AUTOMOBILE RUNNING SYSTEM AND POWER TRAIN 5. SUSPENSION SYSTEMS
The frame and the body of an automobile are not mounted directly on the front and rear axles but on the suspension system which is installed between the axle and the frame or body of the vehicle. The suspension system consists of springs and hydraulic dampers, which are also known as shock absorbers. The suspension system prevents road shocks from being transmitted to the frame and body of the vehicle so that these do not get transmitted to the passengers or goods when the vehicle is moving on the road.
5.0 Objectives After going through this lesson, you will be able to: i. Classify suspension systems ii. List the components of suspension systems and give the function of each iii. Compare different types of suspension systems
5.1 Introduction A good suspension system affords a comfortable ride to passengers in the car. Hence car manufacturers constantly try to develop better and better suspension systems. Suspension systems are classified into conventional and independent. Earlier the conventional system was used at the rear axle. It is used even now in heavy commercial vehicles. Passenger cars now have the independent suspension system at the rear also, because it gives a smoother ride. The independent suspension is used at the front axle in cars. This reason is that the front axle also performs the function of steering and the independent suspension affords better stability since with the independent suspension system only one wheel tilts while the other executes only up and down motion.
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A suspension system performs the following functions: It prevents the road shocks from being transmitted to the vehicle frame, thereby providing a comfortable ride to the driver and other occupants. It reduces the stress on various vehicle parts. It preserves the stability of the vehicle while braking or during a sharp turn.