If at least once you have had the dubious pleasure of riding an ordinary horse-drawn cart on the road, you perfectly understand what it is like to ride without suspension. But the higher the speed, the more it shakes! The suspension of the car was designed not only to connect the body and wheels, but also to ensure that the ride was comfortable.

Although the purpose of all pendants is exactly the same, they differ in design. We will consider the main types of designs for cars in this article.

Types of car suspensions

According to the design features, all types of suspensions are divided into two main types: dependent and independent.

Dependent car suspension rigidly connects both wheels of the axle. Thus, the movement of one wheel entails the movement of the second.

Independent suspension more complicated. The wheels in such a suspension move independently of each other, and thus the smoothness of the car increases.

Front and rear suspensions

The front suspensions of cars carry a lot of load - both literally and figuratively. It accounts for the main weight of the car, as well as the main task of improving the smoothness of the ride. The function of the front suspension is a smooth ride without shaking and rocking of the body, the comfort of the driver and passengers, traffic safety, reducing vibrations and excessive friction between car parts. Thus, the types of front suspension of a car are usually of an independent type.

The load on the rear suspension is not so great. The rear wheels of most car models do not change the angle of rotation, do not hold a lot of weight of precise parts, and the smoothness of the ride depends on them to a lesser extent. Therefore, most cars use dependent or semi-independent types of rear suspension.

Types of car suspensions

The design of the car has changed throughout its existence. Naturally, new types of car suspension were also invented. At the moment, there are about 15 main types of dependent and independent suspensions, and this is not counting subspecies and variations!

Meanwhile, not all of them are used in modern automotive industry. We will tell you about the most common types of car suspensions.

One of the most popular types is the MacPherson strut. Its design is simple and reliable. This design consists of one lever, a spring-shock absorber strut and an anti-roll bar. MacPherson strut is used in the vast majority of cars in the small and medium price category as the front suspension.

Double wishbone suspension is also a common type. Its design is simple, reliable, although somewhat massive. It consists of two levers, the inner ends of which are fixed to the body, and the outer ends to the wheel strut. Both ends of the suspension are fixed movably, and represent a parallelogram. There are several varieties of double-lever suspensions, and these types of car suspension are currently considered the most advanced. Double wishbones are used in sports cars, luxury sedans, pickup trucks and SUVs.

Multi-link suspensions

Multi-link suspensions are one of the improved varieties of double-lever suspension. Multilink is commonly used as a rear suspension on modern RWD vehicles. In addition, the types of front suspensions of modern executive and sports cars are often based on a multi-link design - these are the so-called spatial lever suspensions. The main advantage of the multi-link suspension is a high ride smoothness, excellent handling and low noise level. But at the same time it is too complicated and cumbersome.

Torsion bar suspension completes our review of popular types of car suspensions. It also applies to varieties of double-lever suspension. A distinctive feature of the design of the torsion bar suspension are torsion bars - rods that work on twisting. Torsion bar suspensions are commonly used as the rear suspension of modern low-cost cars and cars manufactured in the eighties and nineties. They are simple, reliable, light weight.

You can also learn about the classification of brake systems in our article " Car brake system - classification, principle of operation, main malfunctions".

If you need suspension repair, please contact the Liga technical center: we guarantee low prices and high quality work!

The suspension of a car is a set of elements that provide an elastic connection between the body (frame) and the wheels (bridges) of the car. The suspension is mainly designed to reduce the intensity of vibration and dynamic loads (shocks, shocks) acting on a person, a transported load or structural elements of a car when it is moving on a rough road. At the same time, it must ensure constant contact of the wheel with the road surface and effectively transfer the driving force and braking force without deviating the wheels from the appropriate position. Proper suspension operation makes driving comfortable and safe. Despite its apparent simplicity, the suspension is one of the most important systems of a modern car and has undergone significant changes and improvements over the history of its existence.

History of appearance

Attempts to make the movement of the vehicle softer and more comfortable were made even in carriages. Initially, the axles of the wheels were rigidly attached to the body, and every bump in the road was transmitted to the passengers sitting inside. Only soft cushions on the seats could increase the level of comfort.

