The function of the car’s chassis is to ensure that the vehicle is always in safe contact with the road. At the same time, it ensures comfort when driving by compensating for road irregularities and damping unwanted vibrations. Numerous components interact in the area of wheel suspension to optimally transmit drive forces, steering commands and braking energy.

The wheel suspension on the vehicle – rigid axle or independent suspension

In the chassis area, independent wheel suspensions or rigid axles are used. The classic rigid axle is mostly still used today as the rear axle for commercial vehicles or in the form of the axle bridge for off-road vehicles.

Many modern chassis with independent wheel suspension today use an axle beam to which all chassis components are attached. The axle beam or subframe acts as the connection between the wheel suspension and the body of the vehicle.

Important components of the suspension system

The chassis of a vehicle consists of numerous individual components. Depending on the vehicle selection and type of construction, certain components can be found in the area of the chassis. Some elements and parts are reserved for certain types of wheel suspension.

Springs

The springs of the chassis support the weight of the vehicle, absorb forces and at the same time allow the suspension to compress. In the modern car with independent wheel suspension, a suspension in cylindrical or barrel-shaped spiral form is mostly used.

Shock absorber

Shock absorbers dampen vibrations within the chassis and calm the suspension. For damping, shock absorbers convert the vibration energy into friction energy and heat. The dampers are installed on the car as gas pressure dampers and oil pressure dampers.

Wishbone

As part of the wheel suspension, wishbones guide the wheel carrier and support the wheel guidance. Here, wishbones provide the movable connection between the wheel carrier and the other chassis parts. Depending on the vehicle, they absorb lateral forces as well as longitudinal forces.

Tie rods

As part of the steering system, tie rods allow the wheels to be guided in the correct direction. The driver’s steering movements are transmitted from the steering wheel via the steering column to the tie rod. The tie rod transmits the steering movements to the wheel carriers of the front axle.

Ball joints

Ball joints are used as part of the chassis wherever movements in three spatial axes act on the component. Bearings made of rubber enable the mobility. Ball joints are used between the wishbone and the wheel carrier or also on the track rod.

Suspension struts

The suspension struts form a combination of springs and dampers. Depending on the design of the wheel suspension, the spring strut can also have the task of guiding the wheel. Suspension struts consist of a coil spring arranged around the shock absorber housing.

Wheel hubs

The wheel hub connects the rotating wheels to the fixed parts of the suspension. Integrated bearings as wheel bearings enable the rotating movement. In front-wheel drive cars, the drive shaft is guided through the hub of the front axle to drive the wheels.

Stabilisers

A stabiliser is a component of various types of chassis that reduces body sway when cornering. Mounted on the front axle, it is usually a round steel in the form of a torsion spring. The anti-roll bar is connected to the body via bearings.

Coupling rod

As part of the chassis, the coupling rod, like the anti-roll bar, prevents body roll and is connected to it. The part known as the sway bar or stabiliser bar absorbs forces when the loads on the wheels of an axle are different.

Banjo axle

A banjo axle is a rigid axle with a differential gear integrated into the axle housing. All parts of the axle drive are integrated in the axle. This type of axle was common in the past, but is now only used on off-road vehicles and trucks.

Torsion springs

Torsion springs are torsion bar springs that create tension when twisted around their own axis. This type of suspension was used in passenger cars and commercial vehicles in earlier times. Here, spring leaves in an axle tube provide the spring forces after twisting.

Leaf springs

Leaf springs have been used in cars since the beginning. They are curved spring leaves made of steel that provide the spring forces. On vehicles with a rigid axle, leaf springs are often used as a spring assembly to suspend the rear axle.

How the suspension components work together

The wheel suspension of vehicles is a complex system whose parts work in coordination with each other during driving. The exact mode of action of the individual components differs according to the type and technology of the suspension. If, for example, the road surface is uneven, the correct wheel will always be suspended. Dampers take over vibration damping, while the geometry of the wheel guide ensures contact between all tyres at every steering angle.

Common problems with the suspension system

The suspension and all suspension parts are subjected to great loads every time the vehicle is driven. These parts have to absorb sometimes considerable forces, as well as the weight of body and engine. In addition, the components under the car are stressed by wetness and also by road dirt and road salt in winter. This often leads to defects.

• Breakage of a suspension spring under high load
• Dampers are worn and leaking
• Bearings of the stabiliser are worn out
• Wishbones are worn out
• Tie rod end is worn and worn out

Regular maintenance and inspection of the suspension system

Not only the parts such as the engine, but also the chassis should be serviced and checked regularly. If, for example, the car has a leaking vibration damper, this will be discovered during maintenance. In this way, consequential damage to the chassis can be ruled out. A misaligned chassis is also immediately noticeable in the course of the regular inspection of the car in the workshop.

Tips for extending the life of the suspension system

Various measures can be taken to extend the life of the suspension. In addition to maintenance by a specialist in the workshop, drivers can visually check the components of the suspension, for example, when changing the wheels in spring and autumn.

1. Reduce stresses on the undercarriage: The best way to extend the life of the undercarriage is to keep stresses low. All parts of the chassis will last longer if a car is moved with care and not constantly off the road.
2. Buy good quality parts: When buying parts for the chassis, and in particular the suspension, it is better for buyers to buy good quality parts from the shop. These include suspensions from the major manufacturers that are also originally installed in the vehicle.
3. Regular maintenance of the vehicle: If a vehicle is serviced regularly, defective parts of the chassis will be noticed immediately. After replacing the defective components, the car will function as intended again and no consequential damage can occur.

The car’s chassis – a conclusion:

To enable good road holding and increased driving comfort, many parts work together perfectly in the area of the chassis. However, wear and defects can limit the function. Therefore, have the car’s chassis serviced regularly so that you can continue to enjoy driving safety and comfort in the future.

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