Automotive industry is developing at a rapid pace. Every year, companies come up with new systems and technologies. Today, everyone is accustomed to cars with independent. But not so long ago, cars were produced only with torsion bar suspension (Renault is no exception). What is it and how does it work? Let's take a look at our today's article.

Characteristics and device

Torsion suspension- This is a type of suspension, where the function of the working element is performed by torsion bars. What are these elements? The torsion bar is a metal mechanism that acts on twisting. It consists of plates or rods of round (rarely - square) section. These plates work together for twisting. The torsion bar can be used as auxiliary device(as a stabilizer roll stability) or as an elastic element. The element is attached to the hub assembly of the wheel and passes in the form of a rubber-metal hinge to the hinge assembly. Sections of torsion bars act as suspension arms.

The beam itself can be used longitudinally or transversely. The latter option is most often used for passenger cars mobiles. The longitudinal version is found on trucks. But regardless of the type of location, the beam is designed to correct roll when turning and increase smoothness when passing bumps.

In general, the system consists of the following elements:

• Drive.
• brake disc.
• Lower and upper arm.
• Bridge.
• Torsion.
• Beams.
• Roll bars.
• shock absorber.

How it works?

The principle of operation of the torsion bar suspension is very simple. So, the ends of the beam are rigidly attached to the body or frame of the car (if it is a car or a truck). When moving, a twisting force acts on the beam. In this case, the shaft seeks to return the wheel to its place. If it is installed with an additional electric motor, the driver may be able to adjust the stiffness of the suspension. Thus, the operation of a torsion bar suspension is similar to a spring or sprung suspension. The system performs several tasks:

• Adjusts the roll angle in a turn.
• Provides a smooth ride.
• Absorbs vibrations from the wheels and from the frame.
• Provides wheel stabilization.

Where is it applied?

Such a suspension can be found on old frame SUVs. These include the Mitsubishi Pajero, as well as the American Suburbans and Tahoe. On passenger cars, such a suspension scheme is practically not used (in the days of the USSR, such a design was used on the Zaporozhets). Among the famous foreign cars, it is worth noting the Renault Laguna and the Peugeot 405. Use multi-link suspension then it was difficult and expensive, and the torsion bar provided a high smoothness.

Advantages

Among the advantages of a torsion bar suspension of a car, it is worth highlighting the ease of operation. So, the system is arranged very simply, which makes it easy to carry out repairs and maintenance. Also, this suspension can be adjusted for stiffness. A motorist can independently build up torsion bars to suit his driving style, make undercarriage softer or harder.

The next advantage concerns mass. This suspension weighs much less than its counterparts. At the same time, it is small in size. This feature allowed the use of torsion bar suspension on Peugeot and other small cars.

One of the biggest benefits is reliability. Such a chassis practically does not require repair. And if this is a torsion bar suspension of a trailer, then it is completely eternal. Over the entire period of operation, the owners were only faced with the need to adjust the stiffness.

Peculiarities

Among other features, it should be noted the possibility of adjusting the clearance. This opportunity is not available for everyone. modern car. At the same time, one key was used to adjust the ride height. It was necessary to unscrew or tighten the necessary adjusting bolt inside the cross beam. When the lever is raised, the vehicle's ground clearance increases. When lowered ground clearance decreases. As practice shows, the clearance can be changed by 5-7 centimeters.

Flaws

Now we note the disadvantages of the torsion bar suspension. They are quite serious, and therefore such a system is no longer used on cars. So why is torsion bar suspension a thing of the past?

The first problem is the oversteer of the car. Compared to modern multi-link counterparts, this undercarriage only slightly reduces roll. It is very difficult to keep such a car at speed. Especially it concerns frame SUVs, which have a high center of gravity and a huge curb weight.

The next drawback is the constant vibrations that are transmitted to the body and to the frame in case of bumps. They especially feel it rear passengers. Such a suspension can not be called comfortable.

Next up is needle bearings. They are an integral part of the torsion shaft. The resource of these bearings is 70 thousand kilometers. The elements are protected by gaskets and rubber seals, however, due to the constant exposure to aggressive environments, these seals crack. Dirt and water seep through them. As a result, the bearing fails. This flares the beam seats. This phenomenon contributes to the change of the wheel shaft. If you start the problem, you will have to completely change the beam.

About repair

Since over time this suspension loses its elasticity, the clearance of the car decreases. To restore it to factory values, you need to adjust the suspension with a key. Also, repair operations include the replacement of:

• Rear beam torsion bars.
• The levers of the rear beam.
• Needle bearings.
• Rear beam pins.

