Suspension component having localized material strengthening
A suspension component for an automobile, such as a stabilizer bar, is provided and includes at least one localized portion having a strengthened outer surface. The localized portion is positioned at a location of highest stress along the suspension component. A method of forming the suspension component is also disclosed.
1 . A suspension component for an automobile comprising:
a member having opposing first and second distal ends;
an attachment point located at each of said first and second distal ends; and
at least one localized portion having a strengthened outer surface, said localized portion being positioned at a location of highest stress along the suspension component.
2 . The suspension component of claim 1 wherein said member is formed from steel.
3 . The suspension component of claim 1 wherein said member is formed from one of micro-alloyed boron steel and vanadium steel.
4 . The suspension component of claim 1 wherein said outer surface of said localized portions is shot peened.
5 . The suspension component of claim 1 wherein said outer surface of said localized portions is heat treated.
6 . The suspension component of claim 5 wherein said outer surface of said localized portions is quenched and tempered.
7 . The suspension component of claim 5 wherein said outer surface of said localized portions is induction case hardened.
8 . The suspension component of claim 1 wherein said member is a bar and said suspension component is a stabilizer bar.
9 . The suspension component of claim 1 wherein said localized portion is located at a bend that is cold formed within said member.
10 - 20 . (canceled)