Method and tool for assembling a linked suspension
View Patent ↗A method for assembling a linked suspension and an assembly tool for assembling a linked suspension are provided. The method includes positioning at least one bushing within a bracket, the bushing including an outer sleeve and a tube extending therethrough, the tube being rotatable with respect to the outer sleeve of the bushing against a counter-torque; rotating the tube with respect to the outer sleeve of the bushing; and tightening the bushing to the bracket after rotating the tube with respect to the outer sleeve.
1. A method for assembling a linked suspension, comprising:
positioning at least one bushing within a bracket, the bushing including an outer sleeve and a tube extending therethrough, the tube being rotatable with respect to the outer sleeve of the bushing against a counter torque;
providing an assembly tool having a coupling end and a torque-producing arm;
coupling the assembly tool to the tube;
rotating the tube with respect to the outer sleeve of the bushing; and
tightening the bushing to the bracket after rotating the tube with respect to the outer sleeve.
2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one bushing includes a resilient material arranged within the outer sleeve and connected to the tube, the resilient material producing the counter torque.
3. The method according to claim 2 , wherein the resilient material includes rubber.
4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the tube includes at least one of steel, aluminum, and a polymer.
5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the rotating of the tube with respect to the outer sleeve is performed by applying torque to the torque-producing arm of the assembly tool.
6. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the rotating of the tube with respect to the outer sleeve is performed while the linked suspension is in a fully rebounded state.
7. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the outer sleeve of the bushing is kept essentially stationary via a control arm while the tube is rotated with respect to the outer sleeve.
8. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the tightening of the bushing to the bracket includes tightening a bolt positioned through the bracket and the tube of the bushing.
9. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the rotating of the tube with respect to the outer sleeve is performed through a predefined angular degree.
10. The method according to claim 9 , wherein the predefined angular degree is 14 degrees.