US 7,497,450 B2
Shrink fit suspension arrangement
Greg T. Galazin, Muskegon, Mich. (US)
Assigned to SAF-Holland, Inc., Holland, Mich. (US)
Filed on Mar. 29, 2005, as Appl. No. 11/92,271.
Prior Publication US 2006/0220337 A1, Oct. 05, 2006
Int. Cl. B60G 9/00 (2006.01)
U.S. Cl. 280—124.116 10 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method of making a vehicle suspension assembly, comprising:
forming a first beam having a first end defining a pivot, and a second end having an axle-receiving opening therethrough defined by a surface, at least a portion of the surface being generally cylindrical and defining a first diameter when the beam is at a first temperature;
providing an axle defining an axis having a generally cylindrical outer surface portion defining a second diameter when the axle is at the first temperature, wherein the second diameter is less than or about the same size than the first diameter;
providing a temperature differential between the first beam and the axle such that the first diameter is about equal to or greater than the second diameter;
inserting the axle into the axle-receiving opening while providing the temperature differential; and
removing the temperature differential between the first beam and the axle to provide a tight interference fit between the first beam and the axle; and
forming a second beam having a second axle-receiving opening therethrough defined by a second surface, at least a portion of the surface being generally cylindrical defining a third diameter when the beam is at the first temperature;
providing a temperature differential between the beam and the axle such that the third diameter is substantially equal to or greater than the second diameter;
inserting the axle into the second axle-receiving opening; and
removing the temperature differential between the beam and the axle to provide a tight interference fit between the second beam and the axle.