What Are the Types of Independent Suspension?
2 Answers
Independent suspension types include double-wishbone, single-wishbone, trailing arm, single oblique arm, multi-link, and MacPherson strut (link-rod/swing-arm) types. Here is more relevant information: 1. Advantages of Independent Suspension: Its main benefits are that impacts on one wheel do not affect the other, and the suspension is lightweight with excellent shock absorption and damping performance. Independent suspension reduces unsprung mass (the weight of components below the suspension), improving vehicle handling and ride comfort. Since it uses a split axle design, it can also lower the engine position, simplify chassis layout, and facilitate lowering the vehicle's center of gravity. 2. Independent Suspension Location: Independent suspension means each wheel on either side of the vehicle is individually connected to the frame or body through an elastic suspension system.
I often ponder about car chassis. Independent suspensions mainly come in several classic types: MacPherson strut, double wishbone, multi-link, and trailing arm. The MacPherson strut is the most common, used in the front wheels of most family cars. When you take it apart, it's just a shock absorber with a lower control arm—simple in structure, space-saving, and easy to repair. It feels quite firm when going over speed bumps. Double wishbone suspensions are especially common in sports cars, with upper and lower wishbones clamping the tire like crab claws, making the tire grip the road more firmly during turns. However, they have more parts to repair. The multi-link is the most complex—my friend at the auto repair shop sees them often, with five or six links controlling a single tire, making the ride smooth even on rough roads when sitting in the back. Trailing arm suspensions are mostly found in older car models for the rear wheels—simple in structure and low-cost, but they tend to nose-dive during hard braking. Choosing a suspension really depends on your driving scenario: MacPherson is sufficient for city commuting, but if you enjoy mountain roads, I’d recommend trying a car with double wishbone suspension.
