Car suspension parts play a vital role in the performance of the car. They are responsible for making the ride smooth when driving on rough roads.
However, understanding the different components of car suspension and their functions is important. So, read the guide below and familiarize yourself.
What are Car Suspension Parts?
Car suspension parts consist of tires, shock absorbers, springs, and linkages that connect the car to the wheels. The system of car suspension is very crucial for creating an interaction between the road surface and the tires which helps with car movement.
The core purpose of a car suspension system is that it ensures that the tire stays in contact with the road and ensures traction. It helps with proper vehicle handling and stability to ensure a comfortable drive.
Functions of Suspension Parts in a Car
The main function of the car suspension is to ensure a connection between the wheels and the car. It also ensures traction on the roads. However, the functions of the car suspension can be split into two different points.
The first one is that it absorbs the shocks while the imperfections of roads are encountered. The second one is that the car stays connected to the surface of the road at all times. It helps in preventing the external forces that may take the car off the road.
Components of a Car Suspension Part
The components of a car suspension part are discussed below:
Molas
The role of springs is to work like a shock absorber which helps to absorb all types of shocks that the wheels may pass through due to the imperfection of roads. The springs also help in maintaining traction on the roads and the car moves smoothly.
Anti-roll Bar or Stabilizer
It prevents the vehicle from rolling over and ensures to maintain the balance of the car especially when driving at high speed and making sharp turns.
The bar consists of an iron rod for connecting the right and left wheel lower arms and keeps the vehicle attached to the center.
Damper or Shock Absorber
The damper is known to dampen the motion of the vehicle. It absorbs the energy that is released from the spring's movement and maintains the connection between the road and the tires.
Bumper
The bumper is a component of the car suspension system that involves rebounding and bounding.
It protects the car and consists of materials like rubber which helps in shock absorption. They ensure that the integrity of the vehicle is maintained when there is an expansion or contraction in the springs of the car.
Lateral Control Rod
The lateral control rod is mostly opted for in four-wheeler vehicles. The main task of the rod is to keep the axle held tightly when there is load exerted from the side.
This rod is between the axle of the vehicle and the car body. It also creates a link with the suspension parts and helps to keep the car stable.
Knuckle Arm
The knuckle arm is at the front of the wheels and it connects the components of the wheel with the car’s assembly. They ensure that the car wheels pivot for steering and help in better handling.
Ball Joint
The ball joint consisting of pivot joints manages the horizontal and lateral loads on the vehicles. They can connect the suspension parts so that the movement in different directions is supported.
It also works as a rotation axis when the car turns and ensures an appropriate alignment of wheels.
Lower and Upper Arm
The lower and upper arms of the car are components that connect the car chassis with other parts of the suspension system.
It handles the movement of the suspension system in the up and down position and helps with the ease of turning in vehicles while maintaining stability.
Strut Bar
The strut bar holds the lower arms and lets the front wheel function properly. It helps to enhance the response of steering while maintaining better control of the car. It also reduces the chassis flex and improves the vehicle’s rigidity.
Types of Automotive Suspension Systems
Automatic suspension systems have various types, and some of these are discussed below:
Dependent Suspension System
In a dependent suspension system, when one wheel or component moves, this movement affects the other, which is on a similar axle.
Its design is such that the rear axle creates a connection between both wheels. It is a simple and affordable suspension system but is not commonly opted for.
Independent Suspension System
The independent suspension system is mostly opted for in most modern vehicles.
In this system, the wheel is connected to a specific spring, shock absorber, and solid axle so that they have independent movement. This helps to reduce the impact on the opposite wheel.
The independent suspension system offers a precise alignment and promotes improved handling of vehicles especially at a high speed. However, this system costs more as it has a high complexity.
Semi-Independent Suspension Systems
It has a rigid axle that has coil springs connecting the wheels on a similar axle. However, like an independent system, it has shock absorbers for each side.
Manufacturing Methods for Car Suspension Parts
There are different methods that are used for manufacturing suspension parts for a car, and some of these are discussed below:
Fundição de metais
Metal casting companies use processes like die casting and sand casting. It helps to manufacture components of the suspension system like knuckle arms and lateral control.
It uses the heated metal, which is melted and then poured into the molds to attain the required shape of the component. It is an old method that is opted for its affordability and even creates parts that are highly durable.
Maquinação CNC
Maquinação CNC is also a very commonly chosen method for the manufacturing of suspension parts of a car. It uses computer-controlled tools that move according to the program and create highly precise components.
It is usually used for components like arms, knuckle arms, and strut bars. It can manufacture components that have tight tolerance and excellent surface finish.
Moldagem por injeção
An injection mold is used for manufacturing the components that are used for manufacturing the non-metallic components using plastics.
The suspension components are usually made using metals, and moldagem por injeção is not very common but can help with automobile bumpers.
The process of injection molding uses molten material to be poured into cavities where they are left to solidify upon cooling and attain the shape. It is an affordable method that helps in manufacturing lightweight parts.
Forjamento
The process of forging consists of creating metal components by shaping them using a high force.
It is used for creating components that are strong and durable like linkages, anti-roll bars, and control arms. The suspension parts manufactured using this process are the ones that have high strength and toughness.
Welding
Welding is a method that helps assemble two or more components. The process is used for joining the suspension components to the chassis or the frame of the car.
It heats a small portion of the parts and fuses them onto one another creating a bond with strength. Welding also ensures the security of the joint and creates a stable suspension system.
Importance of Quality Suspension Parts
The suspension parts quality matters a lot as it has many impacts on the vehicle, and some of the reasons this quality matters are as follows:
Impact on Vehicle Performance
The suspension parts quality ensures to maintain the optimal performance of the vehicle and helps with better stability and handling. It can absorb shocks effectively and also makes the ride a comfortable one.
Safety Considerations
Suspension is crucial for the safety of a vehicle. When the parts of the car are of high quality, the stability is maintained when the car is driven on uneven roads or takes sharp turns. It helps to minimize the chance of skidding and protect the passengers.
Longevity and Durability
The suspension system components should be durable because they also increase the lifespan of the vehicle. The quality suspension components reduce the chance of wear and tear for the systems that are connected and improve functioning.
Maintaining Your Car’s Suspension System
The maintenance of the suspension system of a car is very important for the durability of the car and its improved performance. Some of the tips which help in maintaining the suspension system of the car are as follows:
- Regularly inspect the suspension system of the car for leaks and damages.
- Keep a check on the tires, as if they wear out inconsistently, there might be issues with the suspension systems.
- Look for leaking fluid or a reduction in damping performance.
- Make sure not to put excessive weight, as it reduces the life of the suspensions.
- Drive very carefully to avoid speed bumps and potholes to reduce the damage.
- Regularly get the wheel alignment done so that the steering systems are in sync with the suspensions.
- Immediately replace the components that have worn out.
Conclusão
There are multiple parts in a vehicle, but suspension systems are very critical.
If you are looking forward to having the suspension systems of a car manufactured with precision and accuracy, DEK can be your go-to choice.
So, get in touch with us today, and we will manufacture high-quality, durable, and precise suspension parts for you.