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Suspension

Getting there in comfort

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Suspension system perform 6 basic functions:

1. Maintain correct vehicle ride height

2. Reduce the effect of shock forces

3. Maintain correct wheel alignment

4. Support vehicle weight

5. Keep the tires in contact with the road

6. Control the vehicle's direction of travel

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Front Suspension Dependent Independent

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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

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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,

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Twin I-Beam similar to the solid

axle improves ride and

handling load carrying ability used on pickups,

vans and four-wheel drive vehicles.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Suspension Components

Springs Coil Leaf Torsion bar

Torsion Bar Suspension Systems*

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3 types of springs used on automobile suspensions

Lower Control Arm w/Strut rod

coil

leaf

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Suspension Components II

Shock Absorbers purpose *** Dampen spring oscillation Types

Direct acting Dual action telescopic

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ComponentsSpring

Stabilizer

Control Arm BushingControl Arm Ball

Joint

Shock

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•Components

•Upper Control Arm

Upper Control Arm Bushing

•Lower Control Arm•Lower Control Arm Bushing

•Stabilizer

•Strut Rod

•Upper Ball Joint

•Spindle/Knuckle

•Lower Ball Joint

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Springs Leaf

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Leaf Springs

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Springs Torsion Bars

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Springs Transverse

Torsion Bar

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Shock Absorbers Should not leak oil Stop bouncing

quickly SLA- Short Long

Arm

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Shock Absorbers

Shock Assist Gas Charged Air Shocks Shock Absorber

Ratio Electronically

Controlled Shocks

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Shocks

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

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

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Strut Construction

Rod Nut Bearing Plate Upper Spring

Seat Dust Shield Strut Shaft Lower Spring

Seat Strut Body

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Control Arms

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Ball Joints

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Rear Suspension System

Live Axle Semi-

Independent Independent

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Solid Axle, Coil Spring Suspension (live)

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Beam Axle, for FWD

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Modified Beam Axle

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Independent Rear Suspension

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Semi-Independent Semi-Independent Service

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

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Solid (Dummy) Axle

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Electronically Controlled Suspension Adaptive Suspension System Components

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Suspension Problems Toe Camber Caster

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Toe

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Camber

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Caster