What Is the Suspension System and What Are Its Types?
Suspension is a vital part of vehicle design. Today, it is a system of great importance in 4 × 4 vehicles and trucks. However, not all users know how it works.
To help you solve this and other related questions, we will explain how it works and what are some of the most common types of suspension.
How does the suspension system work?
The suspension system is primarily made up of three components: shock absorbers, springs, and struts. Not only do they provide a smooth and comfortable ride, they help control certain riding qualities.
Without the shocks and struts, a vehicle would bounce down the road, making driving extremely difficult, not to mention dangerous. These components are crucial to the proper operation of the vehicle, they are designed to help keep the tires on the road and the driver to maintain control of the vehicle.
Shock absorbers control energy, or absorb rebound, to keep you from bottoming out. So when you hit a pothole, the bottom of your car won't hit the ground.
These three components work together and keep the car's motion under control as you drive around potholes, corners, and curves.
Suspension types
A car typically has different suspension systems on the front and rear axles; with each axle allowing the mounting of two wheels at opposite ends. The type of suspension in any car is determined by the arrangement of the axle; either allowing the independent movement of each wheel or joining them.
Next, let's get to know the different types of suspension :
Dependent front suspension
Imagine that it is a rigid bar connecting the front wheels, typically supported by shock absorbers and leaf springs. This type is common in trucks.
Independent front suspension
In a car with an independent suspension, each wheel, usually the front wheels, is fixed separately to the vehicle body, allowing them to move independently of the other, except when they are joined by a non-slip bar. There are a large number of subtypes for this type of suspension. These include:
MacPherson suspension
It is the most widely used suspension today, especially by European brands. It has a simple but very effective design, offering stability, comfort and control.
It combines a shock absorber and a coil spring in one unit. This provides a more compact and lightweight suspension system, usually used in front-wheel drive vehicles.
Double trapeze
It is known in this way because it has two trapezoids that connect with the wheel. Each comes with two mounting positions, one on the wheel and one on the vehicle's chassis. The system also has a coil spring and a shock absorber. These are typically used on oversized vehicles because of the way they help minimize sway. At the same time, they allow for greater consistency in driving feel.
How to keep a suspension in good condition?
Maintaining the integrity of your car's suspension system is essential to ensure a proper driving experience every time you find yourself on the road. Here are some tips to keep your suspension working optimally:
- Perform a detailed inspection of the different parts of the suspension system. It is best to do it after every oil change.
- Check the different parts of the suspension for visible signs of cracking, swelling, or oil contamination.
- Clean any dirt or oil contamination on any rubber bushing. Oil leaks must be repaired immediately.
- Perform a suspension rebound test. A good system will bounce at least twice. Anything higher than that, and the shocks or struts will need to be replaced, as this could be an indicator of wear.
Now that you know how the suspension system works and the various types that exist, we invite you to discover our incredible range of vehicles.
