use in a suspension system of a vehicle, the knuckle and bushing assembly comprising: a knuckle member having a first passage having a first end located at a first side of the knuckle member and a second end located at a second side of the knuckle member, the first passage in the knuckle member having an axial extent defining a center axis of the passage; a bushing located within and haying an interference fit with the first passage of the knuckle member, the bushing having a bushing passage extending from a first end of the bushing to a second end of the bushing; the bushing passage defining an axis being substantially aligned with the axis of the first passage of the knuckle member, and the bushing having a first annular reduced portion located in an exterior surface of the bushing forming a recess between the exterior surface of the bushing and the knuckle member; wherein the knuckle member has a first extension member extending at least partially in a direction aligned with the center axis of the passage, the first extension member extending over at least a portion of the first end of the bushing; wherein the knuckle member has a second extension member extending at least partially in a direction aligned with the center axis of the passage, the second extension member extending over at least a portion of the second end of the bushing; wherein the first extension member and the second extension member of the knuckle member secure the bushing within the first passage of the knuckle member; wherein the bushing is configured to include a generally circumscribing ear and recess structure that will deflect in first, second and third directions in response to axial, conical and torsional forces applied to the bushing during operation.