Vehicle suspension bushing assembly and method of assembling same

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle suspension bushing assembly, comprising an inner sleeve, a bearing, a middle sleeve, an outer sleeve and a bushing. The inner sleeve extends longitudinally between a first inner sleeve end and a second inner sleeve end. The bearing extends annularly about the inner sleeve, the intermediate sleeve extends annularly about the bearing, and the outer sleeve extends annularly about the intermediate sleeve. The bushing is positioned radially between the outer sleeve and the intermediate sleeve. An axial retainer extends annularly about the first inner sleeve end and the second inner sleeve end. The axial retainers are longitudinally movable relative to the inner sleeve. The axial retainers have a preload feature that includes a flange section that is resilient and deflects from an unbiased position when the axial retainers are in an uncompressed position to The axial retainers are biased in a compressed position to apply a longitudinal preload force to the intermediate sleeve.

Description

technical field [0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle suspension bushing assembly and to a method of assembling a vehicle suspension bushing assembly. Background technique [0002] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art. [0003] Automobiles, trucks, buses and other vehicles are typically designed using independent front and / or rear suspension systems to connect the unsprung components of the vehicle, such as the wheels and brakes, to the vehicle's chassis. Independent suspension systems typically include an upper control arm, a lower control arm, and a hub or knuckle that supports one of the wheels. Each control arm is attached to the vehicle's frame or other support structure using one or more bushing assemblies. The bushing assembly decouples the torsional input from the other articulation directions. Each bushing assembly typically consists of the following: an outer metal sleeve, ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0005] While these elastomer-isolated bushing assemblies performed satisfactorily in the field, noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) issues were encountered due to the thrust bearing's tendency to move longitudinally relative to the inner metal sleeve, thereby Causes free play and rattling in the bushing assembly

This free play also accelerates wear within the bushing assembly and thus may reduce service life

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