Truck Front Axle Shock Absorber Connecting Fork

The truck front axle shock absorber connecting fork (also known as shock absorber fork or suspension connecting fork) is a crucial component in the trucks front axle suspension system, connecting the shock absorber to the front axle. It is used to fix the shock absorber, transmit loads, and absorb vibrations and impacts during driving.
 

Key Features and Advantages

• Material: Typically made of high-strength steel (such as Q345B, 40Cr) or aluminum alloy (such as 6061-T6) to balance strength and lightweight. Steel forks are suitable for heavy loads (can withstand 2-10 tons), while aluminum alloy forks are lighter (reducing weight by about 30%) and suitable for medium and light trucks.
• Function:
  • Connection and Fixation: The connecting fork connects the upper end of the shock absorber to the frame or the lower end to the front axle, ensuring stable operation of the shock absorber.
  • Vibration Damping and Support: Through a U-shaped or Y-shaped structure, it disperses lateral forces and vertical impacts, protecting the front axle and suspension system.
  • Durability: Strong fatigue resistance, with a design life typically exceeding 500,000 kilometers (heavy-duty conditions).
• Application Scenarios: Widely used in heavy-duty trucks, medium-sized trucks, off-road trucks, etc., especially in leaf spring suspension or air suspension systems.
• Specification Examples:
  • Dimensions: Fork arm width 80-150mm, thickness 10-20mm, bolt hole diameter M12-M20.
  • Load Capacity: A single fork can withstand 1-5 tons of dynamic load.
  • Type: Detachable (bolt connection, easy to maintain) or welded (high strength, suitable for heavy-duty trucks).

Manufacturing Process

1. Material Selection:
   • High-Strength Steel: Such as Q345B (yield strength ≥ 345MPa), suitable for heavy-duty trucks.
   • Aluminum Alloy: Such as 6061-T6 (tensile strength ≥ 290MPa), used for lightweight design.
2. Forming and Processing:
   • Forging: Hot or cold forging to ensure high strength and uniform internal grain structure. Forging accounts for more than 70% of the production of connecting forks because it improves fatigue resistance.
   • Casting: A few connecting forks with complex shapes (such as those with porous structures) use precision casting (such as sand casting or die casting), but require subsequent heat treatment to eliminate internal stress.
   • Stamping/Machining: Sheet metal is stamped into shape and then finely finished with CNC machining for hole positions and surfaces.
3. Heat Treatment: Quenching + tempering to improve hardness and toughness (such as HRC 28-35).
4. Surface Treatment: Sandblasting, painting, or electroplating (such as galvanizing) to enhance corrosion resistance and adapt to humid or salt spray environments.
5. Assembly and Testing:
   • Assembly: Matched with shock absorbers, bushings, or bolts, check the fitting clearance (≤0.1mm).
   • Testing: Perform static load tests (such as 5 tons of pressure) and dynamic fatigue tests (simulating 1 million vibrations).
6. Quality Inspection: Ultrasonic flaw detection, dimensional accuracy inspection (tolerance ±0.05mm) to ensure no cracks or defects.