What are the types of automotive suspensions?
2 Answers
The types of automotive suspensions include MacPherson strut independent suspension, transverse arm independent suspension, longitudinal arm independent suspension, double wishbone independent suspension, leaf spring non-independent suspension, coil spring non-independent suspension, and main and auxiliary leaf spring non-independent suspension. The suspension is the general term for all force-transmitting connection devices between the vehicle frame and the axle. It supports the vehicle body and can also reduce the transmission of vibrations when the car passes through bumpy road sections, making the occupants inside the car more comfortable. The suspension consists of elastic elements, guiding mechanisms, and shock absorbers. Some vehicle models' suspensions are also equipped with anti-roll bars to reduce the vehicle's roll during high-speed cornering, improving driving stability and handling limits.
In my years of driving experience, the car suspension is crucial, directly affecting the driving feel and safety. The most common is the independent suspension, with the front wheels often using a MacPherson strut setup—basically a single strut with a spring—simple, durable, and cost-effective, ideal for compact cars. The rear wheels sometimes use a torsion beam suspension, also known as a non-independent setup, where the wheels are connected, offering low cost but causing body sway on bumpy roads, which is uncomfortable but easy to maintain. Some cars use double-wishbone suspensions, with both front and rear wheels independently reacting for quicker response, providing stable handling suitable for sports models. There’s also air suspension, mainly found in SUVs or luxury cars, which can adjust height to adapt to road conditions and offers excellent shock absorption but has expensive, fragile components. The old-fashioned leaf spring suspension is rare now, mostly seen in commercial trucks for their rugged durability. Overall, for regular family cars, a balanced and practical choice is the MacPherson strut with a torsion beam, which is the mainstream. If the suspension feels too stiff (bumpy) or too soft (unstable in turns), you can adjust tire pressure or perform simple maintenance to extend its lifespan, but for major issues, it’s best to visit a professional repair shop.