Apparatus and method for reducing shear loading on elements connecting an axle and a chassis of a vehicle

Abstract

Referring more particularly to, the present invention red ices such shear loading on the bolts, by utilizing a wedge member or a tapered block, inserted and wedged into a spacebetween wedge surfacesand, and having oppositely facing outer surfacesandthereby placed into abutment with those surfaces, respectively, so as to exert a fore and aft directed force against those surface, denoted by arrows C, effectively acting to push those surfaces apart and counteracting the shear loads B. Such forces will also act in opposition to and reduce tensile loads acting on bolts. Tapered blockhas at least one passagetherethrough () for the passage of boltstherethrough, to allow insertion of those bolts into threaded holesand tightening those bolts to exert compressive forces against tapered block, denoted by arrows D, for holding that block in position. This may also be sufficient to apply a tensile load bolts, which are preferably at least generally longitudinally aligned therewith as shown. As a result, a force equilibrium condition can be achieved, which can significantly and predictably reduce and control shear forces acting against the bolts or other connectors for connecting axle housingto the side platesof chassis