Chassis & Brakes

Focus components from the chassis sector

Pivot bearing/wheel carrier

Pivot bearing/wheel carrier

Wheel carriers on the rear axle and pivot bearings on the front axle are essential components in car chassis construction, responsible for supporting the wheels and crucial for ride comfort and safety. They serve as mounting points for the wheel hub, brake disk, brake caliper and control arm. Their design varies depending on the axle concept in order to meet specific vehicle requirements. These parts must be able to bear high wheel loads and are therefore made of strong, corrosion-resistant materials such as forged aluminum or ductile iron. Their robust construction ensures the performance and safety of the vehicle and contributes to the overall quality.

Highlights machining:

• Shear, camber and tension strut
• Pre-machining of main bearing bore
• Main bearing bore

Wishbone

Wishbone

Wishbones are an essential component of independent wheel suspensions on passenger cars and are responsible for wheel guidance. They absorb the lateral forces between the wheel and the vehicle body. Depending on the axle concept, there are a variety of geometric solutions. Wishbones must be able to withstand high wheel loads and should be corrosion-resistant and high-strength. They play a central role in driving mechanics and make a significant contribution to safety and comfort.

Highlights machining:

• Spherical bore

Driving stool

Driving stool

The subframe is a load-bearing element of the vehicle body and serves as a pivot point for the wheel suspension. The engine and gearbox are also mounted on the front axle. Thanks to its design, the chassis frame facilitates assembly during vehicle production. It also contributes to increased driving comfort by minimizing vibration and noise while driving.

Highlights machining:

• Cross bridge
• Push strut
• Bogie bearing bore
• Camber strut

Gigacasting/Megacasting

Gigacasting/Megacasting

New production technologies such as giga- and megacasting are revolutionizing the automotive industry. Instead of several individual parts, complex structural components are now produced in a single casting. Aluminum alloys are used to produce larger, lighter and yet robust components. These processes promise weight savings, higher performance and safety in future vehicles.

Focus components from the brakes sector

Steering housing

Steering housing

The steering gear transmits the rotary movement of the steering wheel to the front axle of the vehicle via the tie rod. The steering torque is transmitted by means of a pinion and rack, which are located in the steering housing. The trend towards steer-by-wire systems enables improved driving and steering characteristics. This technology also lays the foundation for autonomous driving by enabling more direct and precise steering. Overall, the steering gear plays a central role in the steering capability and safety of the vehicle.

Highlight machining:

• Motor bore
• Rack bore
• Holding groove
• Steering pinion bore
• Thrust piece bore

Brake caliper

Brake caliper

The brake caliper is a safety-relevant component in the vehicle that is exposed to high thermal and mechanical loads. When the brake pedal is pressed, brake fluid is fed to the brake caliper piston, which presses the brake pads against the disk. Depending on the vehicle type and engine, there are different designs and the number of pistons varies.

Highlight machining:

• Brake caliper connection
• Piston bore and U-surface
• Sealing and protective cap groove

Combined brake housing

Combined brake housing

The combination of ABS/ESP housing and master brake cylinder enables brake actuation and control in the smallest of spaces. This unit is an indispensable element for Level 5 autonomous driving and brake-by-wire systems. It reduces the braking distance compared to older systems and enables greater recuperation in electric vehicles. The integration of these functions in one component significantly increases efficiency and safety in modern vehicle construction.

Highlight machining:

• Brake master cylinder bore
• Port connection
• Master cylinder bore

Your direct contact

Contact person

Igor Ivankovic Component Manager igor.ivankovic1@mapal.com +49 7361 585 3466