Monday, November 10, 2014

SUV Suspension System

When we mention SUVs, first thing noticed is its tough shape. The suspension system does the important work behind the scenes.

The main functions:
  •  Road isolation: passengers, cargo
  •  Road holding: road contact, steering, braking, acceleration
  •  Cornering: counteract body roll

You inevitably meet the bumps and dips when driving. At that time the suspension plays a bog role to absorb the energy.
Nowadays popular urban SUVs mostly adapt McPherson or double-wishbone as front suspension. Rear suspensions usually are twist-beam (Buick Encore), double-wishbone (CR-V), and multi-link (VW Tiguan). If the SUV emphasizes on off-road capability, dependent suspension will be applied. Its structure is very simple, connected by a hard shaft about two wheels, and then the hard shaft connected with the body. It is more rugged therefore well suited for off-road SUVs.

McPherson suspension structure is simple less space occupied, but lack of stability. This suspension is the most common type of front suspension, mainly composed of A-type (or L-type) wishbones and damping mechanism. You can free up more space to lay out the power and electrical systems.




Twist-beam suspension takes up less space and less maintenance costs but its comfort is limited. In twist- beam suspension structure, there is no direct connection between the two wheels of the hard axis. Twist-beam can be reversed within a certain range since two wheels are connected by a torsion beam.

Double-wishbone suspension offers large lateral stiffness and good anti-roll performance. Upper and lower A-arms have two similar triangles stable structure, with sufficient torsional strength.


Multi-link suspension structure is complex, occupies a large space and provides the best comfort. It can maximize tire grip to improve vehicle handling limit.

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