ABC’s of a Vehicle Suspension

Besides your car’s windshield, in modern vehicles, perhaps one of the most important is the suspension, as it has several features that make it possible and comfortable driving them.  If your suspension breaks, it is essential that you repair it immediately, or else risk being towed to the repair shop.

Gain insight into what it is and how the suspension system of a motorcycle works.

What is the suspension of a vehicle?

It is a set of elements that are designed to absorb road irregularities themselves by walking the vehicle. They also have the important function of keeping the wheels glued to the floor. It also gives the driver control over the car they drive and provides convenience and comfort to passengers traveling in it.

Its aim is to dispel those caused by uneven ground so they do not feel the movement inside the cabin. For example, if you achieve not dodge a hole or other irregularity in the road, the suspension helps you not feel the impact of such a strong way.

A little history

The suspension system was born in the nineteenth century with the arrival of the carriages as a system to transport people over long distances. The suspension system was so rigid and uncomfortable; it was made of different metals.

Since then, several have been developed for vehicle suspension design, including hydraulics and pneumatics as fundamental principles in developing these.

Parts of the suspension of a vehicle

The suspension of modern vehicles is comprised of an element which absorbs energy which occurs due to ground deformation, that is, which converts oscillations or vertical motion, and one which dissipates energy in a controlled manner, ie. a piston which converts the heat energy through the compression of a fluid.

The first element belonging to the suspension system of a vehicle can be found in the market with the names of spiral springs, axles or torsion bars. The second is that we all know as cushion or hydraulic piston.

Types of shock absorbers for vehicles

Although the suspension system consists of several elements, the most important, and which we refer to in this article, is the damper. There are several kinds:

Hydraulic: consist of a piston inserted in a cylinder in which no oil. Several holes allow passage from one side to the other of the piston. Its biggest advantage is the simplicity, the lack of maintenance and ability to exert greater the greater is the pressure damping. The movement is dissipated by the pressure on the oil.

Hydraulic valves: instead of holes, the piston has a series of valves that allow the passage of oil under a certain pressure. Offer a more smooth and efficient performance. The valve opens and closes dependent upon the pressure that it has to dissipate the motion.

Double tube: they are the most common today. Pressurized divide (using oil) and non-pressurized (using oil and gas). The oil flows from the cylinder through the piston and into the second chamber through a valve situated between them.

Monotube: consists of two chambers, one with another with oil and gas. Between the two there is a floating piston. The chamber volume is variable, depending on the compression exercised by the gas forces acting on the piston.

Maintenance for the suspension system

To take care of the suspension system of the vehicle, you must follow a few simple steps. These are:

  • Handle With Care by land uneven ground (roads, paved roads, streets uncovered, etc..).
  • Be careful with the load you’re putting your vehicle regularly, as overweight it can damage the suspension.
  • Periodically check the pressure of tire inflation.
  • Be vigilant if we feel noises in the direction of the car, tapping and sudden loss of vehicle control.