When overhaul beams, it is required to dismantle the torsion bars. So that there are no problems during assembly, you must first outline the position of the torsion bar on the beam. To remove the torsion bar itself, you need to remove it from the spline connection. To do this, you need an inertial puller. Sometimes it is necessary to clean the threads on the spline connection. This area turns sour, and it is not so easy to dismantle the torsion bar.

When repairing such a suspension, needle bearings are most often replaced. This requires extracting the following elements:

• Rear beam levers.
• Torsion.

There are a total of two bearings in the system (one on each side). The problem is that it is impossible to determine the health of the element on its own. And further operation of a beam with a worn bearing leads to irreversible wear of the axle. Repair of the rear beam lever is the most difficult operation. It is performed on a special one. It is impossible to perform such work on your own. This requires skills and knowledge.

And finding a good specialist in this field with the right equipment is quite difficult.

note

Before adjusting this suspension, it is worthwhile to diagnose the chassis. Often on older cars there are hidden defects in the chassis. It is they who affect the operation of torsion bars. You should also check the alignment. Torsion bars will rise to the desired height only when the angles are correct. Otherwise, the owner will face such a problem as zhor rubber tread. You should also change the distance from the center of the front axle to the edge of the wing. This parameter should be about 50 centimeters. If everything is fine, you can start setting up. The adjusting bolt itself is located in the center and is slightly recessed into the frame.

Instead of a conclusion

So, we found out what a torsion bar suspension is. As you can see, it has both positive and negative sides. But no matter how reliable it may be, most automakers prefer spring independent suspension. Now its resource has become no less than that of the torsion bar. And the level of comfort is incomparable.

The torsion bar is a metal elastic element that works on twisting. As a rule, this is a metal rod of round section with a slotted connection at the ends. The torsion can consist of a set of plates, rods, beams of a certain section. Structurally, the torsion bar is attached at one end to the body or frame of the car, and at the other - to the guide element - the lever. When the wheels are moved, the torsion bar is twisted, which achieves an elastic connection between the wheel and the body. A feature of torsion bars is rotation in only one direction - in the direction of twisting. Another feature is that the torsion bar can be used to adjust the body height. Torsion bars are used in various types independent suspensions: on double transverse levers, on longitudinal levers, with connected longitudinal levers (torsion beam).

In a torsion bar suspension on double wishbones, the torsion bars are parallel to the body, so that their length and, accordingly, the elastic properties can be adjusted over a wide range. One end of the torsion bar is attached to the lower transverse arm (rarely to the upper arm), the other end to the vehicle frame. This design torsion bar suspension used as front suspension cars off-road - some models of American and Japanese SUVs. In a trailing arm torsion bar suspension, the torsion bars are connected to the trailing arms and, accordingly, are located across the body. This torsion bar suspension design is used as rear suspension some models of small cars. A special place in the designs of torsion bar suspensions is occupied by the so-called. torsion beam or trailing arm suspension. The guiding device of this suspension are two trailing arms rigidly interconnected by a beam. The trailing arms are attached to the body on one side, and to the wheel hubs on the other. The beam has a U-shaped section, so it has high bending rigidity and low torsional rigidity. This property allows the wheels to move up and down independently of each other. The torsion beam is now widely used as a rear suspension front wheel drive vehicles small and middle class. Due to its design, the torsion beam suspension occupies an intermediate position between the dependent and independent type of suspension, so its other name is semi independent suspension.

History of appearance

Torsion bar suspension has been used since the mid-1930s on cars. french brand Citroen. In the 1940s, torsion bars were used on racing cars Porsche. Subsequently, they were used by many other automakers. For example, Renault, ZIL and Chrysler. The use of torsion bar suspension was primarily due to good performance smooth running and simple design.

Types of torsion suspensions

Front independent torsion bar suspension on wishbones The front torsion bar suspension on wishbones (one or two depending on the design) consists of the following elements: Longitudinally located torsion bar, working on twisting and replacing the spring. The lower or upper arm that takes the main load, through which the force is transferred to the torsion bar. The damping element is a shock absorber that performs the function of damping vibrations. Anti-roll bar that compensates for body roll when driving. The compactness of the front torsion bar suspension on wishbones allows efficient use free space. For example, to install massive wheel drives. In this regard, torsion bars have become widespread in the production of frame SUVs, combining cross-country ability with the softness of the suspension. For example, Toyota Land Cruiser 100 (mounting the torsion bar to the lower arm) and Toyota Hilux Surf (torsion bar on upper arm). Torsion bars are also used on the front axle of commercial vehicles.

