Suspension strut assembly

Abstract

A vehicle suspension strut includes a generally cylindrical housing having a first end and a second end. The housing defines a generally longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends, and a housing interior for containing a fluid. A first closure closes the first end of the housing and includes a piston receiving aperture. A second closure is provided for closing the second end of the housing. A piston is extendable through the piston receiving aperture, and is moveable in an axial direction between a fully collapsed position and an extended position. The piston includes a first end disposed adjacent to the first end of the housing and exteriorly of the housing exterior, and a second end disposed adjacent to the second end of the housing and within the housing interior. The piston also includes an insertable portion having a length L. A piston head is fixedly coupled to the piston adjacent to the second end thereof, and includes a plurality of apertures through which the fluid can pass at a controlled rate. A bearing assembly is disposed within the housing adjacent to the first end thereof for facilitating axial movement of the piston between its extended and collapsed positions. The bearing assembly includes at least two axially extending arrays of bearing members that engage the piston over a distance sufficient to absorb radially directed side-load forces, thereby substantially eliminating the need for a side-load force absorbing member at the second end of the piston.