Automotive (2) Lab

Suspension system

Name: Mohammad yahya Bani issa

Dr. Wael Adaileh

INTRODUCTION
suspension system of a car is used to support its weight during varying road conditions. The suspension system is
made of several parts and components.

system is made of several parts and components

the front and rear suspensions, the shock absorbers, and the MacPherson strut system

FRONT SUSPENSION
The purpose of the front suspension is to support the weight of the vehicle. The suspension is also designed to
provide a smooth passenger ride over varying road conditions and speeds.

There are several types of front-end suspension systems

Automobiles commonly use the independent front suspension
system. This means that each wheel is independent
from the other. For example, if the left wheel goes over a
bump in the road, only the left wheel will move up and
down

Certain types of trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles may use an I-beam suspension. This system has one main beam
connecting each front wheel. So it is not an independent front suspension.

PARTS OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM

'Ball Joints (both upper and lower)

Control arms, shaft bushings, and shims
Sway bar. bushings
Strut rod. bushings
Coil springs
Stabilizers
Shock absorbers
Steering knuckle and spindle
Ball Joints:

The ball joints connect the spindle and

steering knuckle lo the upper and lower control arms

The ball joints must carry the weight of the vehicle. They provide a pivot point for the
wheel lo turn. They also allow for vertical movement of the
control arms when the vehicle goes over irregularities in the road.

Control Arms
There are two control arms: an
uppe1 control arm and a lower control arm.

Several
arrangements are used for the control arms. There are
single pivot control arms, double pivot control arms, and
short and long control arms.
The type of control arm depends on
the year and manufacturer of the vehicle
sway Bar and Link (Stabilizer Bar and Link)

The sway bar and sway bar link are also called
the stabilizer bar and link. The sway bar link connects the
lower control arm to the sway bar

Strut Rods

The strut rod is used on vehicles that have single pivot lower control arms. They can be located
either in front of or behind the control rod. They are designed to retain the lower control arms in their intended positions. They
also provide a method of keeping the wheel in the right position for alignment.

Coil Springs

The coil springs support the car's weight, maintain the car's stance, or height, and correctly
position all the other suspension parts. Thus, if a spring sags a slight amount, the tires, shocks, ball joints, and control arms all
work outside their normal positions. This condition
can cause excessive or abnormal wear throughout the suspension systems.

Torsion Bars

Another method of providing desired

ride and handling characteristics is to use torsion bars
rather than springs. Torsion bars are made so that as a
vehicle goes over bumps; the torsion bar will twist. The resistance
to twisting produces an effect similar to that produced
by springs. A torsion bar is attached to each side
of the vehicle. One end of the torsion bar is attached to
the frame. The other end of the torsion bar is attached
to the lower control arm. As the lower control arm moves
because of bumps in the road. the torsion bar twists and reduces
the car's motion
Steering Knuckle and Spindle

two other
parts of the front suspension include the steering knuckle
and the wheel spindle. The wheel spindle is the unit that
carries the hub and bearing assembly with the help of the
knuckle. In some vehicles, the steering knuckle and wheel
spindle are one unit

FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS

The front wheel bearings are also considered part of the
front suspension. There are two bearings on each front
wheel spindle to support the wheel. Both bearings are called
tapered roller bearings.

REAR SUSPENSION
The rear suspension system is an integral part of the total suspension system. There are typically two types of rear suspension
systems: the solid axle type and the independent rear suspension type.

PURPOSE OF REAR SUSPENSION

All rear suspension systems serve the same purpose. They are designed to keep the rear axle and wheels in their proper
position
under the car body. The rear wheels must always track exactly straight ahead. The rear suspension axle allows each
of the rear wheels to move up and down somewhat independently from the frame. This helps to maintain alignment and
good vehicle control and provides passenger comfort.

