Wheel suspension appeared much earlier than the car. For the first time, she appeared on horse-drawn carriages, designed for more comfortable movement over long distances. The number of wheels of such carriages was at least four, so their designers were forced to provide for the possibility vertical movement wheels relative to the body to overcome uneven roads.
It was then that the first suspension designs appeared, which were later used almost unchanged in the very first cars, the speed of which did not exceed 30 km / h. But cars improved, their speeds increased rapidly, and the approach to suspension designs changed.
If at the initial stage of the automotive industry, the suspension was considered only as a means of increasing the comfort of movement, then with the growth of the speed of cars, more and more attention had to be paid to controllability issues. In the third decade of the 20th century, there was a tendency to create an independent system, first of the front, and later of rear wheels cars.
Currently on cars only independent front wheel suspension is used, which can be combined with independent, semi-independent and dependent rear systems. Despite the abundance of currently used schemes, all of them currently contain the following main elements:
- Guide elements that provide a given trajectory of the wheels relative to the body;
- Elastic elements that provide the necessary force to move the wheels;
- Elements providing vibration damping.
The guide elements include levers, racks, ball bearings and rubber-metal hinges.
The elastic elements include springs, springs, torsion bars and pneumatic chambers.
Shock absorbers of all types can be attributed to the elements that dampen vibrations.
The above classification of elements is largely conditional, since in different types suspensions, some parts can combine several functions.
As an example, consider the spring, which was used in carriages. The spring can play the role of all three main elements at once, since the mutual friction of its sheets makes it possible to achieve the effect of vibration damping, and sections of springs of an asymmetric shape can be used as levers.
It is these properties of springs that explain their wide distribution. Nevertheless, such a division of the main elements allows a better understanding of the dependence of the change in its characteristics on the replacement of any of the above elements. That is, the position of the wheels depends on the guide elements, the rigidity of the suspension device depends on the elastic elements, and the efficiency of vibration damping depends on the shock absorbers.
The most common designs and front suspension device
Currently, on passenger cars of small and medium classes, the most common device is the MacPherson type.
A front node device of this type is shown in the figure.
The main feature of this type of suspension is the sharing lower arm and a telescopic vertical stand. In this system, the main load from the weight of the car is transferred to the body in the place of the upper attachment of the telescopic strut, since the elastic element (spring in the figure) is located directly on the strut.
The triangular lower arm controls the trajectory of the wheel and transfers the longitudinal and transverse forces that occur when the car is moving to the power elements of the body. Such a system is very well combined with the front wheel drive, since the axis of rotation of the wheel passes above its lower arm.
The advantages of the MacPherson node are as follows:
- Simplicity of design, allowing to reduce the number of parts and their weight;
- The possibility of increasing the width of the engine compartment;
- Relatively low labor intensity of maintenance and repair.
However, such a node is not without drawbacks:
- The nature of the change in the camber angle during operation is not optimal;
- Significant change in wheel alignment angles when changing vehicle loading;
- The upper attachment point of the struts limits the possibility of lowering the hood line.
In cars on which such a front suspension is installed, springs are most often used as elastic elements. A telescopic shock absorber structurally performs an additional function of a guide element, so the McPherson shock absorber rods have an increased diameter.
To compensate for the bending forces acting on the shock absorber, the spring on it is often installed at an angle to the axis of the rod (see figure). To reduce the roll of the car when cornering, a stabilizer is provided roll stability. Most often, a torsion-type stabilizer is used from a curved steel bar of circular cross section. The bent ends of the stabilizer are pivotally connected to the levers or struts of the left and right wheels.
Intermediate stabilizer supports are fixed on the body or a special subframe. When the car rolls, the stabilizer beam works on twisting and redistributes part of the force from the most loaded wheel to the less loaded one, thus reducing the roll of the car.
The lower arm is connected to the steering knuckle through a ball joint. Such a connection allows not only to change the angle between the steering knuckle and the lever, but also to turn the wheel when changing direction.
