The tie rod is designed to elongate when subjected to an overload in tension that is placed on the tie rod. A plurality of threads and a reduced diameter section on the tie rod elongated when subjected to a tension overload that exceeds the design parameters of the tie rod. The elongation of the tie rod is designed to provide a warning to the operator of the vehicle that the tie rod has been subjected to an overload and should be inspected and repaired as needed. The deformation and elongation of the tie rod absorbs energy and protects other components of the steering and suspension systems of the vehicle.

The present invention relates to a motor vehicle with at least one chassis component (1). The chassis component is characterized in that the chassis component (1) has a yield strength Rp0.2 of at least 600 MPa, a tensile strength Rm of at least 850 MPa and is utilized in a delivery condition air-hardened and in that the chassis component (1) consists of an air-hardening, mainly bainitic material. Furthermore a chassis component and a material for a chassis component are described.

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 linking arm assembly adapted to receive and retain a ball stud. The assembly includes an elongated rod structure and a socket head and is variable over a range of lengths by adjustment of the relative position of the elongated rod structure and the socket head. Linking arm assemblies consistent with the present disclosure may be adjusted for use in different applications while using common components.

Provided is a trailing arm riding mower suspension system that includes trailing arms adapted to support hydraulic motor units and having leading ends pivotally coupled to a mower frame by way of leading end spherical joints and trailing ends having hydraulic drive unit mounts, where the trailing arms are adapted to pivot about leading end pivot locations defined by the leading end spherical joints.

A flexible joint for attachment to a suspension link. The flexible joint includes a housing. The housing includes an external surface and an internal surface. The flexible joint also includes a flexible joint insert. The flexible joint insert includes an inner sleeve. The inner sleeve includes a channel, where the channel is configured to receive at least a portion of an external device, and an external surface. The flexible joint insert also includes an inner elastomer. The inner elastomer is fused to at least a portion of the external surface of the inner sleeve. The flexible joint insert further includes an outer elastomer. The outer elastomer is harder than the inner elastomer. An interface between the inner elastomer and the outer elastomer is fused and a portion of the outer elastomer is in contact with the internal surface of the housing. The outer elastomer is not permanently attached to the housing.

Adjustable vehicle suspension link systems suitable for connecting a first component to a second component in a vehicle suspension may include an outer assembly. An outer assembly connecting joint may be provided on the outer assembly. The outer assembly connecting joint may be configured for coupling to the first component of the vehicle suspension. An inner assembly may be disposed at least partially inside and in length-adjustable and securable relationship to the outer assembly. An inner assembly connecting joint may be provided on the inner assembly. The inner assembly connecting joint may be configured for coupling to the second component of the vehicle suspension. Adjustable vehicle suspension link methods are also disclosed.

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.

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 suspension arm assembly for supporting at least a section of a recreational vehicle, such as a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle front end, above a support surface is described. The suspension arm assembly has at least one segmented suspension arm formed by an upper arm section, a lower arm section and an intermediate arm section. The intermediate arm section is interconnected between the upper and lower arm sections by detachable end connectors. The intermediate arm section when impacted by objects in its pathway, when the vehicle is in motion and when damaged by an impact force of a strength overcoming its resistance strength, will deform or break. The intermediate arm can then be easily detached from the detachable end connectors for replacement by a further intermediate arm section and thereby permitting on site repair of the suspension arm assembly.