Lightweight spindle and method of assembling it

摘要

A spindle for use in an automobile chassis is provided. An aluminum knuckle (12) with an axial through hole (14) defined in its interior is provided along with a substantially cylindrical steel stem (10) with an interlocking feature (20) defined on one end. The interlocking feature (20) has an extended flange (28) with an outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of the through hole (14) in the knuckle (12). The interlocking feature (20) also has a frusto-conical section (26) and at least a portion of the stem is friction welded to at least a portion of the through hole such that the interlocking feature is within the through hole.