Parts of Car Suspension and Their Functions

Parts of car suspension. Suspension is a car component to improve driving comfort. Several suspension components work together to dampen vibrations and shocks when driving on uneven roads, such as bumpy or potholes.

What are the suspension components? But before that, let's look at an article about the function of car suspension.

Car Suspension Function

The function of the suspension is to absorb pressure from uneven road surfaces, usually over speed bumps, rocky roads, and potholes. The suspension will swing to dampen the vibration of the car so that it is not felt in the cabin.

In addition, another function of the suspension is as a counterweight that supports the car body when traveling or stationary. These suspension components are installed between the car body and the four wheels. Unbalanced wheels will have their suspension components aligned to stabilize their movement.

Suspension Components

The main component of the suspension system is the spring. But besides springs, several components support the suspension system to create comfort in driving. Here are the components of the suspension.

1. Spring

The main function of the spring is to dampen and absorb shock from the friction of uneven roads with car wheels. So that vibrations do not reach the car body. In addition, springs also function to increase the grip of the wheels on the road so that they drive stably.

The types of springs used in car suspensions are coil springs, leaf springs, torsion bar springs, and air springs. Coil springs are made of steel rods with a spiral shape. This type of spring has excellent damping power, is lighter, and is easy to assemble.

Then, leaf springs are also made of bent and flexible steel. Meanwhile, torsion bar springs are made of elastic steel in the shape of a twist. Finally, air springs are in the form of air balloons. But this type of spring is installed on cars that demand high comfort.

2. Suspension Arm

The suspension arm acts as a link between the wheels and the chassis of the car. This arm can be moved vertically and helps the wheels move up or down. It consists of the upper arm, lower arm, and knuckle arm.

3. Upper and Lower Arm

The function of this component in the suspension is to connect the knuckle with the car body. Although not all car suspensions have an upper arm, they always use a lower arm. This suspension arm is also known as the wishbone or a-arm. These two arms can make the car turn stably.

4. Knuckle Arm

The knuckle arm is located at the front of the car wheel. The car wheels will rotate on the spindle shaft of the knuckle arm. This component is also connected to the lower arm through a ball joint. Considering the function of the knuckle arm is very important, you must always take care of it.

5. Shock Absorber

The next component in the suspension is the shock absorber. This component is very important because it functions as a shock absorber for the car. The shock absorber will prevent the sudden movement of the spring. If the car is only installed with a spring, the up and down movement will be very pronounced. Therefore, it is also equipped with a shock absorber to make the suspension more stable.

6. Stabilizer

The stabilizer in the suspension functions to balance the car body when turning so that it does not roll over. Cars that are turning tend to move towards the outside of the track due to centrifugal force. Therefore, a stabilizer is needed so that the car can be controlled.

This stabilizer is an iron rod connected between the right and left lower arms. The center is connected to the car body. This iron rod has high elasticity so that it can adjust to the specifications of the car.

7. Ball Joint

The next component in the suspension is the ball joint. This component receives lateral and horizontal loads on the car. The ball joint also becomes the axis of rotation when the car turns. There are two types of ball joints, namely upper ball joints and lower ball joints.

There is a lubricant on the ball joint that functions to reduce friction so that the components run well and optimally. Ball joints require lithium molybdenum disulfide to perform oil changes at certain intervals. But this does not apply to resin mount-type ball joints.

8. Bumpers

The bumper has several components such as bounding and rebounding. Both components serve to protect the axle, frame, shock absorber, and others. Bounding on the bumper is in charge when the vehicle shrinks while rebounding works when the car expands.

9. Lateral Control Rod

The lateral control rod is less well-known because it is an additional component in car suspension. Its function is to hold the axle when there is a load on the side. Therefore, this component is installed between the axle and the car body.

10. Strut bar

The function of the strut bar component in the suspension is to hold the lower arm so that the tilt of the front wheels is well maintained, not moving towards the front and rear. There is a term for spooring car wheels which is done by adjusting the strut bar nut. 

Considering the function of the suspension is very important, therefore always take care of your car's suspension. Perform regular servicing, including alignment and balancing to make driving more comfortable.

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