FRONT-WHEEL DRIVE AXLE ASSEMBLY AND INTEGRAL AXLE TUBE AND YOKE ASSEMBLY FOR AXLE ASSEMBLY OF VEHICLE

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a simple and inexpensive axle assembly by providing a steering knuckle supporting yoke member and a suspension system mounting bracket assembly on a part of an axle tube coupled to a housing provided at right and left assemblies. ;SOLUTION: Integral axle tube and yoke assemblies 20, 22 are extended outwardly from a differential housing 16 coupled to a front wheel drive shaft 18 and comprise an integral axle tube 32, bracket assemblies 34, 36, 38, 40 and a yoke assembly 44. The yoke assembly 44 supports a steering knuckle 24 by means of a king pin or ball joint 26 and the bracket assembly 34 cooperates with a vehicle suspension system, The bracket assembly 38 contributes to positioning suspension system components by means of a control arm bracket for mounting a control arm. Thus, components are connected to a single casting and assembly can be made precise and simple to reduce cost and inventory. The need for welding operations is eliminated and corrosion resistance can be enhanced.;COPYRIGHT: (C)1996,JPO