What does MacPherson suspension mean?

[VanEva]

MacPherson suspension is a type of independent suspension and one of the most popular independent suspensions today, commonly used for the front wheels of cars. Below is an introduction to MacPherson suspension: Function of MacPherson suspension: MacPherson suspension is an important component that elastically connects the vehicle frame to the axle. Its structure and performance parameters directly affect the ride comfort and handling stability of the car. Advantages of MacPherson suspension: It offers good responsiveness and handling. This suspension has a simple structure, occupies little space, has a small unsprung mass, quick response, low manufacturing cost, easy arrangement of the engine and steering system, compatibility with various types of springs, and the ability to achieve automatic body height adjustment. The disadvantage is that during deformation, the kingpin's positioning angle and wheel track change. If not properly designed, it can significantly impact the car's performance.

[McQuinn]

The MacPherson strut is essentially a design method for the front suspension system of automobiles, originally invented by a Ford engineer. It integrates a spring and shock absorber into a single strut assembly, which is mounted to the wheel hub and connected to the vehicle body, significantly reducing the number of components. I've driven modern sedans that commonly use this setup, and it feels very practical because it saves engine compartment space, making the overall vehicle lighter and more compact, with lower production costs. As a car owner, I particularly appreciate its performance in daily commuting—it handles bumpy roads decently with acceptable shock absorption, and replacement parts are affordable and easy to find during repairs. However, its stability during high-speed cornering is slightly inferior to double-wishbone suspensions. Overall, it's cost-effective and well-suited for ordinary family cars. If you're concerned about how suspension affects driving comfort, this is a great starting point.

[MakaylaAnn]

I think MacPherson strut suspension is a clever and cost-effective design. Simply put, it bundles the damping function into one big pillar to replace the old complex systems. After Ford introduced it, compact cars started using it extensively. I've experienced its benefits when driving compact cars: high space utilization, more direct power transmission, relatively low fuel consumption, and easier maintenance. There are downsides too, like less precise handling during aggressive driving—I occasionally notice slight floatiness when taking sharp turns on mountain roads. Overall, it saves automakers a lot of costs, and now many SUVs and sedans opt for it in their front suspension, prioritizing value for money over extreme performance, making it easier for new drivers to adapt.

[MacSabrina]

The MacPherson strut is an integrated suspension solution where designers use a single strut to handle both the spring and shock absorber, simplifying the structure and reducing costs. My first encounter with it was seeing it disassembled in a repair shop—compared to older systems, it has far fewer components. It's widely used in front-wheel suspensions, making cars lighter and more fuel-efficient. The advantages are obvious, but the downside is that the handling tends to be softer, lacking a sporty feel.

[Quintero]

The MacPherson strut is a simple and efficient type of car suspension, combining a spring and shock absorber into a single unit that mounts between the wheel and the car body. Having driven several cars from different brands, I've noticed it allows for more flexible engine layouts, making the front end lighter and more fuel-efficient. However, it doesn't feel as stable as double wishbone suspensions during high-speed cornering. Overall, its popularity stems from being affordable and easy to repair.