What Materials Are Generally Used for Suspension?
2 Answers
Suspension systems are mostly made of aluminum alloy or steel materials. The function of suspension: Suspension refers to all the force-transmitting connection devices between the vehicle frame (or load-bearing body) and the axle (or wheels) of a car. Its purpose is to transmit forces and torques acting between the wheels and the frame, while cushioning the impact from uneven road surfaces transmitted to the frame or body, thereby reducing vibrations caused by these impacts to ensure smooth driving. Components of suspension: A typical suspension structure consists of elastic elements, guiding mechanisms, and shock absorbers, with some designs also including buffer blocks and anti-roll bars. Elastic elements come in various forms such as leaf springs, air springs, coil springs, and torsion bar springs. Modern passenger car suspensions mostly use coil springs and torsion bar springs, while some high-end cars employ air springs.
Speaking of automotive suspension materials, I remember decades ago when I drove, all vehicles used high-strength steel, including springs and shock absorber components. This material is indeed durable and provides strong support, but it's heavy, causing the car body to sag over time and resulting in higher fuel consumption. Nowadays, things are different. Many new cars are turning to lightweight materials like aluminum alloy, which reduces vehicle weight, allows for quicker acceleration, and saves energy. From my experience, steel suspensions are simpler to maintain—just avoid rust—while aluminum alloy is easier to process, slightly more expensive but better suited for daily commuting. If you're considering buying a used car, checking the suspension for integrity is crucial. Signs of rust or deformation should be addressed promptly to avoid safety issues while driving. Regular suspension maintenance helps extend its lifespan, especially on bumpy city roads, as the choice of material directly impacts ride comfort.
