The Pros & Cons of Common Suspension Types

Springs:
Support the weight of the vehicle and allow up and down movement to absorb bumps in the road. These come in coil, leaf, torsion bar and air springs.

Goto Hengguang to know more.

Dampeners:
Control spring oscillations, keeping the vehicle in control over bumps and through turns. Dampeners include shock absorbers, struts and coilovers.

Linkages:
Connect the chassis and suspension. These include control arms, compression/tension arms, radius arms, lateral links, trailing arms and track bars.

Pivot points:
Allow for the various movements in the suspension system. Pivot points include bushings, ball joints and strut mounts.

Knuckles and spindles:
Provide a connection point for steering and suspension linkages. They also serve as mounting components for brakes and wheel bearings.

Wheel bearings:
Allow for low-friction rotation of the wheel and tire assembly and serve as a mounting point for the wheel.

Wheels and tires:
Connect the vehicle to the ground and provide traction for acceleration, braking and turning.

DEPENDENT SUSPENSIONS
The wheels are connected by a common rail/beam and work in tandem. Used in heavy duty/heavy load applications, this system comes in two types: driven (fixed axle) and non-driven (beam axle).

Pros Cons High load handling Poor handling Easy to maintain Heavy Great off-road capabilities Limited adjustment Clearance and articulation Unstable at high speeds

INDEPENDENT SUSPENSIONS
These enable wheels to move up and down independently of each other, providing more comfort and better handling than dependent suspensions. There are many types of independent suspensions, including:

Macpherson Strut
This simple system is used on lightweight, unitized body vehicles. The strut and spring are mounted together, and the system pivots using the upper strut mount and lower ball joint.

Pros Cons Economical Limited adjustability Low maintenance Marginal performance Decent handling

Short/Long Arm (Double Wishbone)
This is the preferred system for performance, off-road and medium-duty applications. It features an upper and lower control arm of different lengths and comes in TYPE-I and TYPE-II variations. In TYPE-I the lower control arm bears the vehicle's weight, and in TYPE-II the upper control arm bears the weight.

For more information, please visit automotive suspension springs.

Pros Cons Kinematics Multiple wear items Better handling Space Good adjustability

Multi-link
A complex system used on performance luxury vehicles, it has multiple pivot points that provide a good combination of comfort and handling.

Pros Cons Comfort and handling Complex system Precise adjustments Costly repairs

Twin I-Beam (Swing Axles)
Sometimes these suspensions are driven, but most of the time they are non-driven.

Pros Cons Carry a lot of weight Not very common Difficult to work on

It's important to follow the proper diagnostic procedures for each suspension type. For useful tips from the pros on suspension diagnosis and installation, check out our webinar.

When choosing the right suspension system for your vehicle, the decision ultimately comes down to two options: springs or coils. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, but which one is better? Here we will examine the differences between springs and coils and help you decide which suspension system is right for your vehicle.

What Are Springs?

Springs are suspension system that uses a spring to absorb the shock of bumps and uneven terrain. Several types of springs exist, including leaf springs, coil springs, and torsion bars. Each type of spring works differently, but they all serve the same purpose: to provide a smoother ride and better handling.

What Are Coils?

Coils, on the other hand, are a type of suspension system that uses a coil-over shock absorber to reduce the impact of bumps and uneven terrain. The Coilover shock absorber comprises a coil spring wrapped around a shock absorber. The shock absorber is responsible for damping the spring's movement, which helps to reduce the amount of bounce and sway in the vehicle.

Pros and Cons of Springs

Springs have been used in suspension systems for decades, and for good reason. They are relatively inexpensive, durable, and effective at reducing the impact of bumps and uneven terrain. However, not all springs are created equal. Here are some of the pros and cons of using springs in your suspension system:

Pros

• Springs are relatively inexpensive compared to other suspension systems.
• They are durable and can withstand heavy use.
• Springs provide a smoother ride and better handling.

Cons

• Springs can wear out over time and lose their effectiveness.
• They can be noisy, especially when driving over rough terrain.
• Springs may not be suitable for heavy-duty applications.

Pros and Cons of Coils

Coils are a newer type of suspension system that has become increasingly popular in recent years. They offer several advantages over traditional springs, but they also have some drawbacks. Here are some of the pros and cons of using coils in your suspension system:

Pros

• Coils provide better handling and stability than traditional springs.
• They are more adjustable and can be fine-tuned to suit your specific needs.
• Coils are generally quieter than traditional springs.

Cons

• Coils are more expensive than traditional springs.
• They can be less durable and may need to be replaced more often.
• Coils may not be suitable for heavy-duty applications.

Which is Better: Springs or Coils?

So, which suspension system is better: springs or coils? The answer is that it depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you're looking for an inexpensive, durable suspension system that provides a smooth ride and better handling, springs may be the way to go. However, coils may be the better choice if you're looking for a more customizable suspension system that provides better handling and stability.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to your specific needs and preferences. Both springs and coils have advantages and disadvantages, and the best option for you will depend on various factors, including your driving style, the type of terrain you'll be driving on, and the weight of your vehicle.

For more heavy duty springsinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

Conclusion