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Car suspension plays a significant role in smooth and comfortable driving. It also protects the car from shaking into pieces. Car suspension is usually comprised of two basic components. They are springs and shock absorbers. In order to understand the working of car suspension, you must understand the parts completely.
Springs are one of the major components of a car's suspension. They are available in three types coil springs, leaf springs and torsion bars. The commonly known spring is coil spring. They are also known as coiled torsion bars. Almost all the heavy-duty vehicles had leaf spring since 1985. They appeared as metal layers, joined to axle.
A torsion bar is used in VW beetles and Karman Ghias car suspension systems. It offers coiled-spring-like performance. It is based on steel bar twisting properties. As there is no coiled spring, an axle is connected to one end of the steel shaft. Other end is slotted inside a tube and is seized by splines. When the suspension moves, it twists the shaft along the entire length. On the other hand, shaft resists.
Along with springs, shock absorbers also play key role in the working of suspension. A shock absorber absorbs the shock. While driving car on a rough road, it dampens the induced vertical motion.
The shock absorber has two major functions to accomplish. Firstly, it absorbs the shock caused by driving on a bumpy road by stopping the transmission of shock to the car chassis. Secondly, it manages the suspension in all road conditions. It makes the vehicle well planted on road. They are also known as dampeners or velocity-sensitive hydraulic damping devices. The working of the shock absorber is well conjunct with springs. The movement of the wheel is allowed by spring. Thus, lead to conversion of energy in road shock to kinetic energy of unsprung mass. Later, damper dissipates this energy. Damper performs dissipation by forcing gas or oil through a small hole or constricted valve.
Adjustable shock absorbers are also available in the market that allows modifications in the size of constriction. Smaller the size of constriction, stiffer will be the suspension. Nowadays, car manufactures are also offering different types of suspensions for both the front and rear axles. They are categorized as dependant and independent suspension types.
Thus, if you are experiencing wallowing motion on undulating road surface that means suspension of the vehicle is going through excessive wear. It calls for immediate replacement, as it would not disable the car, but would lead to accident. Replacement of old worn out suspension with a new one will lead to enhanced handling, as it will minimize from end drive while braking. It also enhances safety and security of the vehicle by controlling body sway.
A car's front suspension is also referred to as a struts which attaches directly into the front frame near the engine compartment. And a car's rear suspension system is also known as shocks which ride independently.