The ball joint device is shown in the figure:
In order to facilitate the turning force of the front wheels, a special support bearing is used in the upper support of the rack. The most commonly used thrust ball bearing.
In order for the stand to have free angular movement during operation, the support contains either an elastic rubber element or a special hinge. Diagram of the device of the upper support and the forces acting on it is shown in the figure.
Under the influence of shock alternating loads on the bearing, fatigue failure of the bearing parts can occur, which leads to disruption of its operation.
External signs of bearing failure are extraneous sounds when turning wheels under load. In this case, the bearing must be replaced. In addition, during the operation of the car, the destruction of the rubber elements of the support may occur.
Pendant of any modern car- this is a special element that serves as a transitional link between the road and the body. And this includes not only the front and rear axles and wheels, but also a whole set of mechanisms, parts, springs and various components.
To carry out professional repairs, the motorist needs to know what the car suspension consists of. In this case, he can quickly detect a malfunction, replace a part or debug.
Basic suspension functions
The suspension of any modern car is designed to perform several basic functions:
- The connection of axles and wheels with the main carrier system - the frame and body.
- Torque transmission from the motor and the main bearing force.
- Ensuring the necessary smoothness of movement.
- Smoothing out road bumps.
All manufacturers are working to improve the efficiency, reliability and durability of the suspension, introducing more advanced solutions.
Varieties of pendants
Classic car pendants are long gone. Now these systems have become more complex. There are two main varieties:
The vast majority of cars are equipped with independent suspension. It allows you to achieve greater comfort and safety. The essence of this design is that the wheels, located on the same axis, are not rigidly connected to each other in any way. Thanks to this, when one wheel runs into some kind of unevenness, the other does not change its position.
In the case of a dependent suspension, the wheels are connected by a rigid beam and are actually a monolithic structure. As a result, the pair moves synchronously, which is not very convenient.
Main groups of elements
As already mentioned, a modern suspension is a complex system where each element performs its task, and each part, assembly or unit can have several functions at once. It is very difficult to list all the elements, so experts usually distinguish certain groups:
- Elements that provide elasticity.
- Guide elements.
- damping elements.
What is each group for?
The elastic elements are designed to smooth out the vertical forces that arise due to road irregularities. The guide elements are directly responsible for the connection with the carrier system. dampen any vibrations and provide a comfortable ride.
Springs are the main elastic element. They soften shocks, vibrations and negative vibrations. The spring is a large and powerful spring, characterized by high resistance.
One of the main elements of the suspension are shock absorbers that perform damping functions. They consist of:
- upper and lower lugs designed to mount the entire shock absorber;
- protective cover;
- cylinder;
- stock;
- valve pistons.
The damping of vibrations occurs as a result of the influence of the resistance force that occurs when a liquid or gas flows from one container to another.
Another important component is the anti-roll bar. It is necessary to improve security. Thanks to him, the car does not deviate so much to the sides while driving at high speeds.
Suspension plays a key role in determining driving performance passenger car. Many manufacturers are trying to pick up quality parts and are serious about equipment issues. Often, manufacturers use the suspension of a particular company, which has long declared itself and has proven its reliability.
Video
Watch a video that gives an overview of the suspension on Nissan example Almera G15:
road for traffic Vehicle is rarely perfect. Even on a paved track, there are always cracks, potholes and bumps. Without a shock absorption system, comfortable movement would be impossible, and the car body would not withstand the shock loads transmitted from the wheels for a long time. The car suspension is designed to absorb such a load, and, depending on the purpose and cost, has a different design.
Purpose and vehicle suspension device
When the vehicle is moving, all vibrations arising from road irregularities are transmitted to the body. The task of the suspension is to soften or dampen such vibrations. An additional function is to ensure the connection of the body and wheels, while the wheels have the ability to change location independently of the body, adjusting the direction of movement. Together with the wheels, the suspension is one of the essential elements of the running gear of the car.
