What aluminum alloys are used in making steering knuckles?

Question

What aluminum alloys are used in making steering knuckles?

theStruggler (Mechanical)

(OP)

21 Jul 14 09:33

Hi,

I would like to know what aluminum alloys are used in making steering knuckles? So far most of the studies I have found use Aluminum 2011 T3.

I would also like to know properties in general should the aluminum alloys have for such an application? From another thread I started, I know that the post elongation failure should be 15% or 18%. What other factors should I consider?

Thanks!

CoryPad (Materials) · Answer 1 · 2014-07-21 16:36:52

Is this for series production applications? If so, then wrought aluminium alloy 2011 is not common. Most of these applications use casting alloy A356 (AlSi7Mg).

You can see some typical properties here:

http://www.alueurope.eu/wp-content/uploads/2011/11...

Note, 15 % minimum elongation is not achieved in series production for aluminium castings.

theStruggler (Mechanical) · Answer 2 · 2014-07-21 17:19:21

Thanks for your reply. Forgive me for not having mentioned this: I wish to know about machinable (not cast) aluminum alloys that can be used for steering knuckles.

MikeHalloran (Mechanical) · Answer 3 · 2014-07-21 17:35:11

I like my steering knuckles to be made of ferrous alloys.

Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

GregLocock (Automotive) · Answer 4 · 2014-07-21 18:50:27

The only aluminium knuckles I have been involved in are forged, not cast to size, not machined from billet. For a road car in limited production (ie where you can't run a full durability and strength test) I agree with Mike, steel is the better choice.

Cheers

Greg Locock

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CoryPad (Materials) · Answer 5 · 2014-07-22 08:47:18

Traditional 6061 or 6082 are widely available and have superior properties to the cast alloys on the market. They also have superior corrosion resistance to 2011. There are other 6XXX alloys (and 2XXX and 7XXX) with higher strength, but much less available and with potential problems with corrosion resistance and machinability and ...

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What aluminum alloys are used in making steering knuckles?