SUSPENSION SYSTEM

SUSPENSION SYSTEM:



The suspension is provided in a vehicle to lessen the effect due to the unevenness of the road (potholes, speed breakers etc.).



There are three types of suspension in an ideal vehicle:


Suspension for front and rear wheels of a bike


1. Mechanical Suspension:


Weveller Suspension

This type of suspension consists of springs.
These springs are semi-elliptical leaf springs. This type of suspension is called as Weveller suspension.
It provides longitudinal movement. Springs also help to put force on the chassis to move it forward. The springs are mounted on the chassis by the hanger and u clamps.

U Clamp

but if we directly fit the leaves to the chassis it will undergo friction which will eventually produce heat, also wear may occur, this will damage the springs early than its actual life. 
To increase the life of the springs a rubber block (rubber buffer) is put inside the hanger and spring bracket which is in contact with the chassis and hanger. This helps reduce friction, also the rubber helps absorb shocks.

Lower Bracket

Note:  
  • Rubber block reduces in size due to friction hence loses contact with the bush.
  • Rubber block needs to be replaced timely to minimize heat production and shocks due to bumps on the roads.

2. Hydraulic Suspension:


Cylinder and Piston rod(thin rod) can be seen

  1. Shock-absorbers are a hydraulic suspension.
  2. It consists of spring also a cylinder which consists of oil. There is a piston (consisting of valves), is anchored to the wheel (it moves up and down when the wheels rebound from the road)
  3. When there is an irregularity on the road, the tyres tend to oscillate (rebound). 
  4. During this, the piston is pushed inside the cylinder forcing the liquid(oil) stored on one end of the cylinder to flow through valves, these valves try to obstruct its flow to the other end. 
  5. Hence absorbing the shock.
  6. Springs used to bring back the piston to its original position.
                          


Shock Absorber for the front wheel

Shock Absorber for the rear wheel

Note:
  • Oil or liquid inside the cylinder is to be checked timely.
  • There should be no leakage in the piston 

3. Pneumatic Suspension:


Air Bellow of a bus

It consists of high-pressure air filled in a flexible and strong bellow.
Air is filled in it by air compressors (air pump) and the pressure of air inside is regulated by electrical circuits(mostly).
It can handle the varying load. More advantageous than conventional mechanical suspension system.
It absorbs direct road forces. Hence it is more efficient.

To See Videos: 

How does a car suspension system work?  CLICK HERE
Suspension and Steering Geometry ( Detail) CLICK HERE