Suspension is a technically complex device consisting of the following parts:
- Elastic elements - metal and non-metal parts that take on the entire load from movement over bumps, and, due to their properties, distribute it to the body structure.
- Damping devices (shock absorbers) - units with a pneumatic, hydraulic or combined structure, leveling body vibrations received from elastic parts.
- Guide parts - various levers connecting the suspension to the body, and controlling the displacement of the wheels relative to each other and the body.
- Anti-roll bars - elastic rods made of metal that connect the suspension and the body, and eliminate the possible roll of the car when driving.
- Wheel supports - parts of the front axle in the form steering knuckles, taking loads from the wheels, and distributing them over the suspension.
- Means of fastening parts, assemblies and assemblies, the task of which is to connect the suspension and the body to each other. These are rigid bolted connections, ball joints or hinges, composite silent blocks.
Damping elements
The parts of the suspension that dampen vibrations while the car is moving are called damping elements. These include the following devices:
- Two-tube shock absorbers, consisting of inner and outer tubes, and performing the function of a reservoir and a piston, which are connected by holes and multidirectional valves, which, due to the inertia of the working medium, slow down reciprocating movements and dampen vibrations.
Depending on the internal working environment, shock absorbers are divided into:
- hydraulic;
- Gas-filled;
- Gas-hydraulic.
Elastic elements
The task of these suspension elements is to dampen the shocks coming from the wheels of the car to the body, and are the following parts:
- Spring. The simplest element present in almost all types of suspension. For efficiency, it can have a different form.
- Spring. The oldest suspension element is a set of steel sheets connected together and damping vibrations due to mutual friction.
- pneumatic element. It acts as an alternative to a spring and is a rubber pillow where air is pumped.
- Torsion. An elastic compact element in the form of a rod, one end of which is connected to the suspension arm, and the other is clamped by a bracket on the body. When the suspension arm is moved, the rod acts as an elastic element and twists.
- Stretcher. It is an intermediate part between the body and suspension elements, forming one assembly unit with them.
- Anti-roll bar. It is a rod connected through racks or wheel suspension arms to stabilize the movement of the car.
The principle of operation of the suspension
An automobile suspension works by converting the impact force from a wheel hitting an uneven surface into the movement of elastic parts (springs). The rigidity of such movements is controlled and softened by damping devices (shock absorbers). Due to this, the force of impacts transmitted to the body is reduced, which ensures smooth movement.
Suspension stiffness different cars varies greatly: the stiffer it is, the easier and more predictable the control, but the ride comfort decreases. Soft creates ease of use, but at the expense of noticeably reduced controllability (which is not recommended). For this reason, vehicle manufacturers always try to find a compromise between comfort and safety.
Pendant classification
In modern automotive industry, the following types of suspensions are most often used:
1. MacPherson. Developed in 1960 by an engineer who gave the design his last name. Consists of the following parts:
- Anti-roll bar, or "swinging candle". It is attached to the body with a hinge and tends to swing with the vertical movement of the wheel.
- Block (spring element and telescopic shock absorber);
- Lever.
The advantage of the suspension is its low price, simplicity and reliability. The disadvantage is a noticeable change in the camber angle on the wheels.
2. Double lever. It consists of two levers of different lengths - the upper short and the lower long. This scheme is one of the most advanced, since the car on it has excellent lateral stability and low tire wear due to minimal lateral wheel movements.
3. Multi-link. It has a similar structure to the double-lever, but much more perfect and more complicated. In it, all hinges, levers and silent blocks are attached to a special subframe. A lot of ball bearings and rubberized bushings perfectly absorb shocks when hitting bumps and reduce noise in the cabin. This suspension scheme provides the best tire grip, ride and handling. Advantages multi-link suspension the following: 
- Optimum wheel turning;
- Isolated longitudinal and transverse adjustments;
- Small unsprung masses;
- Independence of wheels from each other;
- Excellent potential with all-wheel drive.