Rear independent suspension with transverse torsion bars

In the designs of rear suspensions with a longitudinal arrangement of levers, torsion bars are installed transversely. Legendary French Renault car 16, which was produced until the 1990s, was equipped with a front suspension with longitudinally located torsion bars, and a rear suspension with a transverse one. feature elastic elements rear suspension was their location - one was behind the other, which structurally entailed a difference in the wheelbase on the sides of the car (one of the wheels was several centimeters closer to the front). The handling and stability of the car left much to be desired, however, it was the compactness of the torsion bar suspension that made it possible to significantly increase the volume luggage compartment, which largely determined the popularity of the model. Currently, such a suspension scheme is not used by automakers.

Semi-independent rear torsion beam

Semi-dependent U-shaped torsion beam, which has an integrated elastic rod, becomes more bending strength. At the same time, it allows the wheels of one axle to move slightly relative to each other when driving through bumps. This improves the handling and stability of the car. This suspension is used on rear axle most budget front-wheel drive cars.

Benefits of torsion bar suspension

✔ High running smoothness. ✔ Compact and light weight. ✔ High maintainability. ✔ Simple and reliable design.

Disadvantages of torsion bar suspension

✔ The complexity of the production of torsion bars. ✔ Mediocre car handling. Currently, the front independent suspension, where torsion bars are installed as elastic elements, is used in the production of trucks and SUVs that are not designed for dynamic driving. In addition, the torsion bar suspension is successfully used in tank chassis designs and other special tracked vehicles.

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Have you heard the term "torsion bar suspension"? Don't know what it's about? This is a kind of suspension, where the main element is the torsion bar.

Device and principle of operation

The torsion bar is made of, its work is carried out on twisting. It is a steel rod connected to a slot at the ends. Also, this part may consist of a beam of a specific section, a set of plates.

The torsion bar is attached to the car body or to its frame, and the other end is attached to the lever. When the wheels move, it spins, so there is an inseparable connection between the body and the wheel. It looks like a torsion bar suspension.

Torsion bars rotate exclusively unilaterally. Other no less important feature A similar element is that it is also used to determine the height of the body. The work of the torsion bar suspension is carried out in the process of rotation. In order to understand its specificity, one can imagine outstretched hand with a rotating wrist.

Types of independent suspensions

Independent torsion bar has several types:

• On double wishbones.

Here the torsion bar is parallel to the body, so its length can be regulated within a wide range. So, one end of the suspension is attached to the transverse arm, and the other - to the frame of the machine. This design can often be found on SUVs, where it acts as a front suspension.

• On trailing arms.

In this case, the torsion bars are located in the transverse zone of the body. They are mainly used to create the rear suspension of cars.

• Linked trailing arms.

In this version, the guides are 2 longitudinal type levers, which are connected to each other by means of a beam. This is how a torsion bar rear suspension is created in front-wheel drive cars.

Sometimes this is necessary to ensure alignment in automatic mode using a motor that tightens the beams to increase rigidity.

A bit of history

The torsion bar suspension of a car has been used for a long time. It was first used on a Citroen Traction Avant. Then German manufacturers released the famous Volkswagen Beetle, where the main part was the torsion bar. This design has gained wide popularity largely due to the simple manufacturing scheme and compact size.

Later, it began to be used on the Zaporozhets car, where it acted as a front suspension with two square-section torsion bars. Therefore, one should not be surprised that such a design is especially popular today.

Advantages and disadvantages of suspension

In order to understand what is so special about her, it is necessary to consider the pros and cons. But first we define positive characteristics characteristic of torsion bar suspension:

• Small weight of a design;
• You can adjust the stiffness of the ride height and suspension;
• Easy repair and service.

Among negative characteristics highlights such as:

• The need for expensive technologies in the production process;
• Load limitation due to stress in the weld.
• Inability to create a progressive increase in firmness.

Torsion bar suspension in most cases is used on SUVs and trucks

Broken torsion bar suspension? Nothing wrong with that. It is enough just to correct its position with a wrench by tightening the bolts. But you need to act carefully so that excessively tightened parts do not create a greater rigidity of care when moving the machine. In fact, adjusting the torsion bar suspension is simple, it is more difficult to do this when it comes to spring structures.

Today, this type of suspension is in most cases used on SUVs and trucks. famous brands Dodge, General Motors and Ford.

When choosing a car, every motorist spends time in deep thought for a long time, sometimes tormented by his feelings and fears, and sometimes he lives in anticipation of this joyful moment - for someone first, and for someone else. However, it is worth solving many questions, and one of them is a car with which suspension to choose.

It is better to decide in advance what kind of suspension you want.

Suspension - what is it?

