1. Suspension Systems
Prepared by
Vaibhav . S. Sutrave

2. Unitized body Body over frame
Types of Vehicle Construction
Unitized body
Tends to be more tightly structured.
Is designed to transmit impact energy throughout the vehicle.
Body over frame
The body and all major parts are bolted to the frame.
Design is used on many pickups and SUVs.

3. Definitions
Spring
A component used to absorb shock forces while maintaining vehicle height.
Absorbs energy on compression (jounce) and releases energy during extension (rebound).
Shock absorber
A component used to damp or control motion in a vehicle.
Shock absorbers dampen spring oscillations.

4. Spring Types
Coil
Air
Single-leaf
Multileaf
Torsion bar

5. Types of Shock Absorbers
Hydraulic
Uses hydraulic oil.
Gas-charged
Uses nitrogen gas as well as oil.
Air
Uses air chambers to control the height of the shock.

6. Types of Shock Absorbers

7. MacPherson Strut Components
Spring
Shock absorber
Upper suspension mount or locator

9. SLA Suspension Components
Wheel spindle assembly (Knuckle)
Upper and lower control arm (Suspension arms)
Upper and lower ball joints
Shock absorber
Spring

10. SLA Suspension Components
Wheel spindle assembly (Knuckle)
Upper and lower control arm (Suspension arms)
Upper and lower ball joints
Shock absorber
Spring

11. Typical SLA Suspension

12. Coil Spring Rear Suspension

13. Independent Rear Suspension

14. Multi-Link Rear Suspension

15. Types of Electronic Suspensions
Load-leveling systems
Use air shocks in the rear to compensate for vehicle load.
Adaptive systems
Typically use electronic shocks with variable valving.
Fully active systems
Use hydraulic actuators as both spring and shock absorber.

16. Electronic Load-Sensing Shock

17. Electronic Shocks With Variable Valving

18. An Active Suspension System

19. Air springs or shocks Air spring valves Air compressor
Typical Electronic Suspension Components
Air springs or shocks
Air spring valves
Air compressor
Compressor relay
Height sensors
Warning lamp
Control module
On/off switch

20. Typical Electronic Air Suspension Components

21. New Advanced Suspension Technology

22. MAGNETIC SUSPENSION

23. WORKING
The suspension works on magneto- rheological fluid– a synthetic hydrocarbon oil in which microscopically small magnetic particles measuring between three and ten microns are enclosed

24. When a voltage is applied to a coil – by means of a pulse delivered by a control unit – a magnetic field is created in which the alignment of the particles changes. They position themselves transversely to the direction of flow of the oil, and so inhibit its flow through the piston channels. This alters the characteristic of the damping characteristic much faster than is the case in conventional adaptive dampers.

27. Summary
Four types of springs are used in suspension systems: coil, leaf, torsion bar, and air.
Springs take care of two fundamental wheel actions: jounce and rebound.
Shock absorbers damp or control motion in a vehicle.

28. Summary
There are two basic adjustable air shock systems: the manual fill type and the automatic or electronic load-leveling type.
MacPherson struts provide the damping function of a shock absorber.
The unequal length arm or short-long arm (SLA) suspension system is most commonly used on domestic trucks.

29. Summary
Semi-independent suspension is used on many front-wheel drive models.
The two basic types of computer suspension systems are adaptive and active.
Electronically controlled suspensions can be either simple load-leveling systems, adaptive systems, or fully active systems.