What are the types of car suspensions?
3 Answers
Car suspensions include: 1. Double wishbone suspension; 2. MacPherson suspension; 3. Multi-link suspension; 4. Double transverse arm suspension; 5. Double ball joint suspension; 6. Torsion beam suspension; 7. Solid axle suspension. Suspension refers to all the force-transmitting connection devices between the car frame and the axle or wheels. The functions of car suspension are: 1. To provide cushioning when the vehicle passes over uneven ground; 2. To ensure that the wheels move within a fixed angle, making steering stable; 3. To support the weight of the wheels; 4. To maintain good contact between the wheels and the ground, ensuring that the driving force and braking force generated between the wheels and the ground are accurately transmitted to the car body.
I've always loved driving, and the suspension directly affects the comfort of the ride. There are several types. The MacPherson strut is most common on city roads, offering good shock absorption and quick turn response. The double-wishbone setup is solid in SUVs or performance cars, reducing body roll during corners. The multi-link independent suspension is the most comfortable, making rear passengers feel like they're sitting on a sofa, but it comes with a higher car price. Non-independent suspensions like the torsion beam are cost-effective, durable, and easy to maintain, favored by economy cars, though they transmit more road vibrations, leading to backaches on long drives. Some luxury cars now feature air suspension, which automatically adjusts height and stiffness, but it has a higher failure rate and expensive repairs. Choosing suspension depends on personal habits. I usually prioritize independent suspension for rough roads to avoid bumps damaging the car and tiring me out, and I make sure to regularly check the shock absorbers and rubber bushings for leaks.
Having worked on cars for many years, I've encountered various suspension issues. Suspensions are divided into independent and non-independent types: MacPherson struts are simple in structure and easy to repair, widely used in the front wheels of ordinary sedans, but bushings and spring wear are common and need timely replacement; double wishbones offer strong support and good handling, mostly used in the front wheels of off-road vehicles, but disassembly and repair are troublesome with high labor costs; multi-link independent suspensions provide superior comfort and are commonly used in rear wheels, but once a link is damaged, the entire set must be replaced at a high cost; non-independent suspensions like torsion beams are economical, and vehicles like vans using leaf springs are more durable but experience significant bouncing over bumps. Air suspensions are high-end but prone to issues like pump failures, with repairs starting at several thousand yuan. It's recommended that car owners inspect their suspension systems every two years and replace worn parts in advance to prevent major accidents, especially when driving on highways—safety comes first.
