Car Suspension Systems: Components and Types

Parts of the Suspension

The suspension system is composed of several key components:

Spring action system: Springs, leaf springs, torsion bars, pneumatic ball systems.
Damping of oscillations: Shock absorbers (buffers).

Roll center: An imaginary point at which lateral forces acting on the wheels are transmitted to resist the action of centrifugal force.
Center of gravity: The imaginary point where all the mass of the vehicle is located, and where both terrestrial gravity and dynamic loads apply.
Load transfer: Longitudinal, transverse, and vertical.
Sprung mass: Components not in contact with the ground (engine, bodywork, etc.).
Unsprung mass: Components in direct or indirect contact with the ground (brakes, control arms, tires).

Oscillation is caused by a mass movement on the rise and descent.

Period: The time it takes to make a complete oscillation.
Frequency: The number of oscillations per unit of time.
Amplitude: The maximum distance of an oscillating mass from its rest position during extension and compression.
Resonance: A phenomenon that occurs when a driving force is applied to the mass at the pace of its oscillation, increasing the amplitude of oscillations.

Silentblocks: Resilient elements made of rubber and metal, designed to absorb shock between two components.
Elastic bearings: Rubber elements that allow the union of suspension components, providing a small displacement.
Ball joints: Connect the steering and suspension, allowing them to maintain their geometry.
Knuckle: A suspension element that connects the hub with the wheel and other suspension components.
Control arms: Cast iron arms that support the car through the suspension.
Struts: Steel arms located between the body and the spindle, serving as restraint and guidance.
Stabilizer bar: A bar attached to the body and suspension arms, reducing body roll.
Suspension buffers: Elastic or semi-rigid components that serve as a stop to the suspension, preventing damage.

Elastic elements are placed between the body and chassis to ensure comfort and safety.

Rubber springs: Used in older elastic elements and trailer suspensions, they are subject to compression and traction forces.
Torsion bar: A cylindrical bar attached on one side to the body and on the other to the suspension control arm. It applies a force when twisted and returns to its original shape.
Leaf springs: Elastic elements consisting of several steel sheets joined by a central bolt and a clamp, allowing them to slip when subjected to weight.
Coil spring: A steel wire shaped into a coil with adequate stiffness.

Shock absorbers are in charge of dissipating energy caused by fluctuations in the wheels.

Friction shock absorber: Oscillations are dampened by the friction between two discs pressed against adjustable springs.
Lever shock absorber: A piston housed within a cylinder is actuated by a lever through a shaft.
Rotary shock absorber: A paddle inside moves in an arc.
Telescopic shock absorber: A sliding piston inside a cylinder with calibrated holes that allow oil to pass to the other chamber. Parts include the body, piston, rod, valve assembly, seals, and oil.
Monotube gas shock absorber: Works like a normal shock absorber but uses gas for added comfort.
Double tube gas shock absorber: Variable.

Formed by a metal beam attached to the body through the suspension system, with a rigid axle.

Each wheel is attached to a curved axle that bridges the gap, going hand in hand with the differential and forming part of the sprung mass.

Each wheel is mounted on its own axis, allowing individual movement.

Parallelogram: Uses control arms joined by elastic elements.
McPherson: Consists of a block where the shock absorber and spring are mounted. The spring is inside the shock absorber and is attached to the spindle through the tube, integrating the shock absorber.
Trailing arm: An articulated suspension arm connected on one side to the frame and on the other to the knuckle.
Multilink: Consists of several arms that connect the body with the spindle by elastic bearings and ball joints.