A central joint device for chassis components (2), particularly three-point link, is suggested. The central joint device comprises at least one housing unit (3), at least one joint pin unit (4) which is movably supported at least partially inside of the housing unit (3), and at least one sensor unit (5), particularly a magnetic sensor unit, which is provided for contactless detection of roll motions and pitch motions of the housing unit (3) and of the joint pin unit (4) relative to one another. The sensor unit (5) comprises at least one encoder element (6) and at least one sensor element (7). The encoder element (6) and the sensor element (7) are arranged to be spaced apart from one another and movable relative to one another.

A truck or trailer includes a wheel, a stub axle spindle extending through the wheel and having a through bore, a step-up drive ratio unit inboard of said stub-axle spindle, an axle shaft extending through the through bore of the stub-axle spindle, and a power conversion unit operatively connected to the step-up drive ratio unit. The axle shaft is operatively connected to the step-up drive ratio unit, such that, as the axle shaft rotates with the wheel, mechanical energy from rotation of the axle shaft is converted into electrical energy. A special suspension system allows for installation of the stub axle spindle, and such suspension systems are a separate focus herein as well as being usable in combination with the power conversion elements.

A bushing, for use with a control arm, has first and second mating segments that can be mated and assembled to form a central portion to be received within a circular opening in the control arm and the central portion has an outer diameter corresponding to the diameter of the circular opening. Each segment includes a cap or head portion having a diameter dimensioned to abut against one of the surfaces of the control arm and has a central bore. A bushing sleeve has a length equal to a axial length of the assembled bushing and an outer diameter incrementally greater than the diameter of the central bore so that the sleeve can be press fit within the bore to immobilize the segments when they are in contact with the control arm and become resistant to separation.

A suspension assembly for a vehicle may have a first end for pivotal mounting to a structural member of the vehicle and a second end opposite the first end for attachment of a damping arrangement and a stub axle. The suspension assembly may include first and second shell components that are welded together to form a substantially hollow body between the first and second ends.

An independently driving wheel module includes: a base frame including an upper end fixed to a coupling surface of a vehicle body, and a rotation part coupled to the upper end of the base frame such that the rotation part is rotatable with respect to the upper end of the base frame; a connection link including a first end integrally coupled to the rotation part, and a second end having a shape extending downward from the first end of the connection link; a driving wheel disposed at a side of the second end of the connection link and coupled to the second end of the connection link; and a rotation plate including an upper and lower surfaces extending obliquely in misaligned directions, the rotation plate being interposed between the base frame and the vehicle body so as to be rotatable with respect to the base frame or the vehicle body.

An apparatus and a method are provided for an offset tie rod joint for vehicle steering systems. The offset tie rod joint comprises a ball rotatably retained within a casing that is disposed in an opening of an offset housing. A threaded shank fixedly coupled with the offset housing is received by a steering rod. The opening is displaced from a longitudinal axis of the threaded shank by a distance that provides clearance between the offset housing and a spindle assembly during articulation of the spindle assembly during steering. A rear backstop and a front snap-ring in a groove retain the casing within the opening. A bore extending through the ball receives a bolt that fixates the ball between parallel prongs of the spindle assembly. A misalignment spacer on each side of the ball provides clearance for rotation of the ball within the offset housing.

A steering and suspension assembly for the rear wheels of an off-road vehicle includes: a) a first suspension component; b) a first steering component; c) a CV axle; d) a portal box assembly; e) a hydraulic steering assembly for moving the first steering component a distance effective to turn the vehicle at least 2° in either direction when the assembly is mounted to a wheel hub; f) a first suspension connection bracket for connecting the first suspension component to the rear wall of the portal box assembly; and g) a first steering connection bracket for connecting the first steering component to the rear wall of the portal box assembly. The portal box assembly includes: i) a housing having a rear wall, a front wall, and a side wall, wherein the rear wall includes a vehicle axle opening effective to receive the end of said CV axle, and wherein the front wall includes an output shaft opening effective to allow an output shaft to extend outward from the housing; ii) a linking mechanism housed in the housing and effective for linking a CV axle received in the vehicle axle opening to an output shaft; and iii) an output shaft operably connectable via the linking mechanism to the CV axle, and effective to rotate upon rotation of the stock axle.

A motion control system includes a spring that supports a body structure with respect to a rotating assembly, the spring including an internal working volume, a structure that is connected between the spring and the rotating assembly, and a reservoir that is located in the structure. The reservoir is in fluid communication with the internal working volume of the spring to allow exchange of air between the internal working volume of the spring and the reservoir.

A twist beam for a suspension of a motor vehicle comprises a body-side inner part having a bearing-receiving section for receiving a body-side bearing, and a wheel carrier-side outer part having a bearing-receiving section for receiving a wheel carrier-side bearing, the outer part and the inner part being separate components which are made of different materials and are firmly connected to each other.

A modular chassis is provided for an off-road vehicle to improve assembly, servicing, and repairing of a drivetrain of the off-road vehicle. The modular chassis includes a chassis to support components of the off-road vehicle. A front frame module couples with a front of the chassis, and a rear frame module couples with a rear of the chassis. The front frame module supports lower suspension arms of the off-road vehicle by way of inboard bushing joints. The front frame module supports at least a steering gear and a front differential of the off-road vehicle. The rear frame module is a tube-frame structure that supports components of the off-road vehicle. A lower portion of the rear frame module extends rearward and acutely upward to a top frame member that couples with upper side portions of the chassis. Several cross-members impart structural integrity to the rear frame module.