Dependent suspension with transverse springs

The first way to create an elastic "layer" between the wheels and the carriage body was the use of elliptical springs. Later, this solution was borrowed for the car. However, the spring has already become semi-elliptical and could be installed transversely. A car with such a suspension was poorly controlled even at low speeds. Therefore, soon the springs began to be installed longitudinally on each wheel.

The development of the automotive industry also led to the evolution of the suspension. Currently, there are dozens of their varieties.

The main functions and characteristics of the car suspension

Each suspension has its own characteristics and working qualities that directly affect the handling, comfort and safety of passengers. However, any suspension, regardless of its type, must perform the following functions:

1. Absorption of shocks and shocks from the side of the road to reduce the load on the body and improve driving comfort.
2. Vehicle stabilization while driving by ensuring constant tire-to-road contact and limiting excessive body roll.
3. Saving the specified travel geometry and wheel position to maintain steering precision while driving and braking.

Drift car with rigid suspension

The rigid suspension of the car is suitable for dynamic driving, which requires an immediate and precise reaction to the driver's actions. It provides low ground clearance, maximum stability, resistance to roll and body sway. It is mainly used in sports cars.

Luxury car with energy-intensive suspension

Most passenger cars use soft suspension. It smooths out bumps as much as possible, but makes the car somewhat rolly and less manageable. If adjustable stiffness is required, a screw suspension is mounted on the car. It is a shock absorber strut with a variable spring force.

SUV with long travel suspension

Suspension travel is the distance from the extreme upper position of the wheel when compressing to the extreme lower position when hanging the wheels. Suspension travel largely determines the "off-road" capabilities of the car. The greater its value, the greater the obstacle can be overcome without hitting the limiter or without sagging of the drive wheels.

suspension device

Any car suspension consists of the following main elements:

1. elastic device– takes the load from the unevenness of the road surface. Types: springs, springs, pneumatic elements, etc.
2. damping device— dampens vibrations of the body when driving through bumps. Types: all types.
3. Guide device—provides a given movement of the wheel relative to the body. Kinds: levers, transverse and jet rods, springs. To change the direction of impact on the damping element in pull-rod and push-rod sports suspensions, rockers are used.
4. Roll Stabilizer- Reduces body roll.
5. Rubber-metal hinges- provide elastic connection of the suspension elements with the body. Partially cushion, soften shocks and vibrations. Types: silent blocks and bushings.
6. Suspension travel stops- limit the suspension travel in extreme positions.

Pendant classification

Basically, suspensions are divided into two large types: and independent. This classification is determined by the kinematic diagram of the suspension guide.

dependent suspension

The wheels are rigidly connected by means of a beam or a continuous bridge. The vertical position of the pair of wheels relative to the common axis does not change, the front wheels are swivel. The rear suspension is similar. It happens spring, spring or pneumatic. In the case of installing springs or air springs, it is necessary to use special rods to fix the bridges from moving.

Differences between dependent and independent suspension

• simple and reliable in operation;
• high load capacity.

• poor management;
• poor stability at high speeds;
• less comfort.

Independent suspension

The wheels can change vertical position relative to each other while remaining in the same plane.

• good handling;
• good vehicle stability;
• great comfort.

• more expensive and complex design;
• less reliable operation.

Semi-independent suspension

Semi-independent suspension or torsion beam- This is an intermediate solution between dependent and independent suspension. The wheels still remain connected, however, there is the possibility of their slight movement relative to each other. This property is provided due to the elastic properties of the U-shaped beam connecting the wheels. Such a suspension is mainly used as a rear suspension for budget cars.

Types of independent suspensions

McPherson

- the most common front axle suspension of modern cars. The lower arm is connected to the hub via a ball joint. Depending on its configuration, longitudinal jet thrust can be used. A suspension strut with a spring is attached to the hub assembly, its upper support is fixed to the body.

The transverse link, mounted on the body and connecting both levers, is a stabilizer that counteracts the roll of the car. The lower ball joint and shock absorber cup bearing allow the wheel to turn.

The rear suspension parts are made according to the same principle, the only difference is the lack of the ability to turn the wheels. The lower arm has been replaced with longitudinal and transverse rods that fix the hub.

