GKN independent axle goes on sale
Page 20
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
FOLLOWING ITS appearance at last year's Autotech exhibition, GI< N has officially launched its S62 independent suspension steering axle for axle weights up to 6.5 tonnes.
'File design which has bus and coach potential provides three times the roll stiffness when compared with air-suspended rigid beam front axles. It lowers floor heights by
30o/1nm and with its wishbone geometry the new suspension reduces unsprung weight considerably.
It is intended for a normal static axle loading of 6,651/kg and a maximum dynamic loading of 10,000kg at 60 per cent braking.
Suspension linkages are of a conventional wishbone construction with Metalastic rubber bushes. The steering swivel support brackets are directly supported by rolling diaphragm air suspension units and connected to the wishbone outer ends on taper roller bearings.
The steering, which is via a centrally-mounted drag link lever and three-piece track rod assembly, provides front and rear angles of 39 degrees and 51 degrees respectively.
Wheel hubs are of the fully floating type and cant brakes are actuated by axle mounted air chambers with automatic slack adjusters.