Disadvantages of MacPherson Suspension?
3 Answers
MacPherson suspension has the disadvantage that during deformation, the kingpin's positioning angle and wheel track will change. If not properly designed, it can significantly affect the vehicle's performance. Below is a related introduction to MacPherson suspension: Function of MacPherson Suspension: MacPherson suspension is a crucial component that elastically connects the frame to the axle. Its structure and performance parameters directly impact the vehicle's ride comfort and handling stability. Advantages of MacPherson Suspension It offers good responsiveness and handling. This suspension has a simple structure, occupies minimal space, has a small unsprung mass, quick response, low manufacturing cost, easy arrangement of the engine and steering system, compatibility with various springs, and the ability to achieve automatic body height adjustment. The disadvantage is that during deformation, the kingpin's positioning angle and wheel track will change. If not properly designed, it can significantly affect the vehicle's performance.
Having driven for so long, I've used quite a few compact cars with MacPherson strut suspensions. They perform decently on city roads, but once I hit bumpy rural paths, the jolts become extremely noticeable—every little pebble gets transmitted right up to the seat, making long drives exhausting. The body rolls significantly during turns, and at high-speed corners, the outer wheels press down too much, affecting grip and making me uneasy about safety. It takes up a lot of space, cramping the engine bay and reducing steering flexibility, sometimes making U-turns less crisp. Compared to multi-link suspensions, it filters out vibrations poorly on rough roads, compromising comfort. Although it's cheap to manufacture, so manufacturers love using it in mid-to-low-priced cars, if you truly prioritize a comfortable ride, I'd recommend test-driving other systems for comparison. Repairs aren't overly difficult, but frequent wear means parts need replacing more often.
I frequently drive on mountain roads and long distances, experiencing the shortcomings of MacPherson suspension. It struggles to maintain body stability during aggressive driving, with significant body roll in corners and uneven grip distribution. The steering feedback feels sluggish, lacking the precision of double-wishbone setups. Particularly during high-speed lane changes or track-style cornering, the outer wheels compress deeply while inner wheels may slightly lift, causing vehicle sway and reduced confidence. Its wheel space occupation also limits modification potential, making it difficult to stiffen for performance gains. On bumpy roads, vibrations transmit noticeably into the cabin, making long journeys quite taxing. While structurally simple and cost-effective for regular family cars, this design becomes a liability for those prioritizing handling pleasure or driving dynamics. I've encountered many enthusiasts complaining about its limitations in extreme conditions.
