A suspension system for liftable steerable axles has at least one steering knuckle; at least one pistonless bellows air spring actuator (ie., damper air spring); and a steering axle structure that has, at each end, a kingpin housing boss, a kingpin fixed into the kingpin boss, and a pair of steering knuckles that rotate around the kingpin and are supported by the kingpin housing; wherein the steering knuckles are connected at the bottom of each other side to side by a tie rod assembly that respond to each others rotational inputs. The lift axle suspension system further has x-rod control arms (or that is, the respective upper and lower control arms of each side are relatively X-configured or X-disposed relative each other) for improved lateral stability.

Systems for estimating an axle load of a vehicle wherein axle load is estimated in response to an angle between two components of an axle. The angle may change as weight is added to or removed from the axle such that axle load may be determined as a function of the angle.

A tandem mechanical spring axle/suspension system for heavy-duty vehicles includes a tandem assembly that comprises a front beam of a suspension assembly of a front axle/suspension system, a rear beam of a suspension assembly of a rear axle suspension system, and a mechanical spring. The mechanical spring operatively engages the front beam and the rear beam and extends longitudinally therebetween, as well as operatively engages a main member of the vehicle frame.

Driven lift axles and associated systems and components are provided for use on heavy duty trucks, trailers, and/or other vehicles. Driven lift axle systems may include one or more motors mounted to the lift axle to provide torque to drive one or more wheels of the lift axle. Various mounting configurations of such motors are possible, such as arranging a motor on the axle to provide torque at a conventional driveshaft input by interfacing with a differential drive gear, positioning a motor at each of the wheel ends of the axle to provide torque directly to the wheels, etc. Each wheel can be driven by a separate motor, allowing for independent control of the torque applied to each wheel. Lift axles described herein can be suitable for use with various motors capable of applying torque to the axle and/or wheels, such as electric motors, hydraulic motors, internal combustion engines, etc.

Driven lift axles and associated systems and components are provided for use on heavy duty trucks, trailers, and/or other vehicles. Driven lift axle systems may include one or more motors mounted to the lift axle to provide torque to drive one or more wheels of the lift axle. Various mounting configurations of such motors are possible, such as arranging a motor on the axle to provide torque at a conventional driveshaft input by interfacing with a differential drive gear, positioning a motor at each of the wheel ends of the axle to provide torque directly to the wheels, etc. Each wheel can be driven by a separate motor, allowing for independent control of the torque applied to each wheel. Lift axles described herein can be suitable for use with various motors capable of applying torque to the axle and/or wheels, such as electric motors, hydraulic motors, internal combustion engines, etc.

A suspension system for liftable steerable axles has at least one steering knuckle; at least one pistonless bellows air spring actuator (ie., damper air spring); and a steering axle structure that has, at each end, a kingpin housing boss, a kingpin fixed into the kingpin boss, and a pair of steering knuckles that rotate around the kingpin and are supported by the kingpin housing; wherein the steering knuckles are connected at the bottom of each other side to side by a tie rod assembly that respond to each others rotational inputs; and further having the damper air spring being connected to the steering knuckle so that, given a supplied pneumatic air force, the damper air spring stabilizes and dampens the steering road inputs when in motion.

A suspension system for liftable steerable axles has at least one steering knuckle; at least one pistonless bellows air spring actuator (ie., damper air spring); and a steering axle structure that has, at each end, a kingpin housing boss, a kingpin fixed into the kingpin boss, and a pair of steering knuckles that rotate around the kingpin and are supported by the kingpin housing; wherein the steering knuckles are connected at the bottom of each other side to side by a tie rod assembly that respond to each others rotational inputs; and further having the damper air spring being connected to the steering knuckle so that, given a supplied pneumatic air force, the damper air spring stabilizes and dampens the steering road inputs when in motion.

A vehicle suspension assembly includes a trailing axle carried by a frame of the assembly. The frame can retract to a retracted state from an extended state and extend from the retracted state to the extended state. The retraction and extension can occur along a longitudinal axis of the frame. An operator can pivotally raise and lower a free end of frame in the retracted or extended state along an arcuate path when the vehicle suspension assembly connects to a vehicle.

A spring assembly for a vehicle bogie suspension arrangement. The spring assembly includes a set of washers moulded into an elastomer body. The spring assembly has an axial extension in an axial direction and the washers are arranged relative to each other in the axial direction. At least one of the washers is a spring washer including a spring washer body and at least two spring tongues. Each spring tongue has a spring base connected to the spring washer body and a spring tip distal to the spring base. At least a portion of the spring tongue is located at a non-zero distance from the spring base in the axial direction.

A steering knuckle of a utility vehicle has a main body, a steering knuckle bearing for receiving in a rotating articulated manner a vehicle axle, a hub-type, cup-shaped receiving portion, open towards a rim of a vehicle wheel, in which portion an anti-friction bearing and a bearing journal can be received. The main body has an opening for receiving a drive shaft. The opening leads into the hub-type receiving portion. An axle assembly and a vehicle axle of a utility vehicle are also provided.