• simplicity of design;
• compactness;
• reliability;
• inexpensive to manufacture and repair.

• average handling.

Double wishbone front suspension

More efficient and complex design. The second transverse arm acts as the upper attachment point of the hub. A spring or can be used as an elastic element. The rear suspension has a similar structure. This suspension scheme provides better handling of the car.

Air suspension

air suspension

The role of the springs in this suspension is performed by compressed air bellows. With the possibility of adjusting the height of the body. It also improves ride comfort. Used on luxury cars.

hydraulic suspension

Lexus hydraulic suspension height and stiffness adjustment

The shock absorbers are connected to a single closed circuit with hydraulic fluid. allows you to adjust the stiffness and height of the ride height. If the vehicle has a control electronics and a function, it automatically adjusts itself to road and driving conditions.

Sports independent suspensions

Screw suspension (coilovers)

Screw suspension, or coilovers - suspension struts with the ability to adjust the stiffness directly on the car. Thanks to the threaded connection of the lower stop of the spring, its height, as well as the ride height, can be adjusted.

Push-rod and pull-rod hangers

These devices were developed for racing cars with open wheels. The basis is a two-lever scheme. The main feature is that the damping elements are located inside the body. The design of these types of suspension is very similar, the difference lies only in the location of the load-bearing elements.

The difference between push-rod and pull-rod sports suspensions

Push-rod sports suspension: load-bearing element - pushrod, works in compression.

What is the most important part of a car? We are sure that most motorists will agree in disputes: someone will argue that this is an engine, since it sets in motion and is essentially the basis of a car, while others will talk about the body, since without a “box” on which everything is attached, it is far from leave. However, few remember the functional significance of the suspension, which is essentially the "foundation" on which the future car will be built. It is the types of car suspensions that determine the dimensions and functional features of the car body, and also allows you to install a specific engine that will function harmoniously. The suspension of a car is such an important and complex element that it requires a separate detailed analysis, the most important points of which you can read below.

Purpose of car suspension

Car suspension- this is a set of devices that work closely with each other, the main functional feature of which is to provide an elastic connection, sprung with an unsprung mass. In addition, the suspension lightens the load on the sprung mass by evenly distributing dynamics throughout the structure. Among the most basic nodes in the suspension of a modern car, there are:

• elastic element- provides a smoother ride, as it reduces the effect of vertical dynamics on the mass;
• damping element- the vibrations received during the load process are converted into thermal energy, thereby normalizing the driving dynamics (otherwise called "");
• guide element- performs processing of lateral and longitudinal kinetics on the moving wheels of the car.

Regardless of the type of suspension and structural differences in the car, the general purpose of the suspension is to dampen incoming vibrations and noises, as well as smooth out vibrations that occur when driving on uneven surfaces. Depending on the functional features of the car (for a small Smart model and an all-wheel drive SUV, they, you see, differ noticeably), the type and design of the car's suspension will differ.

Vehicle suspension device

Regardless of the type of suspension, any of them includes a set of the most basic parts and components, without which it is not possible to imagine a workable device. The main group includes the following types:

• elastic buffer- serve as analyzers that process irregularities and transmit the information received to the car body. The composition of such elements includes elements of elasticity such as springs, springs and torsion bars, which smooth out the resulting vibrations;
• distribution elements- are attached to the suspension and at the same time to the body, which allows maximum transfer of force. Presented in the form of levers of different types: transverse thrust, dual, etc.;
• shock absorber- actively applies the method of hydraulic resistance, this device allows you to resist the elements of elasticity. Three types of shock absorbers are most common: single-tube, two-tube and combined. In addition, the classification of the device is divided into oil, gas-oil and pneumatic type of action;
• barbell- Provides lateral stability. It is part of a complex complex of supports and lever mechanisms attached to the body, and distributes the load when performing maneuvers such as turns;
• fasteners- It is presented most often in the form of bolted joints and bushings. The most common fasteners are ball bearings, as well.

Types and types of car suspensions

The history of the first types of suspensions used on cars goes deep into the beginning of the 20th century, when the first designs had only a connecting function and transferred all the kinetics to the body. However, after numerous experiments were carried out and various developments were implemented, which improved the design itself and increased the potential for future use. Several representatives of different types and even suspension segments have reached our days, each of which is worthy of a separate article for consideration.

