Types of Suspension Assembly | MacPherson Strut, Double-wishbone, Swing Axle & Arm, Torsion Beam etc

Summary

This video script delves into the intricacies of suspension assemblies, explaining their role beyond mere wheel linkage. It covers how suspension impacts vehicle dynamics like steering, traction, and body roll. The script discusses various suspension types, including rigid axle, semi-independent, and independent, each with unique characteristics affecting vehicle performance. Examples include the torsion beam's space efficiency and the double wishbone's handling advantages. The video aims to clarify how different suspensions respond to road conditions and vehicle movements, providing a comprehensive guide for understanding automotive suspension systems.

Takeaways

• 🔧 Suspension assembly is crucial for connecting wheels to the vehicle frame, providing more than just up-and-down movement.
• 🛠️ Vehicle dynamics such as steering, traction, and body roll are significantly influenced by the type of suspension system used.
• 🚧 The ideal suspension system responds appropriately to various road conditions like speed breakers and potholes, maintaining wheel-road contact.
• 🔄 Suspension systems can be categorized into dependent, semi-dependent, and independent types, each with unique characteristics and applications.
• 🌐 Rigid axle suspension is robust and suitable for heavy-duty vehicles but lacks comfort and individual wheel control.
• 🔄 Torsion beam suspension, a semi-dependent type, offers a balance between rigid axle and independent suspension characteristics.
• 🔧 MacPherson strut suspension is simple, cost-effective, and commonly used in front-wheel-drive cars, but it has limitations in camber control.
• 🏎️ Double wishbone suspension provides precise control over camber and suspension length, making it popular in performance vehicles.
• 🔄 Swing arm suspension alters wheelbase and can lead to squatting under acceleration or braking, affecting vehicle dynamics.
• 🔄 Swing axle suspension, similar to swing arm but transverse, has issues with camber and track change, yet it's a cost-effective solution for certain rear-wheel-drive vehicles.

Q & A

What is the primary function of a suspension assembly in a vehicle?

The primary function of a suspension assembly is to connect the wheels to the vehicle frame with springs and dampers, allowing the wheels to move up and down while maintaining good road contact, and influencing vehicle dynamics such as steering, traction, and handling.

How does the suspension system affect the vehicle's handling during a turn?

The suspension system allows the wheels to maintain good road contact during a turn by changing the camber angle and adjusting the suspension length relative to the car's body, which helps in reducing body roll and maintaining tire contact with the road.

What are the different types of suspension assemblies mentioned in the script?

The script mentions three types of suspension assemblies: dependent, semi-dependent, and independent. Examples include rigid axle suspension, torsion beam suspension, MacPherson strut, double wishbone, swing arm, and swing axle.

Why is rigid axle suspension more robust and suitable for heavy cargo vehicles?

Rigid axle suspension is more robust due to its simple and strong construction, which can handle high horsepower as there are no CV joints connecting the wheels. The power from the differential goes directly to the wheels, making it suitable for heavy cargo vehicles with high power and no comfort requirements.

How does a torsion beam suspension differ from a rigid axle suspension?

Torsion beam suspension differs from a rigid axle suspension in that it uses a beam pivoted to the frame with a swing arm for each wheel. This allows for some independent movement of the wheels, providing a combined effect of rigid axle and independent suspension, and is often used in cars for rear suspension.

What is the main advantage of MacPherson strut suspension?

The main advantage of MacPherson strut suspension is its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. It consumes more vertical space than horizontal, which is beneficial for front engine front-wheel drive cars that require space for the engine and transmission.

Why is double wishbone suspension preferred in sports cars?

Double wishbone suspension is preferred in sports cars because it allows for more control over vehicle dynamics, provides a flat and robust construction for better aerodynamics, and can be designed to minimize camber change and tire scrubbing, which are critical for high-performance vehicles.

How does swing arm suspension affect the wheelbase of a vehicle?

Swing arm suspension can change the wheelbase of a vehicle due to the compression of the suspension. This can lead to squatting effects during acceleration and braking, which is a drawback as it can negatively affect the vehicle's handling.

What is the main difference between swing arm and swing axle suspension?

The main difference between swing arm and swing axle suspension is the layout; swing arm is a longitudinal layout, while swing axle is a transverse layout. Swing axle suspension changes the camber and track while keeping the wheelbase constant, but it can lead to excessive camber change and reduced tire contact.

Why is the position of the pivot point in MacPherson strut suspension considered a disadvantage?

The pivot point in MacPherson strut suspension is substantially offset from the center of the tire, which can cause more wheel scrubbing and require more effort in handling, especially with wider tires. This is less of an issue in regular cars but can be a disadvantage in sports cars where precise handling is crucial.