But the main drawback of the suspension is its high cost, although recently not only executive cars, but also golf-class cars have been equipped with such a unit.
4. Responsive. It carries fundamental differences from other types of mechanisms, being a logical and improved continuation of the hydropneumatic suspension, first implemented by Citroen and Mercedes. Its merits are as follows:
- Small buildup at high speed and minimal body roll;
- Forced variable damping;
- Automatic adaptation to any road surface;
- Excellent straight-line stability;
- Adaptation for the driver;
- High degree of security.
Different companies in the manufacture of the unit develop their own original scheme, but in general the design consists of the following components:
- Adjustable anti-roll bars;
- Chassis control unit;
- Active shock absorbers;
- Various sensors (ground clearance, bumps, etc.).
The main disadvantage of the device is its complexity.
5. Type "De Dion". The invention of the French engineer has the main goal - to unload the rear axle of the vehicle as much as possible by separating the final drive housing, while it is attached directly to the body. The torque is transmitted through the axle shafts and CV joints, which allows the suspension to be both dependent and independent. The main design flaws are “squatting” on rear wheels with a sharp start and "peck" during braking.
6. Rear dependent. The device can be observed on classic VAZ models, where hallmark cylindrical helical springs act as elastic elements. A beam "hangs" on them rear axle and is attached to the body with four trailing arms. transverse jet thrust dampens roll and improves handling. The design does not provide good comfort and smooth running due to unsprung masses, and a massive rear axle, but is relevant when attached to the beam of the main gear housing, gearbox and other massive parts.
7. Semi-independent rear. It is widely used in many all-wheel drive vehicles, and consists of a pair of trailing arms attached in the center to the cross member. This suspension has the following advantages:
- Compact size and relatively light weight;
- Ease of repair and maintenance;
- Noticeable reduction in unsprung masses;
- The best wheel kinematics.
The main disadvantage of the suspension is the impossibility of installing it on rear-wheel drive vehicles.
8. Pickups and SUVs. Depending on the purpose and weight of the car, there are three types of suspension:
- Independent front and dependent rear;
- Completely independent;
- Completely dependent.
In most cases on rear axle a spring or spring suspension is installed, interacting with rigid one-piece axles. Springs are used in heavy jeeps and pickups because of their ability to withstand an impressive load, unpretentiousness and reliability. Such a suspension is inexpensive in cost, which influenced the equipping of individual budget cars with it.
The spring circuit is long-stroke, soft, and not complicated in structure, therefore it is more often installed on light jeeps. Spring and torsion circuits are installed on the front axles.
9. Trucks. Trucks are equipped with dependent suspensions with longitudinal and transverse springs, and hydraulic shock absorbers. Such a scheme is as simple as possible and cheap to manufacture. But at high speeds, the driver is faced with poor handling, as the springs do not function well as guiding elements.
Frame, wheels, beams of bridges. Suspension device, suspension diagram and suspension design in articles and drawings. Tips from experienced craftsmen suspension repair.
Xbottom of the car serves to move vehicles along the road.Chassis set upin such a way that it is convenient for a person to move comfortably.
DIn order for the car to move, the parts of the chassis connect the body to the wheels, dampen vibrations during movement, soften, perceive shocks and efforts. And for in order to avoid shaking and excessive vibration while driving, the chassis includes the following elements and mechanisms: elastic suspension elements, wheels and tires.
XThe bottom of the car consists of the following main elements:
1. R and we
2. B alok bridges
3. P front and rear wheel suspension
4. To oles (wheels, tires)
T car suspension types:
Macpherson pendant
MacPherson Suspension Device -MacPherson pendant this is the so-called suspension on the guide racks. This type of suspension involves the use of a suspension strut as the main element. MacPherson suspension can be used for both rear and front wheels.
Independent suspension
independent suspension called , because the wheels of one axle are not rigidly connected, this ensures the independence of one wheel from the other (the wheels do not have any effect on each other).
