1. Getting there in comfort
Suspension
Getting there in comfort

3. Suspension system perform 6 basic functions:
Maintain correct vehicle ride height
Reduce the effect of shock forces
Maintain correct wheel alignment
Support vehicle weight
Keep the tires in contact with the road
Control the vehicle's direction of travel

4. Front Suspension
Dependent
Independent

5. Dependent Front Suspension
Dependent front suspension uses a solid axle. Uses one steel or aluminum beam extending the width of the vehicle. The beam is held in place by leaf springs.
solid axle is only used on heavy trucks, and off-road vehicles

6. Independent Front Suspension
Developed in the 1930's to improve vehicle ride control and riding comfort
wheels to respond individually to road conditions
sprung weight is reduced, creating a smoother ride.
Twin I-Beam, Type 1 Coil Spring, Type 2 Coil Spring, Torsion Bar, Double Wishbone,

7. Twin I-Beam similar to the solid axle improves ride and handling
load carrying ability
used on pickups, vans and four-wheel drive vehicles.

8. Type 1 Coil Spring 2 upper control arms 2 lower control arms
2 steering knuckles
2 spindles
2 upper ball joints
2 lower ball joints
bushings
coil springs
Shock Absorbers
short-arm/long-arm, or the parallel arm design

9. Type 2 Coil Spring coil spring is mounted on the upper control arm
top of the spring is attached to the frame.
upper ball joint receives the weight of the vehicle
and the force of the coil spring
makes it the load carrier

10. Torsion Bar no coil or leaf springs
supports the vehicle weight and absorbs the road shock
performs the same function as a coil spring:
supports the vehicle's weight

11. Double Wishbone type of strut suspension
space saving benefits of a strut
of the parallel arm suspension
more aerodynamic hoodline
portion of the strut forms a wishbone shape
does not rotate when the wheels turn

12. Suspension Components
Springs
Coil
Leaf
Torsion bar
Torsion Bar Suspension Systems*

13. 3 types of springs used on automobile suspensions
coil
Lower Control Arm w/Strut rod
leaf

14. Suspension Components II
Shock Absorbers purpose ***
Dampen spring oscillation
Types
Direct acting
Dual action
telescopic

15. Components Spring Shock Stabilizer Control Arm Bushing Control Arm
Ball Joint

16. Components Upper Ball Joint Upper Control Arm Bushing
Spindle/Knuckle
Lower Control Arm
Lower Control Arm Bushing
Stabilizer
Strut Rod
Lower Ball Joint

17. Springs
Leaf

18. Leaf Springs

19. Springs
Torsion Bars

20. Springs
Transverse Torsion Bar

21. Shock Absorbers Should not leak oil Stop bouncing quickly
SLA- Short Long Arm

22. Shock Absorbers Shock Assist Gas Charged Air Shocks
Shock Absorber Ratio
Electronically Controlled Shocks

23. Shocks

24. Springs Spring Rate Jounce Rebound Sprung Weight Un-sprung Weight
Coil Springs*
Leaf Springs*
Air Springs

25. MacPherson Struts
NO upper control Arm!
Spring around a shock absorber

26. Strut Construction Rod Nut Bearing Plate Upper Spring Seat Dust Shield
Strut Shaft
Lower Spring Seat
Strut Body

27. Control Arms

28. Ball Joints

29. Rear Suspension System
Live Axle
Semi-Independent
Independent

30. Solid Axle, Coil Spring Suspension (live)

31. Beam Axle, for FWD

32. Modified Beam Axle

33. Independent Rear Suspension

34. Semi-Independent
Semi-Independent Service

35. Live-Axle Rear Suspension System
Leaf Spring
Coil Spring
Live Axle Servicing

36. Solid (Dummy) Axle

37. Electronically Controlled Suspension
Adaptive Suspension
System Components

38. Suspension Problems
Toe
Camber
Caster

39. Toe

40. Camber

41. Caster