What are the disadvantages of a non-independent suspension?
3 Answers
The following are the disadvantages of a non-independent suspension: 1. The left and right wheels are interconnected when bouncing, reducing ride comfort. 2. Due to its simple construction, the design freedom is limited, resulting in poorer handling stability. Here is more information about non-independent suspensions: 1. Torsion beam non-independent suspension: Uses a torsion beam to balance the up-and-down movement of the left and right wheels, reducing vehicle sway and maintaining stability. 2. Trailing arm non-independent suspension: Inherits the disadvantages of non-independent suspensions but also has some advantages of independent suspensions. The biggest advantage of trailing arm suspension is the larger space between the left and right wheels, and the vehicle's camber angle remains unchanged.
I once drove an old car equipped with a non-independent suspension, and the biggest issue was how directly it transmitted bumps on rough roads, causing severe shaking inside the car. This was especially tiring during long-distance drives. During turns, the body leaned significantly, and at higher speeds, it felt unstable with poor grip. Since the wheels couldn't operate independently, a bump on one side affected the other, reducing handling performance. The noise level was also high, negatively impacting ride comfort. Additionally, uneven wear could shorten tire lifespan, leading to higher long-term maintenance costs. Nowadays, most new cars use independent suspensions, which allow each wheel to move independently, mitigating these issues. Overall, unless you're on a tight budget or using it for heavy-duty vehicles, it's better to avoid this type of suspension for regular passenger cars.
As a car enthusiast, I always feel that non-independent suspension holds back the driving experience. In terms of performance, it exhibits severe body roll during cornering, slow sport response, and significantly reduces driving pleasure; insufficient grip leads to weak stability on slippery roads or small bumps, making driving at high speeds nerve-wracking. Comfort is also poor, with vibrations directly transmitted into the cabin, making passengers prone to motion sickness. Although it has a simple and durable structure, it sacrifices the demands of modern driving. Compared to independent suspension, which can independently adjust the movement of each wheel, flexibly adapt to different road surfaces, and enhance safety and smoothness, I suggest prioritizing independent suspension designs for daily car selection as they better align with the pace of modern travel.
