- Startseite
- Blog
- Fahrwerk eines Autos: Funktionen, Typen und Komponenten
Car Chassis: Functions, Types and Components
Vehicles have various components that play an integral part in their performance. A car chassis is also one such ignition component that is very important for a car.
If you want to learn everything about car chassis, its functions, manufacturing processes, and everything else, read below. This guide has all the relevant information on car chassis.
What is a Car Chassis?
A car chassis is the backbone of the car and holds the entire load of the car frame. It gives a point of attachment for the other components of a vehicle. The components attached to the car chassis are the steering wheel, suspension, frame, and exhaust manifold.
The chassis of a car also provides a base that supports the engine body of the car, keeping it stable. It even ensures that the components of the car integrate into one another in a seamless way.
Functions of an Automotive Chassis
The automobile chassis has multiple functions, which are discussed below.
Weight Distribution
A car chassis helps to spread the weight of the car in a uniform way between the rear and front axles. It ensures that the car is handled properly while driving. It spreads the weight of the car across the wheels and offers it stability.
Balance Car Structure
The main function of the car chassis is to support the components of a car. It is meant to support drivetrains, engine, and steering systems, followed by clutch, suspension, and brakes.
Absorb and Distribute Crash Energy
A car chassis absorbs the crash energy and distributes it during an accident. It absorbs this energy through the deformation and crumple zones and spreads it through the structure of the car. Such an absorption reduces the impact on the car and also reduces the risk of damage.
Support Different Car Components
A car chassis offers a stable foundation for the components of the car. It links the different parts. The steering, brakes, wheels, clutch components, and everything else are linked to it.
Structure and Components of a Car Chassis
A car chassis has multiple components, and some of these are as follows:
Frame Rails
The frame gives the car chassis a structure, and it has a beam of aluminum or steel in a longitudinal form. The frame rail handles the load of the car and even supports it.
Suspension System
The suspension system of the car refers to the connection that joins the tires, springs, and shock absorbers. Suspension systems ensure stability between the road surface and the tires. It also ensures smooth movement of the car.
Clutch
The clutch connects the crankshaft of the engine with the transmission. It is important for changing gears smoothly and keeping the engine from stalling while shifting the gear.
Rear Axle
The rear axle helps to lower the transmission and generate the required torque to power the wheels. It even supports the rear wheels and eases car movement.
Braking System
The braking system is mounted to the car chassis, and it works with the wheel assembly and suspension, which help to stop or slow the car. Using friction, the rotational energy in the wheel is converted to heat energy.
Wheel and Tires
The wheels of the car have direct contact with the chassis. It helps the car to gain traction on the road and maintain shock absorption and stability.
Steering System
The steering system acts on the car chassis like brakes and works in combination with the suspension and wheels of the car to control the direction of the car.
Cross Member
Cross member links the frame rails, which are equipped with horizontal beams offering stability and support. It increases the rigidity of the car and supports components like the suspension and engine.
Transmission System
The transmission system of the car is directly linked to the car chassis using the transmission mount. It works with an engine to ensure power delivery and a smooth drive. It also has the gearbox and other gear-shifting components.
Universal Joint
A universal joint (U-joint) is a flexible coupling that connects two rotating shafts, typically found between the drive shaft and the transmission. It allows for the transmission of power while accommodating angular misalignment, ensuring smooth power transfer between parts like the front axle and the drive shaft.
Types of Car Chassis
There are four different types of car chassis, as discussed below.
Ladder Frame Chassis
The ladder frame chassis of a car has two parallel frame rails in the car frame design, which have smaller frame supports. It has a structure like a ladder, and it offers a strong foundation that supports the different components of the car chassis.
The ladder frame chassis is easy to assemble and construct, and offers a car with high structural integrity and stability to carry heavy loads. However, the frame itself is heavy and adds to the vehicle’s weight, exhibiting weak torsion.
Monocoque Chassis
A monocoque chassis has a unibody design, and it assembles the frame of the car and chassis in a single unit. It is common in modern vehicles like SUVs, sedans, and hatchbacks. It offers excellent crash resistance and strength.
It offers high torsion and protects the components with its fused design, ensuring durability. However, it is expensive, and repairs are challenging.
Backbone Chassis
A backbone chassis is also called the central tube design, which gives a look like a human backbone. It has a hollow tube in the form of a cylinder that connects its suspension with the rear and front axles. It has a high torsional toughness and can easily go off-road.
Tubular Chassis
A tubular chassis has tubular members in the form of a network series and creates a 3D structure. It is used in lightweight and high-performance vehicles like racing cars. It is highly strong and offers excellent crash resistance. It is suitable for vehicles that need improved design flexibility.
Manufacturing Processes for Car Chassis Components
There are different manufacturing processes for manufacturing the components of a car chassis; some of these manufacturing processes are as follows:
CNC-Bearbeitung
CNC machining is a process equipped with precision and uses a cutting tool that removes the materials according to the desired design. It helps to use different operations like drilling, turning, and milling.
It is used to fabricate complex components. Materials like magnesium, steel, composites, and aluminum can be used to machine car chassis parts in CNC.
Herstellung von Blechen
Sheet metal fabrication uses metal sheets to manufacture different parts and structures. The process consists of using methods like bending, cutting, forming, welding, and stamping. The process of sheet metal fabrication has multiple chassis components, like steering components and driveshaft panels.
Druckgießen
Die casting uses heat to melt metal, which is injected into the mold where it is left to solidify. It is a very common manufacturing process in the automobile industry. It is suitable for producing components in bulk.
Finishing Options of Car Chassis Components
There are various methods of finishing the car chassis components, and these are as follows:
Eloxieren
Anodizing is used to coat the surface with a layer of oxide. It is mostly used for aluminum, and a layer of aluminum oxide is used for its coating. Components of a car chassis are anodized to make them corrosion-resistant.
Malerei
Painting is a process of surface finishing that coats the chassis parts using paint. The paint on the frame and other parts of the chassis helps to prevent corrosion.
Galvanizing
Galvanization is a process of surface treatment in which a zinc coating is applied to the parts of the chassis. It makes the components resistant to abrasion, making them more durable.
Polieren
Polishing consists of creating a smooth and glossy texture on the component. It removes any type of imperfection of the components and enhances the chassis.
Common Materials for Making Car Chassis Parts
The commonly chosen materials for taking car chassis parts are the following:
Aluminum: It is used for car chassis as it has a low density and high strength; it offers fuel efficiency to the cars due to being lightweight.
Steel: Steel has high strength and is used to create car chassis. It is highly machinable and cost-effective.
Magnesium Alloys: These alloys are light in weight and offer a great choice for the performance of a car. It is highly corrosion-resistant, and post-processing enhances its properties.
Composites: Composites are different types of materials, like glass fiber, carbon fiber, and resin. It is durable and corrosion-resistant for making car chassis components.
DEK: Your Reliable Partner for Automotive Car Parts
If you are in the automobile industry and want to have hands-on, high-quality components for a car chassis, you can contact us at DEK. We offer high-quality components manufactured using different types of machining processes, ensuring high precision.
Schlussfolgerung
A car chassis proves to be a very important part of the automobile, and it handles and stabilizes the vehicle in various ways. As you have gone through the guide above, you must have learned everything about chassis, which will help you analyze your vehicle manufacturing efficiency.
