What does multi-link non-independent suspension mean?
3 Answers
An independent suspension system means that the wheels on each side are individually suspended under the frame or body through an elastic suspension system. In contrast, a non-independent suspension connects the wheels on both sides with an integrated frame, and the wheels along with the axle are suspended under the frame or body through an elastic suspension system. Expansion: There are significant differences between independent and non-independent suspensions, mainly in terms of structure, strength, cost, maintenance, and ride comfort. The advantages of non-independent suspension include its simple structure, lower cost, easier maintenance, and better load-bearing capacity.
With years of experience in automotive consulting, I believe the key to understanding multi-link suspension lies in recognizing that it generally belongs to the independent suspension category. The term 'multi-link' refers to a suspension system that uses three to five slender link arms to connect the wheel to the vehicle body, functioning like multiple small arms working in coordination to allow each wheel to move up and down independently without affecting the others during shock absorption. Calling it non-independent might be a misunderstanding—standard multi-link suspensions are designed to be independent, as each wheel operates separately. If forced to label it as non-independent, it might refer to some older vehicles using a solid axle setup, but that's not called a multi-link. The advantages of multi-link suspension include improved handling stability and ride comfort, with tires maintaining better contact during high-speed cornering and reduced body sway on bumpy roads. It's commonly found in mid-to-high-end vehicles from Audi or BMW. The downsides are higher manufacturing costs and complex repairs—if a link arm deforms or a ball joint fails, it can be expensive to replace. In summary, multi-link suspension is a powerful tool for enhancing driving quality, but don't confuse the terminology. When buying a used car, always inspect the suspension condition thoroughly to save money and ensure safety.
As a seasoned driver, I've changed quite a few cars. From my experience, multi-link suspensions usually operate independently, and I've never heard of a non-independent version. The multi-link system uses multiple metal rods to connect the wheels to the car body, with a sophisticated design that allows each wheel to move freely without affecting the adjacent wheels. This significantly reduces bumps on rough roads. If you ever encounter a non-independent suspension, it's likely the torsion beam type where the rear wheels move together, which isn't suitable for sporty performance. The advantages of multi-link suspensions are stable driving feel, minimal nose-diving during braking, and agile cornering, especially performing well in SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 which is equipped with it. The downside? Maintenance can be a bit troublesome, requiring regular checks for wear on the link bushings to avoid strange noises or wheel misalignment. My advice for beginners is not to get hung up on technical terms. Test drive to feel the suspension's stiffness when choosing a car to see if it suits you, and always avoid deep potholes on the road to protect this system.
