Suspension system (Monday, August 3rd, 2026)

What is the definition of the suspension system?

The suspension system allows a vehicle’s tires and wheels to move up and down over bumps and holes in the road to provide the driver a smoother ride.

What does GVWR mean and where can it be found in a vehicle?

GVWR means gross vehicles weight rating and it can be found on the vin sticker (driver’s side door).

How many main functions are there of the suspension system?

8 functions of the suspension system.

What is the 1st function of the suspension system?

• Supports the weight of the frame, body, engine, transmission, drive train and passengers.

What is the 2nd function of the suspension system?

• Provides a smooth, comfortable ride.

What is the 3rd function of the suspension system?

• Allows rapid cornering without extreme body roll.

What is the 4th function of the suspension system?

• Keeps the tires in firm contact with the road.

What is the 5th function of the suspension system?

• Prevents excessive body squat when accelerating or heavily loaded.

What is the 6th function of the suspension system?

• Prevents excessive body dive when braking.

What is the 7th function of the suspension system?

• Allows the front wheels to turn left or right for steering.

What is the 8th function of the suspension system?

• Helps keep the wheels in correct alignment.

How many basic suspension parts are there?

6 basic suspension parts.

What is the 1st basic suspension part and what does it look like?

• Control arm - Moveable lever that connects knuckle to frame. (Horse shoe looking shape, elbow, triangle with 3 points, bolts to the steering knuckle).

What is the 2nd basic suspension part and what does it look like?

Steering Knuckle - Provides spindle or bearing support for wheel. (Really nothing goes wrong, hole in it shape.)

What is the 3rd basic suspension part and what does it look like?

Ball Joints - Moveable connection that allows the control arm and knuckle to swivel. (Full rotation allowed - Pivot Action)

What is the 4th basic suspension part and what does it look like?

Springs - Supports weight of vehicle (several types, coil is the most common, changed out in lift or lowering kits)

What is the 5th basic suspension part and what does it look like?

Shock Absorbers - Helps keep suspension from bouncing too much. (Sometimes separate from springs, collects bouncy spring feel and stops the bounce/oscillation)

What is the 6th basic suspension part and what does it look like?

Bushings - Rubber insulator between metal parts. (Inside the control arms top areas. Control arm can shift if bushings go bad. And the bushings will go always go bad after a certain amount of time).

What is another name for both a shock absorber and spring together?

A strut.

Label the diagram numbers 1 through 6.

1) Springs (coil)

2) Shock Absorber

3) Steering Knuckle

4) Bushings

5) Control Arms

6) Ball Joint

What are the two different types of suspension systems?

• Independent

• Non-independent

What is a difference you see between independent and non-independent suspension systems?

• Independent has springs built in, not connected.

• Non-Independent have a solid axle that will effect both wheels no matter what.

Independent Suspension System entails what?

• Allows one wheel to move up and down without affecting the other wheels.

• Each wheel is attached to its own suspension unit.

• Movement of one wheel does not cause direct movement of the wheel on the other side of the vehicle.

Non-Independent suspension System entails what?

• Both left and right wheels are attached to the same solid axle.

• When one tire hits a bump in the road, its upward movement causes a slight downward tilt of the other wheel.

• Neither wheel is independent of the other. (Both connected)