McPherson suspension

This type of car suspension is the development of the famous designer E. MacPherson, which was first used more than 50 years ago. According to its design, the suspension is divided into one arm, a stabilizer bar and a swing candle. This type is far from perfect, but with all this it is very affordable and popular with many manufacturers.

double wishbone suspension

The guide block in this type of suspension is represented by two lever devices. It can be diagonal, transverse and longitudinal type of rolling.

Multi-link suspension

Unlike the previous type, this development has a more advanced design, and therefore a number of significant advantages that provide a smoother and smoother ride, as well as improved machine maneuverability. Increasingly, this type of suspension can be found on medium and expensive premium cars.

Torsion-link suspension

Car suspension similar in design, with previous copies. However, this type of suspension uses torsion bars instead of standard link springs. With a simple circuit, this solution expands the efficiency of use, and the suspension components themselves are easy to maintain and can be configured as you wish.

Pendant type "De Dion"

Invented by the French engineer A. De Dion, this suspension contributes to less load on the rear axle of the car. A distinctive feature of such a suspension is the attachment of the main gear housing not to the axle beam, but to the very part of the body. A similar solution can be found on all-wheel drive SUVs. Use on passenger cars can cause problems in the form of "sagging" during braking and acceleration.

Rear dependent suspension

A familiar type of passenger car suspension that inventors in the USSR liked to use and integrate. The type of beam fastening for this type of suspension is carried out using springs and trailing arms. However, with good handling and driving stability, the significant weight of the rear beam brings inconvenience to motorists in the form of overloading the crankcase and gearbox.

Semi-independent rear suspension

Unlike the dependent type of suspension discussed earlier, a cross member is used here, which is connected by two trailing arms.

Suspension with swing axles

As the name implies, in this type of suspension, the axle shafts are the basis of the device. Hinges are applied to one of the ends, and the axles themselves are articulated with tires. When the wheel moves, the latter will always be at an angle of 90 ° to the axle shaft.

Trailing arm suspension

It is divided into two more subcategories: torsion and spring, in which, depending on the name, the elastic elements are springs or torsion bars. Among the main differences is the location of the wheel in close proximity to the car body. This car suspension is used on small runabouts, trailers, etc.

With trailing and transverse arms

Based on the name, the main structural unit here is the trailing arm, which unloads the supporting forces on the body. By itself, this type is too heavy, which makes it an extremely unpopular model on the market. Wishbones, on the other hand, do a little better: this type is more flexible when adjusting, and the use of support arms reduces the load on the suspension mount.

Type of suspension with oblique levers

This type of car suspension is very similar in design to trailing arms, with the difference that the swing axes of the arms are located at an acute angle here. These types are installed on the rear axle most often by German manufacturers. Compared to the longitudinal type, the oblique type has relatively less roll when turning.

With double trailing and transverse arms

Unlike designs with one lever, this one has two such devices for each axis. Depending on the type, they are placed transversely or longitudinally, but when connecting such levers, both springs and torsion bars, which we met earlier, and springs are used. Such designs are compact in themselves, but unbalanced when riding on poor surfaces.

Hydropneumatic and pneumatic suspension

Such a car suspension uses pneumatic or hydropneumatic devices (elastic parts). By themselves, they are not the final option, but only offer modern solutions to increase driving comfort. Both options are complex and provide owners with a smooth ride, high controllability, and advanced vibration damping. Such suspensions can be combined with both MacPherson type suspension and multi-link automobile suspension.

Electromagnetic suspension

It is a complex structure, the basis of which is an electromagnetic drive. This technology performs two functional features at once: a shock absorber and an elastic element. The "orchestra" is led by a microcontroller with a sensor. The device is extremely safe, and the switching mechanism is carried out using electromagnets. Naturally, this type of suspension is not on a par with analogues due to its high manufacturability and cost.

Adaptive suspension (semi-active suspension)

Adapting to the road surface and the nature of driving, the system determines the degree of damping and adjusts to a specific mode of operation. Adjustment is made using electromagnets, or a rheological-based fluid (much less often).

