Suspensions

IndexIndexIntroduction to SuspensionsStrutsCamberSteering Axis InclinationWhat is a MacPherson Strut?AdvantagesDisadvantagesReferences

Introduction to Introduction to SuspensionsSuspensions

Goal of a Suspension : 1. Comfort 2. Contact 3. Control

Components of a Suspension

1.Springs2.Dampers (Shock Absorber)

SPRINGSSPRINGS

COIL SPRING- Consists of a spiral

spring- Usually mounted on

independent suspensions

LEAF SPRING- Consists of metal

plates enclosed together

- Usually mounted on solid axles

DAMPER (SHOCK DAMPER (SHOCK ABSORBER)ABSORBER)

- Basically, damper is a device used to dissipate energy.-Reacts to Velocity-Turning, Braking & Acceleration

STRUTSSTRUTS

- Spring & Damper combined together in a single unit results in the formation of a Strut.- Strut is a structural component- Eliminates need of upper control arm- MacPherson Strut is the most commonly used Strut

CAMBERCAMBERAngle of tyre with vertical axis of carAngle of tyre with vertical axis of car

POSITIVE CAMBER- Bottom of tyre inside,

Top of tyre outside

- Most vehicles use positive camber

- Helps in Steering axis inclination

NEGATIVE CAMBER- Bottom of tyre outside,

Top of tyre inside

- Used in racing / off road vehicles

- Wider stance

- Greater Stability

STEERING AXIS INCLINATIONSTEERING AXIS INCLINATION

- Positive camber helps to get a smaller scrub radius- Reduced effort at lower speeds- Minimized tyre wear- Wheel goes straight when steering is released

MACPHERSON STRUTMACPHERSON STRUT

- MacPherson strut was developed by Earle .S. MacPherson of General Motors in the year 1949- It is a combination of a shock absorber (Damper) & a coil spring as a single unit- It is a type of car suspension that uses the axis of the damper as the upper steering pivot

ASSEMBLY OF A MACPHERSON STRUTASSEMBLY OF A MACPHERSON STRUT

ADVANTAGESADVANTAGES

- Cheaper & lighter than a double A or a double wishbone Suspension- Great for Front Wheel Drive (FWD) cars as it provides space for the driveshaft- Low in Maintainance- Narrower than a double wishbone suspension

DISADVANTAGESDISADVANTAGES

- Taller than a double wishbone suspension- As it mounts directly to the body, unibody structure is necessary to handle the stress- It transmits sound and vibrations straight to the body of the car- Smaller camber changes during body roll- No camber gain during Cornering as strut is mounted directly to the body

3-D ANIMATION OF 3-D ANIMATION OF MACPHERSON STRUTMACPHERSON STRUT

CARS USING CARS USING MACPHERSON STRUTMACPHERSON STRUT

Ford Vedette was the first car in which MacPherson Strut was introduced

Mitsubishi Starion was the first car to Mitsubishi Starion was the first car to employ an independent MacPherson employ an independent MacPherson Strut assembly for all four wheels Strut assembly for all four wheels

MORDERN CARS EMPLOYING MORDERN CARS EMPLOYING MACPHERSON STRUT SUSPENSION MACPHERSON STRUT SUSPENSION

SYSTEMSSYSTEMS

PORSCHE PANAMERA

CADILLAC XTS

REFERENCESREFERENCESWikipedia ...!!!