INTEGRATED RELIABILITY DEVELOPMENT FOR THE FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM IN LIGHT DUTY DODGE RAM TRUCK

摘要

Although there are great progresses in the research of reliability tools and methods, it has always being a challenge how to develop the required reliability into product through systematic and synergistic use of reliability tools and methods. In this application paper, we show how we developed the required reliability into the front suspension systems in light duty Dodge Ram truck program. In reliability management, we emphasized the integration of reliability engineering process into product development process. In reliability engineering, we upheld "The Three Principles" we crystallized from our experience in reliability implementation. These principles are "Design-In Reliability", "Test-Out Un-Reliability", and "Integrated Reliability Demonstration". With disciplined management and solid engineering, we reduced 36,000 miles warranty cost of the light duty Dodge Ram front suspension system by almost 50% comparing to the warranty cost for the same system in the replaced vehicle model.