A.o. Smith Corporation

Michael J Erickson

Stephen L Kretschmer

Thomas O Minor

In a front wheel drive vehicle, a rear suspension system is provided for non-driven non-steered rear wheels. A twist beam axle extends along a transverse horizontal line between the rear wheels, and a pair of coil springs extend along respective spaced parallel axes intersecting the noted transverse horizontal line. A stabilizer torsion bar extends along the transverse horizontal line of the twist beam axle. Each spring seat assembly is attached between its respective wheel spindle mounting plate and the twist beam axle such that the wheel spindle mounting plate is spaced outwardly of the twist beam axle. The stabilizer torsion bar extends between the spring seat assemblies and is attached to each at a point spaced inwardly of the respective wheel spindle mounting plate and inboard of the respective coil spring. Upper and lower mating shell structure is provided for the spring seat assemblies, including an upper surface with an opening therein through which the respective coil spring extends. The mating shells have overlapped surfaces providing sections of increased thickness stock. Fishmouth brackets strengthen the joint between the spring seat assembly and the twist beam axle, and reinforcing brackets have weldments aligned with fishmouth bracket weldments, providing additional stiffness along fatigue areas.

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Howell, MI, United States of America

Michael J Erickson