8 Car suspension system types

The suspension's general function is to stabilize the vehicle when driving on bad and bumpy road surfaces. With a suspension system, all unwanted vibrations and shocks on the car while driving can be reduced and eliminated. For example, when driving on a sloping road surface, the car will not tilt because of the suspension system's work.

Why does it always say suspension system? It is said to be a system because several components work together in the suspension system, including shock-absorber, ball-joint, rubber bushings, springs, upper arm, lower arm, etc.

It means that the suspension on a car is a collection of components such as springs, shock absorbers, and suspension arms combined into one form. The suspension system is designed to absorb vibration, shock, and oscillation caused by uneven and bumpy road surfaces and improve the road's wheels' grip.

In this article, we will only discuss the commonly used car suspension types. What are the types of suspension? Check out the types of suspension info in the following article.

1. MacPherson strut suspension type

MacPherson strut type

MacPherson strut is a type of suspension commonly used in sedan-type cars that adopt a monocoque body. This types of suspension model is the simplest type compared to other suspension types. However, it is still comfortable because it is classified as an independent suspension system.

The strut's upper end is attached using the suspension support to connect to the body. The bottom connects to a knuckle arm hub. On the suspension support, there is an insulator bearing. Inside the strut, the shock absorber is attached. When the steering wheel turns, the strut rotates with the knuckle arm hub.

This system provides many advantages and is often used for the front suspension of FF (Front Engine Front Drive) and FR (Front Engine Rear Drive) vehicles. Here are some of the advantages of using a MacPherson strut-type suspension:

• It provides simple construction, fewer components, is lightweight, and has better serviceability.
• The effective space inside the engine compartment is wider.
• Lighter travel loads, resulting in better ride quality and road holding.

2. Double-wishbone suspension type

Double-wishbone suspension type

The double-wishbone suspension type generally has upper and lower arms, as shown in the image above. Some are combined using a torsion spring, and some are using a coil spring as the mainspring.

This structure and type are made so that the two upper and lower wishbone suspension arms support all braking, driving force, sideways, and other forces generated by the wheels. The spring only supports vertical loads.

Despite the complex construction, this types of suspension causes only minor changes in camber and tread. Small moving loads make for good road holding. Also, minimal friction on the up and down steps allows a "high-level compromise" between driving stability and ride quality. This types of suspension is also listed as an independent suspension.

3. Multi-link suspension type

Multi-link suspension type

The multi-link suspension is the most complex type of suspension among the others. This multi-link type suspension uses a double link (arm) to support each right and left wheel. Structurally, it can be said to be a development of the double-wishbone type.

Multi-link suspension can obtain the best ride quality and stability by precisely adjusting the number, position, and length of the links. The system structure varies according to vehicle characteristics and layout.

In terms of comfort, this type of suspension is arguably the most comfortable among other independent suspension types. Still, due to the many components used, this types of suspension requires extra maintenance and care.

4. Leaf-spring suspension type - rigid

Leaf-spring suspension type

The leaf-spring suspension is often used on older model vehicles or commercial vehicle types. It is generally used as a rear suspension because it is rigid (stiff) and simple. This suspension type consists of an axle housing secured with a U bolt in the center of the leaf spring. The ends are attached to the body frame using pins as shackles that function to correct span changes.

On top of the shock absorber is mounted to the frame, while the bottom to the U-bolt seat. The leaf spring works to soften the pressure from the road surface and hold the axle. Therefore, this type is not equipped with a suspension arm. A bump stopper is installed on the axle housing with a U-bolt to reduce pressure during operation.

This types of suspension provides high durability, low cost, minimal alignment changes due to the wheels' movement up and down, so there is little chance of uneven tire wear.

Also read:

• What does suspension do in a car?
• Car ball joint names in the suspension system

5. Three-link suspension type - rigid

Three-link suspension type

This types of suspension is generally used for the rear suspension. Typically, this suspension uses a lateral rod and a lower arm. This suspension type consists of a coil spring, shock absorber, lateral rod, and torsion axle arm assembly. It provides compact size, lightweight, good serviceability, high roll rigidity, and lateral rigidity.

6. Trailing arm suspension type - rigid

Trailing arm suspension type

Trailing arm suspension type is the next type of suspension that we know. At first glance, this type is similar to the three-link rigid type. But it is different because it uses a trailing arm that blends from left to right. This types of suspension is also rigid and is commonly used for the rear suspension.

7. Pneumatic suspension type

The pneumatic suspension works based on the pneumatic system, which is a system that works by utilizing compressed air/gas using a compressor. The damping of dings due to the wheels' collision with the road will be immediately dampened by compressed air/gas in the pneumatic tube.

Controlled by several valves, the dings quality of the pneumatic suspension is excellent. Even the vibrations that arise can be reduced to a minimum level to gather better comfort driving.

Another advantage of this pneumatic suspension type is its height can adjust from inside the vehicle's cabin. At the same time, the disadvantages are durability, and the replacement parts are quite expensive, so this suspension is less desirable.

8. Air suspension type

The air suspension type works similar to the pneumatic type. Still, this air suspension type has been developed much better, even in some luxury vehicles such as Mercedes Benz S-Class or Range Rover. A computer controls this air suspension type.

The computer will regulate compressing the air that enters the air suspension tube accurately in all conditions. Either when the car is parked, driving slowly, going fast, or on a bumpy road.

The air inside the suspension chamber damps the vibrations caused by the road surface. The effect is minimal and may not feel by the passengers in the cabin. Due to the high price and the complexity of the air suspension, not many cars use this type.