摘要 |
An independent vehicle suspension includes a knuckle assembly supported by control arms or links. The knuckle assembly includes a forged, elongated steel spindle, one end of which includes a pair of axially-spaced radial flanges separated by a radially-enlarged shank portion. The knuckle assembly further includes an aluminum knuckle body defining at least one attachment point for the links. The knuckle assembly is formed by insert-casting the knuckle body about the shank portion of the spindle to thereby fully encapsulate the shank portion within, and at least partially encircle an axial portion of each spindle flange with, the as-cast knuckle body. A radial shoulder, for example, machined on the spindle's outboard end proximate to the outboard flange, axially supports the inner race of a bearing assembly, thereby advantageously reducing wheelend run-out. One or more peripheral flats on either spindle flange resists torsion, thereby allowing the machining of spindle surfaces after insert-casting.
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