Car suspension: what it is, types and features

The car suspension is a kind of foundation. It comes in different designs, and depends on the dimensions and functions of the car body, the type of engine. The car's suspension damps vibration, smooths out the vibrations that occur when the car drives on an uneven surface. This design plays a big role in the safety of the car's movement:

• improves steering accuracy;
• helps the wheels to be in constant contact with the asphalt, reduces the load on them;
• mitigates the shaking of the car, which increases the comfort of the driver and passengers.

Shock absorbers, rod, spring and lever systems are all components of the car's suspension. The composition of these or other parts may vary significantly depending on the type of car suspension.

What does an auto suspension consist of

The main parts of the car suspension:

• Elastic buffers - torsions, springs and springs. They take the vibration from the bumps, smooth them out, and provide a smoother ride of the car.
• Damper or shock absorber. Dampens the strong vibrations of the car's suspension.
• Boom stabilizes the transverse motion, gives stability to the car when turning and maneuvering on the road. It consists of supports and arms, which are attached to the body.
• Guiding element - adjusts the correct position of the wheels in different conditions: when turning, driving at speed.
• Spreading element - the arms connected to the body and suspension.
• Fasteners - bolts, bushings, silent blocks and ball bearings.

Almost all elements of the car suspension are replaceable. There is usually no shortage of spare parts for popular car suspensions.

How an auto suspension works:

• The wheels hit a bump and a bump occurs.
• Elastic suspension components (springs, springs, torsions) begin to oscillate.
• Levers and tie rods provide control of the wheels.
• Shock absorbers dampen vibration and restrain the car's sway.

Types of car suspensions

There are many models of car suspension, here are some of them:

• McPherson - a design that was first used even 50 years ago. It consists of a single lever, stability stabilizer and sway candle. Used in front-wheel drive passenger cars, it allows you to place the gearbox and engine under the hood. The advantage is simplicity of design and long stroke.
• Double wishbone auto suspension - the guide block consists of two levers.
• Multilever auto suspension - gives a higher maneuverability. It is used in expensive cars. It gives high cross-country capability and serves a long time. Servicing and repair of the multilever suspension of the car can be expensive.
• De Dion - the main gear crankcase is attached to a part of the body, which reduces the load on the rear of the car and is used in all-wheel drive SUVs. This type of suspension is not used in passenger cars, because it can cause sagging of the body during braking and acceleration.
• Independent auto suspension - the wheels can move separately. If one wheel hits a bump, the other does not change position.
• Rear dependent auto suspension - beams are fixed by springs and longitudinal levers. The drivability is high, but the car crankcase and gearbox are overloaded.
• Semi-independent rear suspension of the car - in the design the crossmember is connected by two arms. The system gives a high level of stiffness relative to the transverse direction, but is not suitable for all types of auto bottoms.
• The auto suspension on the longitudinal arms - the wheels are close to the body. It is used in small cars and trailers. At high speed, you can lose control of the car, because the system can not cope with the impact of lateral and longitudinal forces.

There are many modifications and subspecies of car suspensions. They differ in design and capabilities. Some are suitable only for passenger cars, some are designed for SUVs and trucks.