Suspensions for pickups, trucks and SUVs

When creating cargo bands, automotive inventors and engineers usually used options with the placement of axles on longitudinal or transverse springs. Over time, even now, some manufacturers have not changed this setting much, although it is also impossible to argue about the lack of progress. Already now you can find models that use hydraulic suspension. The absolute distinguishing feature of almost all truck suspensions is the use of simple structures in the form of a standard bridge, which is attached to the body with a bracket and connected by springs.

But for SUVs and pickups, this design is a little more complicated and may differ even on the example of one model (there is one type, for example, dependent in the back, and independent in the front). Such adaptability is explained by the increased need for such vehicles to overcome difficult terrain. As a rule, the basis for such cars is with a spring type of suspension, although some design suspensions on a spring basis.

The suspension of a truck looks like a very complex mechanism, but the design is much simpler than some types of cars.

Car suspension service

To the question “how often do you need to crawl under the car and service the suspension?” no one can give an exact answer. It all depends on the level and quality of operation of the car. With the proper nature of the ride, and careful attitude to the car, there is no special need for this. However, as often happens, in the process of driving on our roads for an hour, a characteristic sound will appear, or the presence of a “subsidence” of the car in one direction. In this case, it is necessary to seek the services of a professional workshop as soon as possible, or to verify for yourself whether or not there is a problem.

However, be careful with the replacement of equipment and parts in the suspension structure. At first glance, it may seem that repair and replacement is not difficult. Nevertheless, not every motorist can qualitatively and successfully replace a part, in a sometimes heavy mechanism. A frequent problem of such "unfortunate replacements" is the presence of "wiggles", roll when turning to one side, the appearance of degraded vehicle controllability.

Chassis of a car - a complex of components and mechanisms, the main purpose of which is to move the vehicle with the condition of repaying vibrations, shaking and other factors that negatively affect the level of comfort.

The elements of the chassis of the vehicle unite the body and wheels of the machine, reduce swaying, receive and ensure the transmission of acting forces.

In the process of driving a car, people who are in the cabin feel various types of vibrations:

• Slow - have a large amplitude;
• Fast - have a minimum level of rocking.

Seats, rubber mounts (gearbox and motor), as well as other “softening” elements act as “dampers” for fast vibrations.

From the second type of oscillations (slow) protect the elements of the chassis of the vehicle - suspension units, tires and others.

Structurally, the chassis of the machine includes:

• Suspension (rear and front);
• Tires;
• Wheels.

Below we consider each component from the position of functions and features in detail.

Car suspension

Undercarriage elements providing high-quality contact with the coating

There is an opinion that the quality of contact with the road surface depends only on tires, elastic and damping units (shock absorber, springs).

In practice, no less important are the additional elements of the chassis, interacting with each other and the kinematics of the guide devices.

So, to ensure a sufficient level of safety and comfort, the following elements should be in the gap between the body and the coating:

• Tires are devices that are the first to absorb the negative effects of pits or "growths" on the road surface. Thanks to a certain elasticity, tires reduce vibrations and act as indicators of the state of the suspension. If the pattern wears out unevenly, this indicates a malfunction of the running gear elements (for example, a decrease in the resistance of the car's suspension).
  
• Elastic parts (springs, springs) are devices whose task is to hold the vehicle body at a certain level and maintain a high-quality connection between the machine and the coating. Prolonged use of these products leads to the gradual aging of the metal, its "fatigue" due to regular overloads. As a result, the characteristics of the car that affect the level of comfort deteriorate. The clearance value, the load symmetry parameter, the wheel angles and other parameters are subject to change. It is important to understand that springs, not shock absorbers, support the mass of the machine. If the ground clearance decreases and the vehicle "sinks" without load, it's time to install new springs.
  
• Guide details. These elements of the chassis include torsion bars, springs and a lever system that provide the kinematics of the interaction between the body part and the wheels. The main function of the nodes is to maintain the wheel moving up or down in the same plane of rotation. In other words, the latter should be approximately in the same position, at 90 degrees to the road. If the geometry of the guide nodes is violated, the car becomes unpredictable on the road, the tire tread wears out quickly, the life of shock absorbers and other suspension elements decreases.
  