Surely not every one of us in the 21st century had the opportunity to ride in a horse-drawn cart, experience the sensations of every dimple and pothole. So this is the clearest example of a mobile vehicle without the same suspension. It is such an important part of the car as the suspension that determines the level of comfort, ease of control, as well as stability and maneuverability. To date, there are several types of pendants, among which the following main parts can be distinguished:

• Fasteners.
• Stabilization elements of transverse elasticity.
• Distribution elements of the direction of force.
• Extinguishing moment.
• Elements of elasticity.

Each suspension type has its pros and cons.

Suspension according to the degree of elasticity

According to the type of elastic element, the suspension is usually divided into four types:

• Torsion.
• Spring.
• Spring.
• Pneumatic.

Torsion bar suspension consists of rods twisting under load. One of the torsion bar is high elasticity. The basis of the design is steel, hardened under the influence of high temperatures. If the torsion bar suspension is briefly described, in just a few words, then the following immediately comes to mind: resistance to shock loads, durability, compactness.

Spring suspension has found its application for a long time. Even wealthy nobles could afford to equip wagons with spring suspension, which significantly increased the comfort of travel. The basis is metal plates connected together, which partially act as shock absorbers, reducing the load on the latter. Advantage - high endurance, disadvantage - not the best, to put it mildly, indicators of elasticity and a large mass of the structure.

The air suspension is characterized, first of all, high cost and increased level comfort. In vehicles with air suspension, the ground clearance can be adjusted in height, and the degree of elasticity can also be adjusted. Due to its complexity, this type of chassis is not widely distributed in our country.

The spring undercarriage, which is the main "competitor" of the torsion bar, has a very wide application. The main advantages are low cost, availability, reliability, as well as providing greater comfort. Cons - low load capacity, spring sensitivity to high loads.

Torsion or spring?

So which suspension is better: torsion bar or spring? Owners, experts and ordinary people cannot find common ground, disputing each of the opinions on the question of which chassis to choose in the end. Modern manufacturers began to combine in some car models and use both types of elastic elements. For example, the so-called "heels" or "pickup trucks" have a front spring suspension and a torsion bar rear suspension, which provides excellent softness and comfort for passengers and the driver, and it is possible to carry small loads weighing a couple of hundred kilograms. Full spring suspension can be applied in cars executive class, in those vehicles in which the transportation of even medium-sized cargo is not implied.

Dependent or independent?!

This question is also worth considering for every motorist when choosing his "swallow". It is on the suspension that is divided: dependent and independent. Dependent is a design in which two wheels of one axle are rigidly connected to each other. In this case, the movement of one wheel in the axle affects the movement of the second. Dependent "design" is used mainly on rear-wheel drive cars, a prime example are Zhiguli, as well as powerful heavy trucks and tractors. One of the main disadvantages of this type is the large assembly weight. In the case when the bridge is used as a leading one, the smoothness of the ride is lost.

Independent suspension is a complex design in which one wheel in an axle is independent of another wheel in the same axle, and if there is any dependence, then it is minimal. Now manufacturers use several types of construction of this type: McPherson (MacPherson), multi-lever, single-lever. Each of them, of course, has its own advantages and disadvantages. The most efficient, soft and comfortable is multi-link, but it is also the most impractical and expensive to operate. It is widely used in luxury cars. Most vehicles in use use MacPherson strut suspension - a semi-independent suspension with average cost service and an acceptable level of comfort.

Operation in Russia

Determine what is the best suspension for Russian roads, our compatriots specifically cannot. It all depends on the purpose for which you take it, what you expect from it, what price range it is from. Your driving style also greatly influences the choice. Best Suspension the one with which you will feel confident on the road and comfortable in the cabin. For the transportation and delivery of goods, it is better to use a more durable suspension, that is, a torsion bar or even a spring one. For daily driving in the city on a small car or an economy class car, you can choose a MacPherson spring suspension or a single-lever. The business class, of course, is used to comfort; for them, a multi-link independent suspension will be an excellent basis for a comfortable ride.

Make your choice only right direction, and, as they say, neither a nail nor a wand!

Let's define what a car suspension is. This is a device that provides elastic coupling car wheels with a carrier system, as well as regulating the position of the body when driving, reducing the load on the wheels.

Currently offered different types suspensions: spring, pneumatic, spring, torsion, etc. So, the torsion type is torsion shafts made of metal that work in torsion, with one end attached to the chassis, the other to a special lever standing perpendicular and connected to the axle.

The manufacture of such a part is made of heat-treated steel, which directly allows it to withstand heavy loads at the moment of torsion.

The main principle of the suspension is bending work.

