What Is a Suspension?
A suspension is a crucial component in vehicles that connects the tires to the car body. It significantly influences ride quality by reducing the impact from road surfaces and maintaining the vehicle’s stability. The balance between driving stability and ride comfort can be adjusted based on the suspension settings. While commonly associated with cars and motorcycles, the term suspension also applies to vibration-absorbing mechanisms in various machines and equipment.
Uses of Suspensions
All automobiles and motorcycles are equipped with suspensions, as they connect the body and tires. Suspensions are also used in trains, tanks, bicycles, furniture, buildings, and wherever there is a need to soften and absorb impacts.
Principle of Suspensions
Suspensions typically consist of springs, shock absorbers, suspension arms, bushings, and upper mounts. Springs cushion tire impacts, while shock absorbers dampen the springs’ vertical movement, reducing impact transmission to the vehicle body. The hardness and dimensions of suspension components can be adjusted to modulate shock mitigation.
Types of Suspensions
Suspensions are categorized into fixed-axle and independent types.
1. Fixed Axle
This suspension type connects the wheels on both sides with an axle. It is known for its simplicity, durability, easy maintenance, and low cost. However, it has the drawback of transmitting shocks from one wheel to the other. Fixed-axle suspensions are mainly used in commercial vehicles such as trucks and SUVs.
2. Independent Suspension System
In this system, each wheel is connected to separate axles, reducing cross-wheel impact transmission and improving ride comfort. Independent suspensions are prevalent in front wheels of most cars and in high-end sports and racing cars.
Subcategories of independent suspensions include strut, multi-link, double wishbone, and swing arm.
3. Twist-Beam Rear Suspension
A simpler, cost-effective type where trailing arms from both wheels are connected by a crossbeam. It offers intermediate shock absorption between rigid and independent types and is commonly used in compact cars and front-wheel-drive vehicles.
Other Information on Suspensions
Influence of Suspension Performance
“Stiff” suspensions, characterized by rigid springs and high damper force, are preferred for racing cars where minimal body sway is desired. Conversely, “soft” suspensions with softer springs and lower damper force enhance ride comfort but may not be suitable for high-performance driving. The ideal suspension setup varies based on the vehicle’s purpose and required performance.