What are the types of independent suspension?
3 Answers
Independent suspension types include: double wishbone, single wishbone, longitudinal arm, single trailing arm, multi-link, and MacPherson strut (link arm/swing arm) suspension. Currently, the most commonly used forms are the following three: double wishbone independent suspension, MacPherson independent suspension, and single trailing arm independent suspension. Independent suspension means each wheel is individually mounted to the body or axle via a suspension system, with the axle being of a split type, where the middle section is fixed to the frame or body. This type of suspension ensures that impacts on one wheel do not affect the other, and it is relatively lightweight with excellent cushioning and shock absorption capabilities, providing superior ride comfort. All performance indicators are better than those of non-independent suspension. However, this suspension system is more complex in structure and can also complicate the drive axle and steering system.
Independent suspension comes in several types. The simplest and most commonly seen in repairs is the MacPherson strut, where the spring and shock absorber are combined into one unit. Many family cars use it for the front wheels because it saves space and is inexpensive, though cornering roll is slightly more noticeable. The double-wishbone type looks like two V-shaped arms and is particularly favored by race cars and luxury vehicles for its superior tire grip and exceptional stability during sharp turns. The multi-link is the most complex, using four or five links to control the wheel, commonly found in the rear of BMW and Mercedes-Benz cars, providing a smooth, boat-like ride over speed bumps. There's also the trailing arm type, which resembles a mop arm holding the wheel, used in the rear of older Peugeot 206 models, with the advantage of not taking up trunk space. Finally, the torsion beam is considered a pseudo-independent suspension; although there's a beam connecting the two sides, the left and right wheels can move independently, a design particularly favored by French cars.
When it comes to suspension types, the driving experience varies dramatically across different cars. My old Nissan Sylphy with MacPherson struts is perfectly adequate for daily commutes, though I have to slow down early when taking highway ramps at speed. Driving my friend's Porsche with double wishbone suspension, the steering responds instantly with the slightest wheel movement, offering exceptional wet-road grip. Riding in the boss's multi-link S-Class is pure rear-seat luxury - you barely feel manhole cover bumps. But I once drove a used Honda Fit with torsion beam suspension on rough roads, and the rear wheels bounced terribly. Nowadays, even torsion beam setups don't seem so bad - the Peugeot 308 handles speed bumps far more comfortably than the old Fit. It all comes down to tuning expertise.