Application of the torsion model

The location of the torsion beam is possible longitudinally and transversely. The longitudinal arrangement is used on large, heavy trucks. On passenger cars, a transverse arrangement is used, usually on a rear-wheel drive.

In these two cases, the mechanism is designed to ensure smooth running, control roll when turning, ensure the optimal damping of vibrations of the wheels, the body, and reduce vibrations of the steered wheels.

For some vehicles, torsion bar suspension is used for automatic leveling, using a motor to tighten the beams for added rigidity, depending on speed as well as road surface conditions.

Adjustable height design can be used when changing wheels. It is when vehicle lift with three wheels, and the 4th is lifted with a jack. The main advantage of this type of suspension is durability, ease of height adjustment, as well as compactness in the width of the vehicle.

It takes up much less space than spring hangers. Of course, the torsion bar configuration is easy to operate and also easy to maintain.

Work process

From this video, you will learn how the torsion bar suspension works.

Due to the fact that the torsion shaft is fixed rigidly on the body or frame of the car, twisting forces act on it during suspension operation. But the torsion shaft is made of a special alloy and has a certain hardening, which allows it to work as a spring element.

At the moment of twisting, the shaft tends to return car wheel to original position. So, the principle of operation is similar to a spring or sprung version of this auto part. Semi-independent suspension is a suspension system made in the form of two trailing arms trailing arms connected by a cross member.

The main advantages of such a mechanism:

• ease of installation;
• light weight;
• compactness.

The key disadvantage is the possibility of application only on a non-driving axle.

suspension adjustment

In the case of a loose suspension, it is possible to adjust the positions using an ordinary wrench. It is enough to get down the car, tighten the necessary bolts. The main thing is not to overdo it in order to avoid excessive rigidity of the stroke at the moment of movement. Torsion parts are easier to adjust than spring types.

Car manufacturers are changing the torsion beam to control the position of the movement, depending on the weight of the engine.

Key repair properties

Considering all problems torsion beams, it is quite possible to conclude that the maintenance, as well as the repair of the torsion bar suspension, is associated with such situations:

• Structure height adjustment.
• Dismantling or replacement of torsion bars.
• Replacing needle bearings.
• Replacement of pins, axles of the rear beam.
• Repair of rear beam levers.

Adjusting the height of the rear suspension should not be considered as a repair of the entire structure. This usually happens due to the fact that the owner of the car wants to raise back auto.

Sometimes a change in the height of the beam is provided in order to increase rigidity and reduce the draft of the car rear, at maximum load. You need to know that the rear beam torsion bar is not able to work when the height of the rear beam changes, it will be operated under a more aggressive load, and this may affect its resource.

The process of changing the height consists in changing the position of the torsion bar, or rather its splined end, as well as the sprocket. The torsion bar has slotted connectors at the ends. The torsion bar is attached at one end to the slotted connector, the rear beam lever.
And others - in the slot on the beam body. If repairs are being made of this type suspension, then you need to dismantle the torsion bars.

In this situation, it is important to make the native position of the torsion bars in the rear beam, so that at the time of installation it is clear what and where it is inserted. In order to dismantle the torsion bar in the process of tightening from the spline connection, an inertial puller is used.

The puller pin is screwed into the thread on the end of the torsion bar, maybe this thread should be cleaned.

Often spline connections“sour” or “stick”, in this case, a standard puller will not help, only an ordinary sledgehammer can help out.

Often torsion bar suspension repair is associated with the process of replacing the needle bearings of the rear beam. According to some data, the process of replacing needle bearings is needed after 80,000 km of run.

When replacing bearings, it will be necessary to dismantle the torsion bars, as well as the beam levers. Each side of the beam contains two bearings. The most dangerous problem of the rear beam is the wear of the needle bearing, because it is difficult for an ordinary motorist to determine this.

In the absence of diagnostics, the car is also operated with a crumbled bearing, thereby exacerbating the problem. As a result, the axle wears out. Of course, it is possible to replace the axles of the rear beam, but this is very difficult in "home" conditions, since in addition to knowledge and experience, special equipment and devices are required.

Stations Maintenance will not replace the axles, but only offer a new beam assembly with new axles, and this is a very expensive proposition.

The most severe case in the repair of a torsion-type structure is the destruction seat bearing in the lever. This happens rarely, in a very "neglected" situation.

The destruction of the seat occurs for the reasons that the pin of the rear beam, although much less often, since this place is protected by the outer race of the bearing. Lever repair process: restoring a seat on metal-cutting equipment.

The main problem of restoring the beam arm is finding the required equipment, such work is carried out on a boring and turning machine.

Gallery

In this section, there are photos of torsion bar suspensions for a tank, trailer and others.