Module 7: Suspension Systems Lecture Notes

Vocabulary terms and definitions regarding the components, types, and functions of vehicle suspension systems as detailed in Module 7.

Front axle

A solid rotating shaft connecting the front wheels of a vehicle.

Leaf spring

A spring that is constructed from curved metal strips that are clamped together into a single unit.

Shock absorber

A device that absorbs mechanical bending.

Rigid

Stiff and resistant to suspension.

Dependent front suspension

A suspension type where the two front wheels are connected by a solid front axle, causing the movement of the tyres to be dependent on each other.

Independent front suspension

A system where the two front tyres can move independently of each other.

MacPherson strut

A light, compact suspension system combining a shock absorber and a coil spring into a single unit that carries the vehicle load.

Coil spring

A wire bent into a spring with a cylindrical outline.

Ball joint

A joint consisting of a ball connected to a socket, allowing rotational movement in all directions.

Strut

A brace or support.

Shock absorber and spring combo

A combination of a spring and shock absorber.

Earle S MacPherson

The General Motors employee who developed the MacPherson strut in $1947$.

Double-wishbone suspension

Also called 'A-arm suspension', it uses two wishbone-shaped arms per wheel to reduce vehicle sway.

Torsion bars

One of the three types of steel springs found on automobiles, alongside coil and leaf springs.

Body movement

The up-and-down movement of a vehicle.

Sway

The side-to-side movement of a vehicle.

Lean and roll

The tilting of a vehicle body when cornering.

Anti-roll bar

A metal bar connecting the suspension on each side of the vehicle to reduce sway by transferring movement from one side to the other.

Control arm

A lever that attaches the steering knuckle to the frame of the vehicle.

Steering knuckle

The component that supports the wheel hub, wheel bearings, and wheel assembly.

Bushings

Rubber sleeves that allow joints to move without wear and reduce vibrations carried between parts.

Dependent rear suspension

A system where the rear wheels are connected by a solid axle, which can be held in place by shock absorbers and leaf or coil springs.

Handling

A vehicle's ability to accelerate, brake, and corner safely.

Dissipates

Distributes in different directions, such as energy absorbed from road irregularities.

Oversteer

A situation where the rear tyres lose traction in a turn.

Understeer

A situation where the front tyres lose traction in a turn.

Ride

A vehicle's ability to deliver a smooth experience when driving over rough surfaces.