Modern suspension design. Modern suspension this is an element of the car that performs depreciation and damping properties, which is associated with the vibrations of the car in the vertical direction. The quality and characteristics of the suspension will allow passengers to experience the maximum comfort of movement. Among the main parameters of the comfort of the car, one can recognize the smoothness of the vibration of the body.
- balancer suspension especially appropriate for the rear wheels of the car, which have a front drive axle, this is argued by the fact that such a suspension takes up almost no space on the frame. Balance suspension applied mainly to three-axle vehicles, middle and rear drive axles which are located next to each other. Sometimes it is used on four-axle vehicles, as well as multi-axle trailers. Balance suspension is of two types: dependent and independent. Dependent suspensions have become very popular.
suspension device truck
- this is a section in which you can study the structure, purpose, principle of operation of the suspension of a truck. Car suspension ZIL
- a section that describes in detail the suspension device of a ZIL 130 truck.
The suspension provides an elastic connection between the frame or body with the axles of the car or directly with its wheels, perceiving vertical forces and setting the required ride smoothness. Also, the suspension serves to perceive the longitudinal and transverse forces and reactive moments that act between the reference plane and the frame. The suspension provides for the transfer of pushing and twisting forces.
- Vehicle rear suspension device
- Balance suspension device
- Dependent suspensions
- Rear suspension of a three-axle vehicle
Eelements of the running gear of the car:
- steerable bridge It is a beam in which swivel pins and connecting elements are installed on hinges. A rigid stamped beam is the basis of the steerable axle. Respectivelyfront steering axlethis is a conventional cross beam with driven steered wheels, to which torque is not supplied from the engine. This bridge is not driving and serves to support the carrier system of the car and ensure its rotation. There is a large list of different types of steerable axles that are used on trucks (6x2) and cars (4x2).
- Elastic suspension elements of the machine- atspring elements of the car suspension are designed to mitigate shocks and impacts, as well as to reduce vertical accelerations and dynamic loads that are transferred to the structure when the vehicle is moving. Elastic suspension elements avoid direct impact road bumps on the body profile and provide the necessary smoothness. The limits of optimal smoothness range from 1-1.3 Hz.
In this article we will tell you about the varieties of car suspensions.
Alas, the quality of our roads is getting worse and worse. Therefore, in order to travel by car to bring maximum comfort, and not to feel so much unexpected bumps and pits that come across along the way, various suspension designs were developed. Thanks to them, the relationship between the wheel pairs and the car body is carried out, vibration during movement is significantly reduced. Most motorists believe that different types of suspensions are made for specific types of vehicles. Like it or not, let's try to figure it out.
Suspension design
It is worth noting that the suspension is a rather complex system, consisting of the following elements:
Vibration damper;
Wheel supports;
A special device (stabilizer) that provides stability to the vehicle by suppressing centrifugal force;
guides;
Fasteners.
Each of the suspension parts is multifunctional. For example, the spring plays the role of a guide, vibration damper, and provides cushioning for the wheels. In modern vehicles, regardless of their types, the components of the suspension can be independent, while having a complex device. Elastic elements provide a permanent connection between the body structure and the roadway, leveling vibrations. This is possible due to the presence of shock absorbers, torsion bars and springs in the suspension design. Note that the springs can be either of the same diameter along the entire length, or variable. In this case, the rigidity of the latter is constantly changing. The design of the spring includes a special bumper made of dense rubber, which does not allow it to be fully compressed, while acting as a vibration damper when hitting the pit.
Springs and torsion bars
The design of the spring elements consists of metal strips of different lengths. In turn, all spring elements are divided into:
Spring;
Leafy;
Torsion.
The latter type is a rotating rods located inside a metal casing-pipe. Torsion bars also include all pneumatic and hydropneumatic suspension structures. In pneumatic elements, the main driving force is air, and in hydropneumatic elements, liquid and gas. During movement, these parts ensure the correct spatial position of the body.
