Getting there in comfort Suspension Getting there in comfort

Suspension system perform 6 basic functions: Maintain correct vehicle ride height Reduce the effect of shock forces Maintain correct wheel alignment Support vehicle weight Keep the tires in contact with the road Control the vehicle's direction of travel

Front Suspension Dependent Independent

Dependent Front Suspension Dependent front suspension uses a solid axle. Uses one steel or aluminum beam extending the width of the vehicle. The beam is held in place by leaf springs. solid axle is only used on heavy trucks, and off-road vehicles

Independent Front Suspension Developed in the 1930's to improve vehicle ride control and riding comfort wheels to respond individually to road conditions sprung weight is reduced, creating a smoother ride. Twin I-Beam, Type 1 Coil Spring, Type 2 Coil Spring, Torsion Bar, Double Wishbone,

Twin I-Beam similar to the solid axle improves ride and handling load carrying ability used on pickups, vans and four-wheel drive vehicles.

Type 1 Coil Spring 2 upper control arms 2 lower control arms 2 steering knuckles 2 spindles 2 upper ball joints 2 lower ball joints bushings coil springs Shock Absorbers short-arm/long-arm, or the parallel arm design

Type 2 Coil Spring coil spring is mounted on the upper control arm top of the spring is attached to the frame. upper ball joint receives the weight of the vehicle and the force of the coil spring makes it the load carrier

Torsion Bar no coil or leaf springs supports the vehicle weight and absorbs the road shock performs the same function as a coil spring: supports the vehicle's weight

Double Wishbone type of strut suspension space saving benefits of a strut of the parallel arm suspension more aerodynamic hoodline portion of the strut forms a wishbone shape does not rotate when the wheels turn

Suspension Components Springs Coil Leaf Torsion bar Torsion Bar Suspension Systems*

3 types of springs used on automobile suspensions coil Lower Control Arm w/Strut rod leaf

Suspension Components II Shock Absorbers purpose *** Dampen spring oscillation Types Direct acting Dual action telescopic

Components Spring Shock Stabilizer Control Arm Bushing Control Arm Ball Joint

Components Upper Ball Joint Upper Control Arm Bushing Spindle/Knuckle Lower Control Arm Lower Control Arm Bushing Stabilizer Strut Rod Lower Ball Joint

Springs Leaf

Leaf Springs

Springs Torsion Bars

Springs Transverse Torsion Bar

Shock Absorbers Should not leak oil Stop bouncing quickly SLA- Short Long Arm

Shock Absorbers Shock Assist Gas Charged Air Shocks Shock Absorber Ratio Electronically Controlled Shocks

Shocks

Springs Spring Rate Jounce Rebound Sprung Weight Un-sprung Weight Coil Springs* Leaf Springs* Air Springs

MacPherson Struts NO upper control Arm! Spring around a shock absorber

Strut Construction Rod Nut Bearing Plate Upper Spring Seat Dust Shield Strut Shaft Lower Spring Seat Strut Body

Control Arms

Ball Joints

Rear Suspension System Live Axle Semi-Independent Independent

Solid Axle, Coil Spring Suspension (live)

Beam Axle, for FWD

Modified Beam Axle

Independent Rear Suspension

Semi-Independent Semi-Independent Service

Live-Axle Rear Suspension System Leaf Spring Coil Spring Live Axle Servicing

Solid (Dummy) Axle

Electronically Controlled Suspension Adaptive Suspension System Components

Suspension Problems Toe Camber Caster

Toe

Camber

Caster