A utility vehicle includes a rear suspension assembly which has a trailing arm generally extending longitudinally. Also, the rear suspension assembly includes an upper radius rod extending in a generally lateral direction relative to a centerline of the vehicle. Additionally, the rear suspension assembly includes a lower radius rod extending in a generally lateral direction relative to the centerline of the vehicle. The rear suspension assembly further includes a suspension member configured to control toe of the at least one rear ground-engaging member.

A utility vehicle includes a rear suspension assembly which has a trailing arm generally extending longitudinally. Also, the rear suspension assembly includes an upper radius rod extending in a generally lateral direction relative to a centerline of the vehicle. Additionally, the rear suspension assembly includes a lower radius rod extending in a generally lateral direction relative to the centerline of the vehicle. The rear suspension assembly further includes a suspension member configured to control toe of the at least one rear ground-engaging member.

Adjustable and rebuildable ball joint assemblies are disclosed. Methods for installation, adjustment, and rebuilding ball joint assemblies are described. In some embodiments, the ball joint assembly includes a washer with tabs to restrain rotation of the cap relative to the housing. In some embodiments, the ball joint assembly includes a locking mechanism to restrain rotation of the bearing relative to the housing.

A vehicle wheel suspension of a control blade design has three wheel-guiding control arms essentially oriented in the transverse direction of the vehicle and one longitudinal control arm fastened rigidly to the wheel carrier and barely limiting its transverse movement with respect to the vehicle body. The longitudinal control arm is constructed of a fiber composite material and is also rigidly fastened to the vehicle body and thereby takes over the function of a main spring between the wheel carrier and the vehicle body. Other than stop springs integrated in a vibration damper, no further main spring element is provided between the wheel carrier and the vehicle body. The above-mentioned longitudinal control arm may be formed by two, in a wide area, individual control arm parts, which are essentially situated in a common vertical plane, specifically such that the first control arm part of the longitudinal control arm is fastened to the wheel carrier above the wheel center, and second control arm part is fastened to the wheel carrier below the wheel center. The two control arm parts, guided together with their other ends in a common fastening element, are, as required, slightly elastically fastened to the vehicle body.

A steering system for a wheel of a vehicle comprises a pivot member having multiple pivot-node locations, and connectable at a first pivot-node location to a sub-frame of the wheel, a steering rod actuatable to rotate the wheel about a steering axis and mechanically coupled with the pivot member to be co-pivotable with the pivot member, and a suspension-connector rod having a first end that is connected to the pivot member at a second pivot-node location, and having at a second end that is connectable to a suspension arm linking the wheel of the vehicle to the sub-frame. When the steering system is installed in the vehicle, a lateral force acting upon the wheel is transmitted via the steering rod to the pivot member so as to rotate the pivot member, and the rotation is effective to transmit a substantially-vertical force vector to the sub-frame.

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.

An apparatus for coupling a trailing arm may include a carrier having defining an open space on one side thereof, a trailing arm, one end of which includes an extension inclined at a predetermined angle and inserted into the space, and an assist arm, an end of which is inserted into the space and positioned on one side of the extension, in which the extension and the end of the assist arm inserted into the space may be integrally coupled to the carrier.

A vehicle has a frame, seats, front and rear suspension assemblies, front and rear wheels, a motor, a rear differential, left and right constant velocity joints operatively connected to the rear differential; and left and right half-shaft operatively connecting the constant velocity joints to the rear wheels. Each of the rear suspension assemblies has: a trailing arm having a front end pivotally connected to the frame; a knuckle pivotally connected to a rear portion of the trailing arm; lower and upper links pivotally connected between the trailing arm and the frame; and a toe link pivotally connected between the knuckle and the frame. Each of the rear suspension assemblies has an instant center axis passing through a connection between the trailing arm and the frame. Centers of the velocity joints are laterally outward of their corresponding instant center axes when viewed in a top plan view of the vehicle.

A suspension apparatus supports a wheel of a vehicle which includes an in-wheel motor held by a carrier. A motor rotation axis of an output shaft of the in-wheel motor is located at a position identical in an up and down direction to or above a wheel rotation axis of the wheel. The suspension apparatus includes suspension arms coupled to the carrier holding the in-wheel motor. The suspension arms include first suspension arms each extending substantially in a widthwise direction of the vehicle. Each of the first suspension arms is coupled to a corresponding one of portions of the carrier which are located below the motor rotation axis. A first upper arm of the first suspension arms is coupled to a portion of the carrier which is located on an inner side of the in-wheel motor in the vehicle.

A suspension structure includes a trailing arm that couples a hub support portion supporting a wheel hub to a vehicle body. The trailing arm includes a vehicle body side attachment portion attached to the vehicle body, and a hub side attachment portion attached to the hub support portion. The hub side attachment portion is positioned below a shortest virtual line connecting a center of the vehicle body side attachment portion and a rotation center of the wheel hub.