US 12,459,567 B2
Steering linkage assembly, seal integrity diagnostic system and test method
Kevin J. Haubenstricker, Frankenmuth, MI (US); Kevin M. McClendon, Frankenmuth, MI (US); and Katie Young, Beaverton, MI (US)
Assigned to Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation, Saginaw, MI (US)
Filed by Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation, Saginaw, MI (US)
Filed on Feb. 20, 2024, as Appl. No. 18/582,179.
Prior Publication US 2025/0263121 A1, Aug. 21, 2025
Int. Cl. B62D 7/16 (2006.01); B60W 10/20 (2006.01); B62D 5/04 (2006.01); B62D 7/04 (2006.01); B62D 15/02 (2006.01)
CPC B62D 7/16 (2013.01) [B60W 10/20 (2013.01); B62D 5/0403 (2013.01); B62D 7/04 (2013.01); B62D 15/029 (2013.01); B60W 2422/50 (2013.01); B60W 2510/20 (2013.01)] 13 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A steering linkage assembly comprising:
a steering linkage that is operatively connectable to a pair of road wheels;
a housing defining a sealed compartment containing at least a portion of the steering linkage;
a first sealing boot operatively coupled to the steering linkage and located proximate a first end of the housing;
a second sealing boot operatively coupled to the steering linkage and located proximate a second end of the housing, wherein the first sealing boot has at least one distinctive characteristic relative to the second sealing boot to define non-identical sealing boots; and
a pressure sensor positioned to detect an internal pressure within the sealed compartment over a range of travel of the steering linkage, wherein a pressure change lower than a pressure change threshold indicates a leak condition of the sealed compartment, wherein the internal pressure over a range of travel of the steering linkage is not symmetric about a center position based on the at least one distinctive characteristic of the first sealing boot relative to the second sealing boot.