Title: Trends in machining technology in the field of axle components

Authors: M. Harngami

Addresses: Mazda Motor Corporation, Hiroshima-shi, Japan

Abstract: The past trends and future development of steering knuckle production methods are reviewed. Steering knuckle configuration and materials have changed due to changes in vehicle chassis design, particularly the trend from rear wheel drive to front wheel drive systems and production lines appropriate to these new knuckles were subsequently designed. This paper discusses the features of steering knuckles and their production until 1978 and previous trends in production line set-up when rear wheel drive systems predominated. Today front wheel drive vehicles are the mainstream. The current state of steering knuckle production is discussed and some features of Mazda|s independent line are mentioned. These include high performance, high precision, flexibility, maintainability, and low energy consumption. Future needs in steering knuckle production are examined from the viewpoints of efficiency and diversification.

Keywords: axle components; machining technology; production techniques; steering knuckles; vehicle design; automotive manufacturing.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.1985.061124

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 1985 Vol.6 No.3, pp.311 - 322

Published online: 25 May 2014 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article