A leading-edge steering system is provided for a front suspension of an off-road vehicle. The leading-edge steering system is comprised of a spindle assembly that supports a drive axle assembly to conduct torque from a transaxle to a front wheel. A first rod-end joint pivotally couples an upper suspension arm and the spindle assembly, and a second rod-end joint pivotally couples a lower suspension arm and the spindle assembly. A steering rod-end joint pivotally couples a first end of a steering rod with a leading-edge portion of the spindle assembly. A steering gear is coupled with a second end of the steering rod and configured to move the steering rod, such that the spindle assembly rotates with respect to the upper and lower suspension arms. The leading-edge portion is configured to exert primarily tensile forces on the steering rod during travel over rough terrain.

A shock absorber according to the present invention includes: a shock absorber main body having an outer shell and a rod; and a knuckle bracket attached to an outer circumference of the bottom end of the outer shell. The knuckle bracket includes: a holding portion having a cylindrical shape with a C-shaped cross section, and that holds the outer circumference of the outer shell; a pair of attachment portions extending radially outwards, and in parallel with each other, from respective circumferential ends of the holding portion; and reinforcing portions formed by bending top ends of the attachment portions in directions approaching each other; and a C-shaped welded portion having a C-shaped surface that is formed by top ends of the reinforcing portions and a top end of the holding portion, the C-shaped welded portion being formed by welding the C-shaped surface to the outer shell, across a range from a position spaced from one circumferential end of the C-shaped surface, traversing across an upper part of a rear side of the holding portion, to the other circumferential end of the C-shaped surface.

A compressor for a shock absorber is provided, including a stretching mechanism and a clamping mechanism. The stretching mechanism includes a first main body and a second main body. The first main body is movably connected with the second main body. The clamping mechanism includes a first abutting assembly and a second abutting assembly which are configured to clamp the shock absorber.

A safety strap apparatus for use with a vehicle's super single tire to protect a rim of the tire from damage during a tire blowout is provided. The super single tire and rim are coupled to an axle mechanically coupled to a frame of the vehicle by a shock absorber. The safety strap apparatus includes a strap assembly having a first elongated strap coupled to a second elongated strap, the strap assembly having a left end portion having an overlapped portion with end portions of the first and second elongated straps and a right end portion including another end portion of the first elongated strap, the left and right end portions being coupled together to create a loop. The loop is disposed around top and bottom portions of the shock absorber. Tension in the strap assembly supports the rim above the ground during the tire blowout.

A suspension assembly for a vehicle includes a lower alignment arm, an upper alignment arm, and a linear force element. The lower alignment arm includes a first portion, second portion, a third portion, and a linear force element mount. The linear force element mount includes a bearing for pivotably coupling the linear force element to the lower alignment arm.

Energy storing suspension components for use in suspension systems for wheeled vehicles and trailers, and suspension systems incorporating such energy storing suspension components are disclosed. The energy storing suspension components include an axle seat portion, a first end, and a first limb extending between the axle seat portion and the first end. The axle seat portion includes first and second surfaces with at least one of the first and second surfaces having at least two spaced apart recesses that are spaced from a center of the axle seat portion, the recesses being configured to receive respective protrusions extending from at least one suspension component that is connected to the energy storing suspension component when coupled within an axle coupling assembly.

A suspension device for an in-wheel motor driven wheel is provided. An upper suspension arm is pivotally supported on the vehicle body for supporting the wheel in a vehicle upper position higher than an axle. A link member pivotally connects the wheel to the upper suspension arm and has an absorber connecting portion connected to a lower end of the shock absorber. The shock absorber connecting portion is disposed in the vehicle bottom position lower than an upper end portion of the in-wheel motor unit. The shock absorber is disposed between the vehicle body and the in-wheel motor unit and inclined so as to be closer to the vehicle body toward the lower end.

A wheel suspension for a motor vehicle including a wheel carrier supporting a wheel. The wheel carrier connected via at least one upper camber link, a lower control arm, and a lateral toe link to the vehicle body or subframe. A stabilizer rod connects to the wheel carrier. The wheel suspension including a damper unit and a spring unit wherein the stabilizer rod and the damper unit connect to the wheel carrier at a common connecting point.

The invention relates to a single-shell spring control arm formed of sheet metal for a wheel suspension of a motor vehicle, with upwardly directed side limbs connected to one another by a base, with a first end section for connection to a chassis girder, with a second end section for wheel-side connection, with a spring receiving section, which is located between the two end sections and has a spring support surface formed on the base, and with a damper receiving section formed between the spring receiving section and the second end section for connecting a shock absorber. In order to achieve at relatively low component weight and favorable manufacturing costs improved stiffness with respect to high axle loads, the invention provides that a U-shaped constriction is formed between the spring support surface and the damper receiving section, which constriction extends in the base and in the side limbs.

An actuator includes a first housing, a second housing fixed to the first housing, and a piston configured to translate relative to each of the first housing and the second housing. The actuator also includes a locking device configured to selectively restrain the piston in a predetermined position relative to each of the first housing and the second housing and release the piston. The actuator additionally includes an actuation mechanism configured to activate the locking device to thereby restrain the piston in the predetermined position. Also disclosed is a suspension system for a vehicle employing such an actuator at a suspension corner, wherein the actuator is used to set a ride height of the vehicle at the suspension corner.