trailer Self-steering axles

Axles | Self-steering axles ]
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You can corner safely without an LL
self-steering axle. But not as smoothly.
Aufbau
Function
LL stands for load-dependent steering stabilisation and it describes the unique functional principle of the BPW
self-steering axle (European patent 0 246 461 B1). Conventional steering axle designs require steering stabilisers
powered from an external source this is not the case with the BPW self-steering axle. The axle beam and
axle stub are connected to undulating thrust bearings via steering pivots.
When driving straight ahead (zero position), the undulations in the thrust washers keep the wheels on track. The
weight of the vehicle presses the undulating contours of the upper and lower thrust washers together. The
wheels remain stable in the correct straight-ahead position.
When the semi-trailer follows the tractor unit into a curve, the wheel castor action ensures the wheels turn in accordance
with the curve radius (the thrust washers slide over one another). The frictional resistance changes ac-
BPW LL self-steering axle with 3-D trailing arm and C-member
undulated thrust