Front wheel suspension with castor angle adjustment - using eccentrically mounted tie rod bearings to compensate loaded steering resistance

摘要

The front wheel suspension is supported by transverse or diagonal tie rods joined to the chassis. The bearing point for one of the rods comprises a metal shelled construction with inner elastic bearing layer. The bearing is designed to operate eccentrically to alter the castor angle with increased loading of the suspension. This compensates for the increased steering resistance with loading and provides a more positive steering 'feel'. The eccentricity of the bearing is easily achieved by having a cylindrical inner section with an off-centre axial hole to attach the tie rod to.