• Auxiliary elastic units of the car. This includes rubber-to-metal joints, often referred to as compression buffers. Their task is to suppress vibrations and high-frequency vibrations arising from the interaction of metal elements of the undercarriage. The presence of these nodes contributes to an increase in the resource of vehicle suspension parts, namely shock absorbers. That is why it is so important to check the condition of the rubber-metal parts that provide the connection of the suspension. The better the auxiliary elastic elements perform the work, the longer the shock absorbers last.
  
• An anti-roll bar (SPU) is an element of the chassis of a car that is necessary to improve handling and reduce the level of roll of the vehicle when entering a turn. With a sharp maneuver, one side of the vehicle is pressed against the road surface, and the other, on the contrary, “breaks away” from the coating. The task of the STC is to prevent this separation and ensure that the "tearing off" side of the car is sufficiently pressed against the road. In addition, in the event of a car hitting an obstacle, the SPU is twisted and guarantees a quick return of the wheel to its original position.
  
• Damping element (shock absorber) - a chassis device that provides damping of body vibrations that occur due to collision with road surface irregularities, as well as due to the appearance of inertial forces. The shock absorber also limits the vibrations of uncontrolled elements (beams, axles, tires, hubs, and others) in relation to the body. As a result, the quality of contact between the wheel and the road surface improves.

We examined the main elements of the chassis of the car, which are structurally different from each other on different models of cars, but in the end they carry the main purpose - to ensure comfortable and safe movement of the vehicle.

The suspension of any modern car is a special element that serves as a transitional link between the road and the body. And this includes not only the front and rear axles and wheels, but also a whole set of mechanisms, parts, springs and various components.

To carry out professional repairs, the motorist needs to know what the car suspension consists of. In this case, he can quickly detect a malfunction, replace a part or debug.

Basic suspension functions

The suspension of any modern car is designed to perform several basic functions:

1. The connection of axles and wheels with the main carrier system - the frame and body.
2. Torque transmission from the motor and the main bearing force.
3. Ensuring the necessary smoothness of movement.
4. Smoothing out road bumps.

All manufacturers are working to improve the efficiency, reliability and durability of the suspension, introducing more advanced solutions.

Varieties of pendants

Classic car suspensions are long gone. Now these systems have become more complex. There are two main varieties:

The vast majority of cars are equipped with independent suspension. It allows you to achieve greater comfort and safety. The essence of this design is that the wheels, located on the same axis, are not rigidly connected to each other in any way. Thanks to this, when one wheel runs into some kind of unevenness, the other does not change its position.

In the case of a dependent suspension, the wheels are connected by a rigid beam and are actually a monolithic structure. As a result, the pair moves synchronously, which is not very convenient.

Main groups of elements

As already mentioned, a modern suspension is a complex system where each element performs its task, and each part, assembly or unit can have several functions at once. It is very difficult to list all the elements, so experts usually distinguish certain groups:

1. Elements that provide elasticity.
2. Guide elements.
3. damping elements.

What is each group for?

The elastic elements are designed to smooth out the vertical forces that arise due to road irregularities. The guide elements are directly responsible for the connection with the carrier system. dampen any vibrations and provide a comfortable ride.

Springs are the main elastic element. They soften shocks, vibrations and negative vibrations. The spring is a large and powerful spring, characterized by high resistance.

One of the main elements of the suspension are shock absorbers that perform damping functions. They consist of:

• upper and lower lugs designed to mount the entire shock absorber;
• protective cover;
• cylinder;
• stock;
• valve pistons.

The damping of vibrations occurs as a result of the influence of the resistance force that occurs when a liquid or gas flows from one container to another.

Another important component is the anti-roll bar. It is necessary to improve security. Thanks to him, the car does not deviate so much to the sides while driving at high speeds.

Suspension plays a key role in determining the driving performance of a passenger car. Many manufacturers are trying to pick up quality parts and are serious about equipment issues. Often, manufacturers use the suspension of a particular company, which has long declared itself and has proven its reliability.

Video

Watch a video reviewing the suspension using the Nissan Almera G15 as an example: