Double Wishbone Suspension Explained

Suspension: Double Wishbone Suspension:

How It Works And Key Parts:

The Double wishbone suspension is a widely used suspension design in a number of performance and passenger vehicles, as it offers excellent handling and control. It is the sum of its parts that come together for a comfortable ride and the most wheel control. Here's a look at its essential elements:

1. Upper Arm:

Also known as the upper control arm, it is in the form of a wishbone or an ''A,'' and links the top of the wheel knuckle to the vehicle body. It's responsible for limiting the up and down movement of the suspension, and it supports the proper alignment of the wheels in the suspension travel.

2. Lower Arm:

Beneath the upper arm, this part also links the wheel knuckle to the body. It carries a heavier load, and together with the upper arm keeps the wheel straight and centered in relation to the rest of the body.

3. Knuckle:

It is the knuckle that links the upper and lower arms, the wheel hub, and the steering system. It enables the wheel to steer and rotate while also bearing the weight of the car.

4. Damper (Shock Absorber):

The damper is used to adjust the rebound and compression so that it eliminates vibrations and road shocks and provides added comfort to you.

5. Damper Spring (Coil Spring):

It carries the weight of the vehicle and soaks up bumps, joined by the damper to create a better, smoother ride.

6. Damper Fork:

This reduction from the lower arm to the lower part of the damper can help to transmit the forces between them.

7. Driveshaft Boot:

A flexible rubber boot that covers the CV (constant velocity) joint on the driveshaft, eliminating dirt, moisture, and contaminants from entering the CV joint, for a reliable and smooth transfer of power to the wheels.

8. Stabilizer Bars (antiroll or sway bars):

A bar connecting the two ends of the suspension together to improve handling and stability of the vehicle during tight cornering.

9. Stabilizer Bar Bushing:

Rubber or polyurethane bushings that insulate the stabilizer bar from it's mounting points, reducing noise and preventing the bar from rubbing on it's sound or wear against waiting surfaces. These bushings allow limited movement to allow controlled operation of the stabilizer bars and facilitating the independent movement of wheels up and down as they move on metal rod.

10. Radius Rod:

A link by which longitudinal movement of the suspension pieces (front and rear motion) is regulated.

11. Radius Rod Rubber Bushing:

Rubberized mount that cushions shock and allows the radius rod to move slightly.

Double wishbone suspension thee type of automotive suspension typically used in sports and high-end cars for its combination of excellent handling and a soft ride. It has two control arms, which connect the wheel hub to the vehicle's body, that are shaped like wishbones (or the letter ''A'') one upper and one lower. These arms allow for fine-tuning of the wheel's motion at all points in the travel of the suspension.

An important benefit of the double wishbone configuration is the flexibility to allow for a proper road-hugging tire track while cornering or during bumps. This is done by improving control over the camber angle (the tilt of the tyre) compared to simpler suspension systems such as double wishbones, a device known as a MacPherson strut. What you do get is better stability of the vehicle, cornering ability, and tire wear.

Furthermore, the double wishbone layout is more easily adjustable to control wheel camber (alignment of the wheel in the vertical plane), caster (amount of forward/aft wheel tilt), dive, squat, anti-dive and anti-squat. This makes it an ideal choice for sports and racing cars. But they are also complex and costly to build and sustain.

In general, the double wishbone suspension system offers a balanced solution between comfort and sportiness. The latter means you get sharp handling without a ride penalty, so it's a popular choice for when driving dynamics and performance are the focus.