Suspension
ARTARMON Car Suspension & Shock Absorber Repairs
Suspension
Non-independent suspension
Many rear-wheel-drive cars have non-independent suspension, usually at the rear. A solid axle connects the wheels on each side. When one wheel is deflected by a bump the other wheel is deflected because of the solid connection between them. This can cause stability and traction problems. Non-independent suspensions are most commonly used in four-wheel-drive vehicles and trucks as they can carry heavy loads and are very rugged.
Independent suspension
The independent suspension offers a more comfortable ride and better handling characteristics simply because each wheel reacts separately from the others. When the wheel on one side hits a bump there is no reaction from any other wheel. Suspensions should be checked in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. There are a number of parts that are susceptible to wear particularly spring and suspension arm bushes.
Springs
Leaf springs. The leaf spring is a long flat metal bar. It can be one or a number of leaves joined together. One end is attached to a pivot on the body, the centre is attached to the axle (by U-bolts) and a moving bracket (shackle) attaches the other end to the car's body. When the wheel hits a bump in the road it moves upwards. The spring flexes and as it is fixed on one end (the pivot) the other end swings on the shackle. the flexing of the spring pushes the wheel downwards to keep it in contact with the road.
Coil springs. The coil spring sits on the lower suspension arm, which can pivot. It is fixed at the top to the car body or cross-member. When the wheel hits a bump it is deflected upwards and this moves the lower suspension arm, which compresses the spring. The spring forces the lower suspension arm downwards and this keeps the wheel in contact with the road.
Torsion bars. The torsion bar is a long round metal bar. It is attached to the lower suspension arm, which pivots and is fixed at the opposite end to the car body or chassis. When the wheel hits a bump the lower suspension arm is deflected, which forces the wheel downwards.
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