LEAF SPRING
One common type of spring used on rear suspensions is the
leaf spring. It consists of one or more leaves and usually has
its end formed into eyes for connection to the vehicle frame.
A U-bolt is used to hold the rear axle to the spring. This type
of spring is called the semi-elliptical spring. The ends are
higher than the center arch

COIL SPRING REAR SUSPENSION

In a COIL spring rear suspension, the spring is placed between

a bracket mounted on the axle and the vehicle frame.
The coil design is much the same as the front wheel coil
spring. In addition to the coil springs, control arms and
bushings are used. Control arms provide stability to the
rear wheels during driving. The control arms are attached
with bushings to the rear axle housing and the car frame.
INDEPENDENT REAR SUSPENSION

Independent rear suspension is used on many front-wheel drive cars. Independent rear suspension means that each
rear wheel is independent in its movement. This is much the same as the front suspension system

SHOCK ABSORBERS
PURPOSE OF SHOCK ABSORBERS
Shock absorbers are hydraulic devices that help to control
the up, down, and rolling motions of a car body. One shock
absorber is used on each wheel. Each shock must control
one wheel and axle motion. The car's springs support the
body, but the shock absorbers work with the springs to control
movements of the car body. A shock absorber can be
considered a damper that controls energy stored in the
springs under load. For this reason, shock absorbers are
also called oscillation dampers.

SHOCK ABSORBER OPERATION

Shock absorbers are made to force a non-compressible liquid

through small openings.

deflecting discs. Oil can only pass through these passageways

at a certain speed. The pressure forces oil out into
chamber C. The damping force originates from the resistance
of oil flow at the narrow passages of the valve parts. In
addition, oil passes into chamber A. Oil must flow into this
chamber because it is getting larger as the piston is moved
downward.

PARTS OF A SHOCK ABSORBER

TYPES OF SHOCK ABSORBERS

Spiral-Grooved Shock Absorbers

Gas-Filled Shock Absorbers

Air Shock Absorbers

COMPUTER-CONTROLLED
SUSPENSION SYSTEMS

PURPOSE OF COMPUTERCONTROLLED
SUSPENSION SYSTEM
as with many vehicle systems, the suspension system can be controlled by computers and control modules. There are
many advantages of using computers and control modules
to control suspension. for example, most drivers like a smooth, soft ride while driving on a highway. Yet when the
car is cornering or accelerating, a firmer ride is more comfortable. Suspension systems of years ago were designed for
either a soft ride or a firm ride, but not both. Today, with the use of computers, both firm and soft rides can be produced,
almost instantly. In addition, when vehicles have additional weight in the trunk or several extra passengers, a computer
controlled suspension system can keep the vehicle level continuously. The end result of using computer-controlled
suspension systems are better control of the steering system, improved fuel mileage, a more attractive profile of the
vehicle. improved vehicle stability and ride quality. and improved safety.
There are many designs for computer-controlled suspension systems. The following section will help the service
technician understand many of the basic principles and operation. Note that there are many other systems; however,
the basic principles are similar.
MACPHERSON STRUT SUSPENSION

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
OF THE MACPHERSON
STRUT SUSPENSION
One other popular type of independent suspension system
is the l\MacPherson strut suspension. Many imported and
domestic vehicles utilize this system on front-wheel drive
vehicles. Certain vehicles also use this system on the rear
wheels. There is also a modified version of the MacPherson
strut system. The MacPherson strut system is favored where
space and weight savings are important. It is used by American,
European. and Japanese auto manufacturers.

PA RTS OF THE MACPHERSON

STRUT SUSPENSION

MacPherson strut suspension

system as well as a strut cartridge. It is very much like a
regular shock absorber and spring combined. The only
difference is that the strut assembly is used as a structural part
of the vehicle's suspension system. A more detailed drawing
of a typical front strut

The MacPherson strut suspension has eliminated the

need for several common suspension parts. There is no
upper control arm. and the upper ball joint is not needed.
Vehicle weight is supported at the top of the strut assembly.
The strut bearing is bolted directly to the shock tower. The
shock tower is the part of the car body to which the MacPherson
strut is attached

ADVANTAGES OF USING
MacPherson TAUT SUSPENSION

1. They weigh less than the conventional two control

arm system.
2. The system spreads the suspension load over a wider
span of the car's chassis.
3-They take up less room in the engine compartment,
which allows room for other components.
4-There are fewer moving parts than in the conventional