What does MacPherson independent suspension mean?
2 Answers
Suspension system refers to a connecting structural system between the body, frame, and wheels, and MacPherson independent suspension is one type of suspension system. It mainly includes components such as shock absorbers, suspension springs, lower control arms, longitudinal rods, steering knuckle arms, rubber bushings, and connecting rods. Extended content: 1. Advantages: MacPherson suspension has good responsiveness and handling, simple structure, small space occupation, low cost, compact structure, small changes in front wheel alignment parameters when the wheels bounce, and because the upper control arm is eliminated, it facilitates the arrangement of the engine and steering system. It is suitable for arranging large engines and assembling on small car bodies. 2. Disadvantages: When driving on uneven roads, the wheels are prone to automatic steering, so the driver must use force to maintain the direction of the steering wheel. When subjected to severe impact, the strut is prone to bending, thus affecting steering performance. Poor stability, weak anti-roll and braking nod ability, which can be alleviated by adding a stabilizer bar but cannot be fundamentally solved, low durability, shock absorbers are prone to oil leakage and need to be replaced regularly.
I've been repairing cars for over a decade, and the MacPherson strut independent suspension is very common underneath vehicles. It combines a shock absorber and spring into a single integrated unit, replacing the traditional multi-link structure, saving space and being cost-effective. That's why many economy cars use this design. However, while it's simple to repair, it's also prone to issues—like wear on the ball joint of the control arm causing noise or misalignment, as well as noticeable body roll during turns. I recommend regular checks on the lifespan of the chassis rubber components, such as inspecting them every 20,000 kilometers. Replacing them isn't costly. If you've driven cars like the Toyota Corolla or Volkswagen Golf, you'll notice their suspension is comfortable but handling is average—not as good as double-wishbone setups, but sufficient. Overall, this suspension suits daily commuting, is easy to maintain, but don't expect sporty performance.
