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STEERING SYSTEMS The typical steering system used on passenger cars and light trucks is called a parallelogram system because all the pivot points are paralleled. This allows each wheel to be flexible and to travel independently. The conventional parallelogram system consists of the following: pitman arm idler arm tie-rod ends centre link adjusting sleeves Another

SPRING DESIGN Before discussing spring design, it is important to understand sprung and unsprung weight. Sprung weight is the weight supported by the springs. For example, the vehicle’s body, frame, motor, and transmission would be sprung weight. Unsprung weight is the weight that is not carried by the springs, such as the tyres, wheels and

REAR SUSPENSION Just as we discussed with front suspensions, there are two types or rear suspensions: dependent and independent. Dependent Rear Suspensions There are two major types of dependent rear suspension: the solid axle used on rear-wheel drive vehicles, and the beam axle used on front-wheel drive vehicles. Solid Axle, Leaf Spring The solid axle

MAIN COMPONENTS At this point it’s easy to understand that the main components of a moving vehicle’s suspension system are the struts, shock absorbers, springs, and tyres. Struts are a major structural member, while shock absorbers are a major component. The struts and shock absorbers control, or damp, excessive spring and suspension movement. The springs

HISTORY OF SHOCK ABSORBERS Early vehicle manufacturers began finding solutions to the problems of steering and passenger comfort. The front wheels were attached to the axle using steering spindles and kingpins, which allowed the wheels to pivot while the axle remained stationary. And the up and down oscillations of the leaf springs were damped by

FRONT SUSPENSIONS There are two major types of conventional front suspensions. They are dependent and independent. Dependent Front Suspensions The dependent front suspension uses a solid axle. This design consists of one steel or aluminium beam extending the width of the vehicle. This beam is held in place by leaf springs. Notice that this design

COMFORT AND SAFETY The suspension system allows the vehicle body to ride relatively undisturbed while travelling over rough roads. It also allows the vehicle to corner with minimum roll or sway, stop with a minimum of brake dive, and accelerate with a minimum of acceleration squat. This dynamic control will keep the tyres in contact

BASICS OF SUSPENSION To begin this training program, you need to know some basic information. First, you should know that the tyres and wheels make vehicle motion possible. The chassis connects the tyres and wheels to the vehicle’s body. The chassis consists of the frame, suspension system, steering system, tyres and wheels. When discussing a

SMART SUSPENSIONS Today, more and more passenger cars are utilizing an active suspension system, or a “smart” suspension. A smart suspension is similar to a traditional, or passive, suspension system since many of the same components are found in each. Shock absorbers or struts, bushings and suspension components all work together to provide good handling