The anti-roll bar allows you to achieve an even distribution of the load between the suspension elements at the time of the turn. It is also performed in the form of a torsion element.
Other suspension parts help to strengthen the body, the correct location of the front and rear wheelsets relative to it. Guide parts allow you to correctly distribute the centrifugal forces that arise during the movement.
Shock absorbers allow you to smooth out the ever-increasing body vibrations and vibrations. Structurally, they are metal tubes in which the working fluid (oil) or gas is located.
All suspension elements are fastened with bolts, silent blocks and ball bearings.
Types of car suspensions
It is known that all pendants that exist today are independent, dependent and other types arbitrary from them. Let's look at each type.
A feature of the dependent suspension is the presence in its design of a special beam, which allows you to combine the wheels on opposite sides. If for some reason one of the wheels shifts, the same will happen with the second. This type has been used on vehicles for many years, although the dependent suspension has been significantly upgraded recently. Today, in it, the spring system, which was used for a long time, has been replaced by trailing arms, and a special transverse link has been installed as a stabilizer. It should be noted positive sides The latter type of construction, which, in addition to a small mass and stability of the camber angle, also includes high structural rigidity, which is especially important given the condition of our roads.
Dependent suspension provides the vehicle with a constant grip on the road surface, regardless of the conditions and type of driving. But, there are also disadvantages, which include the likelihood of loss of vehicle stability when making a turn or hitting an obstacle with one of the wheels. Also, due to the presence of a transverse thrust, controllability is reduced.
The dependent type suspension is mainly the prerogative of trucks and some models of four-wheel drive vehicles, where it is installed at the rear.
As for the independent type of suspension, it is represented by a more complex design solution with no relationship between the wheels. For example, suspension, where the main bearing elements are trailing arms, which are articulated with the body. Due to the strength of all elements of the system, a clear parallel arrangement of wheel sets is achieved. A car with this type of suspension has better maneuverability and good handling, however, when entering a turn, it is necessary to significantly slow down, because when performing maneuvers, the vehicle body tilts, resulting in loss of stability.
The semi-dependent types of suspensions include a torsion-lever design, which combines the two types described above. Instead of springs, shock absorbers and springs, the elastic element here is the torsion bar, which can have a round or square section, and acts as a link between the frame and the wheels. Due to its simplicity and compactness, this semi-independent suspension is mainly included in the design of small city runabouts. The only negative is that it has increased rigidity, as a result of which it is only suitable for driving on good roads.
One of the most common types of suspension is the "swinging candle", or Macpherson known to all motorists. It can be installed both on the front and rear of the vehicle, while it works well in any position due to the increased distance between the main elements of the support. It is one of the cheapest, most compact and easy to maintain types. running gear automotive technology.
However, MacPherson, like the torsion-link type of suspension, does not like bad roads and quite often suffers from a change in the camber angle. But, this still does not prevent him from being one of the most sought-after species today.
The first type of suspension that was installed on old sports cars, became double-lever. In it, transversely located levers are connected to a subframe or car body. Thanks to this design, it is quite easy to adjust the wheel alignment parameters. This type is good because, despite all the irregularities pavement, the wheels are in a constant vertical position, resulting in a smooth ride and less wear on the rubber. The only drawback is the complex, multi-element design.
In terms of complexity, it is followed by a multi-link type of chassis. This suspension, like the double wishbone, provides the car with a smooth ride, maneuverability and excellent handling. In view of this, it is installed on all models of expensive vehicles. This type of suspension has a minimum of four links, which increases its cost and causes some maintenance problems. However, no matter how complex its design is, road bumps are still well felt during movement.
Unfortunately, it is impossible to call any of the described types of chassis ideal, since each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.
These video clips will clearly show and tell you about the types of suspensions and the principles of their work:
How suspension works:
The work of the front suspension VAZ 2106: