Multi-link suspension is installed on both front-wheel drive and rear wheel drive cars. Its purpose is to create a sufficiently elastic connection between the body and wheels of the car. This type of suspension is characterized by increased stability when cornering and a smooth ride, since it tends to dampen the largest part of the vibrations created during movement on uneven road surfaces.

This suspension was initially installed on the rear axle of the car. Currently, there are many options for installing it on the front axle, regardless of the car’s drive, be it four-wheel drive, front or rear. It does not have a specific design and is a combination of a double wishbone suspension with longitudinal-transverse arms. Thus, low noise on large road irregularities, a smooth ride, improved handling and a large range of adjustments are achieved.

Independent suspension device

The design features begin with the fact that wheel hubs are mounted on four levers, due to which additional adjustments to the position of the hub appear. The levers, in turn, are mounted on a subframe.

The number of levers can vary from 3 to 5. In the most basic arrangement, two lower ones are used: front and rear, and one upper one. The front one, as a rule, is responsible for wheel alignment, the rear one takes on most of the vehicle's weight, transmitted by a spring, and the top one transmits lateral forces and communicates the wheel support and subframe.

Also, stabilizers are actively used in multi-link suspension lateral stability, which are used to reduce the roll of the car when passing sharp turns. The stabilizers are mounted on the hub supports using additional levers, and in the upper part using rubber supports. Most often, such a stabilizer is closely connected to a spring.

Video - Independent suspension on a VAZ in action

Advantages of a multi-link system

1. Complete independence of the wheels from each other.

2. Compared to any other type of suspension, the weight of independent suspension is significantly less. This is due to the use of aluminum in the manufacturing process.

3. Possibility of use in 4x4 layouts.

4. Independent multi-link suspension provides increased traction road surface.

5. High cornering stability and smooth ride.

Flaws

1. Fine sensitivity to the quality of the road surface. Using such a suspension on poor-quality road surfaces very quickly leads to wear of the components.

2. The levers of this suspension are a non-separable element, therefore, during the repair process, you often have to change the entire assembly, which costs quite a lot of money.

Like any other type of suspension, a multi-link system requires increased maintenance. Timely replacement wearing out parts will save you from subsequent breakdown of still normal parts and accidents associated with a faulty suspension condition.

You can diagnose independent suspension faults yourself. To do this, you need to park the car inspection hole, jack up the right wheel and using any mounting tool, shake the levers by inserting it into the gap between two levers or any other parts (for example, between the lever and the subframe). Any play in silent blocks detected in this case must be eliminated as soon as possible, since this greatly affects the wheel alignment angle and contributes to uneven wear rubber.

Diagnostics of faults also includes checking the condition of shock absorbers, ball joints, rubber seals and bushings, levers and rods. Detected faulty parts must be replaced immediately. At the same time, when buying new parts, pay attention to their quality. Saving on the quality of suspension parts can subsequently play a cruel joke on you on the road. Be very careful about this matter.

When troubleshooting, use technical literature on repairing your specific car model, since the layout and methods of mounting the suspension on other car models vary greatly.

It is worth paying attention that if knocking is heard in the rear of the car, then the source of the noise may be not only the suspension system, but also a poorly mounted muffler, which can touch the levers or rods.

Do not forget that the good condition of the independent suspension will maintain good vehicle controllability and eliminate premature wear tires and is an excellent prevention of road accidents.

A car suspension is a set of elements that provide an elastic connection between the body (frame) and the wheels (axles) of the car. Mainly, the suspension is designed to reduce the intensity of vibration and dynamic loads (shocks, shocks) acting on a person, the transported cargo or structural elements of the car when it moves on an uneven road. At the same time, it must ensure constant contact of the wheel with the road surface and effectively transmit driving force and braking force without the wheels deviating from the appropriate position. Proper work suspension makes driving comfortable and safe. Despite its apparent simplicity, the suspension is one of the most important systems of a modern car and has undergone significant changes and improvements over the history of its existence.

History of appearance

Attempts to move vehicle softer and more comfortable attempts were made in carriages. Initially, the wheel axles were rigidly attached to the body, and every unevenness in the road was transmitted to the passengers sitting inside. Only soft cushions on the seats could increase the level of comfort.

Dependent suspension with transverse spring arrangement

The first way to create an elastic “layer” between the wheels and the carriage body was the use of elliptical springs. Later, this solution was borrowed for the car. However, the spring had already become semi-elliptical and could be installed transversely. A car with such a suspension handled poorly even at low speed. Therefore, springs soon began to be installed longitudinally on each wheel.

The development of the automotive industry has also led to the evolution of the suspension. Currently, there are dozens of their varieties.

Basic functions and characteristics of a car suspension

Each suspension has its own characteristics and performance qualities, which directly affect the handling, comfort and safety of passengers. However, any suspension, regardless of its type, must perform the following functions:

1. Absorbs shocks and shocks from the road to reduce loads on the body and increase driving comfort.
2. Stabilizing the vehicle while driving by ensuring constant contact of the wheel tire with the road surface and limiting excessive body roll.
3. Saving the specified movement geometry and wheel position to maintain steering precision while driving and braking.

Drift car with rigid suspension

The car's rigid suspension is suitable for dynamic driving, which requires an instant and precise reaction to the driver's actions. It provides low ground clearance, maximum stability, resistance to body roll and sway. Mainly used on sports cars.

Luxury car with energy-intensive suspension

In the majority passenger cars applies soft suspension. It smoothes out unevenness as much as possible, but makes the car somewhat rolly and worse to control. If adjustable stiffness is required, a coil suspension is mounted on the vehicle. It consists of shock absorber struts with variable spring tension.

SUV with long travel suspension

Suspension travel - distance from extreme top position wheels when compressed to the extreme bottom when hanging the wheels. Suspension travel largely determines the “off-road” capabilities of the car. The greater its value, the greater the obstacle that can be overcome without hitting the limiter or without sagging the drive wheels.

Suspension device

Any car suspension consists of the following main elements:

1. Elastic device– absorbs loads from unevenness road surface. Types: springs, springs, pneumatic elements, etc.
2. Damping device— dampens body vibrations when driving over uneven surfaces. Types: all types.
3. Guide device—ensures the specified movement of the wheel relative to the body. Kinds: wishbones, wishbones and jet thrust, springs. To change the direction of influence on the damping element, pull-rod and push-rod sports suspensions use rockers.
4. Anti-roll bar- reduces lateral roll body
5. Rubber-metal joints— provide an elastic connection of suspension elements with the body. Partially cushions, softens shocks and vibrations. Types: silent blocks and bushings.
6. Suspension travel limiters- limit suspension travel in extreme positions.

Classification of pendants

Basically, suspensions are divided into two large types: and independent. This classification determined by the kinematic diagram of the suspension guide device.

Dependent suspension

The wheels are rigidly connected by means of a beam or continuous axle. The vertical position of a pair of wheels relative to common axis does not change, the front wheels are swivel. Device rear suspension similar. It can be spring, spring or pneumatic. If springs or pneumatic bellows are installed, it is necessary to use special rods to secure the bridges from movement.

Differences between dependent and independent suspension

• simple and reliable in operation;
• high load capacity.

• poor handling;
• poor stability on high speeds;
• less comfort.

Independent suspension

The wheels can change their vertical position relative to each other while remaining in the same plane.

• good handling;
• good stability car;
• great comfort.

• more expensive and complex design;
• less reliability during operation.

Semi-independent suspension

Semi-independent suspension or torsion beam - This is an intermediate solution between dependent and independent suspension. The wheels still remain connected, but there is the possibility of them moving slightly relative to each other. This property is ensured due to the elastic properties of the U-shaped beam connecting the wheels. This type of suspension is mainly used as rear suspension. budget cars.

Types of independent suspensions

McPherson

- the most common front axle suspension of modern cars. The lower arm is connected to the hub via a ball joint. Depending on its configuration, longitudinal jet thrust can be used. A shock-absorbing strut with a spring is attached to the hub assembly, its upper support is fixed to the body.

The transverse link, attached to the body and connecting both levers, is a stabilizer that counteracts the roll of the car. The lower ball joint and shock absorber cup bearing allow the wheel to turn.

The rear suspension parts are made according to the same principle, the only difference is that the wheels cannot be turned. The lower arm has been replaced with longitudinal and cross rods, fixing the hub.

• simplicity of design;
• compactness;
• reliability;
• inexpensive to manufacture and repair.

• average handling.

Double wishbone front suspension

More efficient and complex design. Top point The second wishbone protrudes from the hub mount. As elastic element a spring or torsion bar can be used. The rear suspension has a similar structure. This type of suspension design ensures better vehicle handling.

Air suspension

Air suspension

The role of springs in this suspension is performed by air cylinders with compressed air. It is possible to adjust the height of the body. It also improves ride quality. Used on luxury cars.

Hydraulic suspension

Adjusting the height and stiffness of Lexus hydraulic suspension

The shock absorbers are connected to a single closed circuit with hydraulic fluid. makes it possible to adjust the rigidity and height ground clearance. If the car has control electronics, as well as functions, it independently adapts to road and driving conditions.

Sports independent suspensions

Helical suspension(coilovers)

Coil suspension or coilovers – shock absorber struts with the ability to adjust the stiffness directly on the car. Thanks to the threaded connection of the lower spring stop, you can adjust its height, as well as the amount of ground clearance.

Multi-link suspension has been installed on cars since the mid-twentieth century. Currently it is the most popular. A car suspension consists of components and parts. It is designed to create an elastic connection between the car frame and its wheels. With its help, the load on the wheels and body is reduced, it dampens vibrations, and also helps control the position of the car body on the road when driving, especially when turning. Thus, the suspension makes the car more stable on the road with a smooth ride.

Multi-link suspension is most often installed on the rear axle, but it is quite possible to install it on the front axle. In addition, it is installed on all types of drives: front wheel drive cars, rear wheel drive and with all-wheel drive. Multi-link suspension is a combined concept, as indicated by the name “multi-link”. It does not have a clear design, but it combines the advantages of a double wishbone suspension with longitudinal and transverse arms. Thus, it was possible to achieve optimal kinematics and control effect. The multi-link suspension makes the car's movements smoother, reduces noise levels, and makes it easy to control the car on the road.

The design of the suspension is that the wheel hubs are attached using four levers, which allows adjustment in both the longitudinal and transverse planes. For correct operation suspension, it is necessary to correctly calculate the stiffness of the hinges and the compliance of the levers. To ensure optimal dimensions, the suspension is mounted on a subframe. The design is complex and is done using a computer.

The design of the multi-link suspension includes the following components and parts:

• subframe used to attach the arms;
• hub support;
• longitudinal and transverse arms;
• springs;
• shock absorbers;
• anti-roll bar.

The basis of the structure is the subframe. Transverse arms are attached to it, connecting to the hub support. They ensure the position of the hub in the transverse plane. Their number can be from three to five. The simplest design uses three: one upper and two lower – front and rear.

The upper arm is designed to connect the wheel support to the subframe and transmits lateral forces. The rear one experiences the main load from the weight of the car frame, which is transmitted through the spring. The front lower one is responsible for wheel alignment. Trailing arm It is attached to the body thanks to a support; its function is to hold the wheel in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The other side connects to the hub support. Each wheel is equipped with its own trailing arm.

The hub contains bearings and mounts for the wheels. The bearings are attached to the support using bolts. Designed for suspension loads coil spring. Its support is the rear lower wishbones. One of the components of the multi-link suspension is an anti-roll bar, which serves to reduce the car's body roll when cornering. In addition, the stabilizer provides good grip rear wheels with the road. The anti-roll bar is secured by rubber mounts. The rods are connected to the hub supports by special rods. Shock absorbers are connected to the hub support and are most often not connected to a spring.

Advantages and disadvantages

When evaluating a suspension, its consumer properties are taken into account: vehicle stability on the road, ease of control and comfort. Most often, car enthusiasts are of little interest technical details car. These issues are dealt with by the engineers who create it. They choose the type of suspension, select the optimal dimensions and specifications individual nodes. During development, the machine undergoes many tests, so it meets all consumer requirements.

It is known that comfort and controllability are properties that are often opposite, since they depend on the stiffness of the suspension. They can only be combined in complex multi-link suspensions. The smooth running of the car is ensured by silent blocks and ball joints, as well as clearly adjusted kinematics. When hitting obstacles, shocks are well absorbed. All suspension elements are attached to the subframe thanks to powerful silent blocks, so the interior is isolated from wheel noise. The main advantage is controllability.

This pendant is used on expensive cars, providing good adhesion of the wheels to the road surface and the ability to clearly control the car on the road.

The main advantages of a multi-link suspension:

1. the wheels are independent of each other;
2. low weight of the suspension, thanks to aluminum parts;
3. good grip on the road surface;
4. good handling when cornering;
5. Possibility of use in a 4x4 scheme.

Multi-link suspension requires high-quality roads, so it wears out quickly domestic roads. The complexity of the design makes the cost of the suspension very expensive. Many manufacturers use non-separable levers on their models. Because of this, their cost is quite high.

Suspension diagnostics and repair

Multi-link suspension requires ongoing care and if necessary timely repairs. Despite the complexity of the design, you can check the condition of the multi-link suspension yourself.

To diagnose, the car must be driven into an inspection hole or jacked up. During the inspection, you should have the vehicle's maintenance manual on hand, which describes its main parts and gives the necessary recommendations.

First of all, the shock absorbers are removed and checked for cracks. Then the integrity of ball joints, rods, levers, and silent blocks is checked. All mounting bolts are checked and rubber seals. All parts must not be damaged in any way. If damaged parts are found, they must be replaced: either independently, using the diagrams in the manual, or at a service station.

On the rear suspension, in addition to the shock absorbers, it is necessary to check the rods and seals. There is an exhaust pipe near the rear suspension that may be causing extraneous sounds. The muffler should be carefully inspected, rocked in different directions, and the fastenings checked. These actions can remove the resulting extraneous sound.

If you regularly diagnose your car and carry out timely repairs, this will extend its service life and increase driving safety.

Video “Repair of front multi-link suspension”

The recording shows how to replace the rear silent blocks of the front control arms on a Ford Focus.

In our time multi-link suspension, the history of which dates back to the middle of the last century, is the most common type of fastening rear axle car. The first examples with double wishbones were installed on racing cars Cooper.

Multi-link suspension - what is it?

First production car, on which a new type of suspension was installed, was Jaguar E-type 1961 release. Over time, it began to be successfully used on the front axle of cars, as, for example, on some models Audi. The use of a multi-link suspension gives the car amazing smoothness, excellent handling and helps reduce noise.

In this design, the wheel hubs are fastened using four levers, which allows adjustment in the longitudinal and transverse planes. The multi-link design consists of the following components and parts:

• trailing arms;
• wishbones;
• stretcher;
• hub support;
• shock absorbers;
• springs.

The main load-bearing element of the suspension is the subframe; transverse arms connected to the hub support are fixed to it, which in turn ensures its transverse position. The multi-link rear suspension found on modern cars consists of three or five wishbones..

How does a multi-link rear suspension work?

Standard equipment includes upper, front lower and rear lower control arms. The transmission of front lateral forces is carried out by the upper link, which also serves to connect the wheel support to the subframe. The rear lower control arm bears a significant portion of the vehicle's body weight, transmitted through the spring.

The trailing arm holds the wheels in the direction of the longitudinal axis; they are attached to it using a support. The opposite edge of the lever is connected to the hub support. This element houses the bearings and wheel fasteners. Shock absorbers and springs are in most cases installed separately.

To reduce the vehicle's roll angle when cornering, the multi-link suspension uses an anti-roll bar. It is attached using rubber supports, and special rods connect the rods to the hub supports. Like any other car component, an independent multi-link suspension requires maintenance and timely repairs.

Independent suspension - we put it in order with our own hands

The main suspension defects that appear after traveling 40,000-80,000 km are knocking and creaking, which can be clearly heard even inside the car while driving on a bumpy road. What is this connected with? Knocking occurs for several reasons, they can be both serious and not so serious. In any case, it must be urgently repaired independent suspension, you can do this yourself if the repair involves replacing parts or tightening threaded connections, in other cases you cannot do without visiting a service station.

The first step is to establish the cause, carry out visual diagnostics pendants. To do this, the car should be driven into an inspection hole or use a jack, since in an unloaded state this part of the car will more readily show its defects. Yes, and it will be more convenient for you to crawl under it. Let's say in advance, if you are not a high-level locksmith, then arm yourself with a manual for your car, which is always included with the purchase.

Remember that a knock in the suspension area can be caused not only by a malfunction of this part, but also by a breakdown of other elements of your vehicle, for example, steering rods or CV joints.

So, you are located in a convenient area to examine the front suspension. Remove the shock absorbers and carefully inspect them for cracks. Check next for integrity ball joints, lever, rod, silent blocks. Pay attention to all mounting bolts and rubber seals. There should be no cracks, tears, cuts or other damage anywhere. Carefully walk your gaze along the perimeter of the body: where the parts touch the body, there should be a intact and undamaged rubber gasket.

If any “illnesses” are clearly visible, evaluate your strength, whether you can unscrew the damaged part and insert a new one, whether the assembly sequence of the damaged unit is clear, whether the diagram is clearly depicted in the car’s operating book. If you can’t, or everything appears to be intact, then it’s time to visit the service station.

Diagnostics and repair of rear suspension

Now move on to the rear suspension. There are fewer details here, but this does not mean that you need to be less careful. Again, we start with the shock absorbers. Next, your attention should be given to the rods and seals. A feature of the rear suspension is the proximity exhaust pipe, which can also produce a sound similar to the suspension breaking if it is loose, loose or leaning against some part, creating friction and knocking. The muffler is carefully examined, you can rock it in different directions, this will probably remove the strange knocking noise, and also inspect the fastening.

So, the inspection is completed, the knots are tightened, partial replacement produced. Perhaps this is “first aid” for your car. Other repairs will require more complex technical equipment and qualifications. Don’t be too lazy to crawl under the belly of the car if you hear a suspicious knock. Naturally, the service station will fix any problem for you, but there is a chance that you will simply overpay for a minute replacement of a rubber gasket or for some other minor operation.

Multilink or multi-link suspension is the most common way to equip a car's wheels without a rigid connection between them. This type suspension is installed on almost all cars and is superior in its characteristics to the conventional method of mounting the rear axle.

Multi-link suspension - what is it?

Modern cars differ from domestic ones and from their predecessors in a higher level of safety, stability and reliability. These criteria have been achieved through research and improvement various parts, components and mechanisms installed on modern cars. This also affected the multi-link suspension. Its changes and transformations made it possible to make the car more stable and obedient on the road.

is a complex of parts and assemblies that connect the car body with the wheels. It is designed to minimize dynamic loads, and also contributes to the uniform distribution of such loads on all supporting elements while the vehicle is moving. The multi-link suspension provides the desired smoothness while driving, gives excellent handling, and also helps reduce noise in the cabin.

This unit is a collection of parts that make it possible to make adjustments in different planes. High level controllability and smoothness are achieved using the following set of parts:

- longitudinal and transverse arms;

Stretcher;

Hub support;

Shock absorbers

And springs.

The subframe is the base, the supporting structure; transverse arms are attached to it, which in turn are connected to the wheel hub support. This design ensures the transverse position of the hub. On the other hand, all the levers are securely attached to the side member or subframe. Today, cars are equipped with three or five-link suspension. The multi-link suspension can be installed on both the front and rear axles. If this is a front suspension, then the levers can be replaced with torque rods. They are able to simultaneously perform the function of a stability stabilizer and a lever.

How does a multi-link rear suspension work?

At first glance it may seem that the mechanism is quite complex, but upon closer examination it turns out to be quite the opposite. Next, we'll talk about how the multi-link rear suspension works and much more.

As is known in the design this mechanism includes control arms, shock absorber, springs, wheel mounts, stabilizer bar and subframe. The levers are attached to the subframe and frame of the car. The transverse arms are fixed with the wheel hub and ensure its stable position in the transverse plane. The task upper arm is the transfer of lateral loads and reliable fastening subframe to the wheel. The front lower control arm is responsible for aligning the vehicle's wheels. The rear lower arm takes on the load of the car body. The trailing arm locks the wheels in the direction of the longitudinal axis. Fastening to the body in in this case carried out using a support. The other edge of the lever is attached to the hub. This unit contains bearings, wheel mounts and other necessary details.As a rule, shock absorbers and springs are installed separately from each other. In order to reduce the angle of inclination of the car during cornering and bends, an anti-roll bar is used. The stabilizer is secured using rubber supports; rods connect the rods and hub supports.

This suspension design is the result of many years of improvement and research. She allowed to escape emergency situations, breakdowns, keep the car upright when turning. It is a more bulky unit than previous modifications, and also costs more. However, this does not lose its popularity, partly due to the opportunities that the car owner receives.

Independent suspension - we put it in order with our own hands

Despite the apparent reliability and power, the independent suspension or its improved version, the multi-link design, is a mechanism that is susceptible to damage. This leads to the need for regular inspections and repairs.

Most problems with independent multi-link suspension can be corrected yourself. The main principle of successful repair is the failure to be noticed in time. The first signs of wear on the unit can be noticed after the car passes 40-80 thousand km. There may be a knocking or squeaking sound. The sounds intensify when crossing obstacles, potholes or speed bumps. The reasons may vary from the need to replace a small part that protects a particular joint with subsequent cleaning of this unit before carrying out complex repair. In this case, qualified assistance and specialized equipment may be needed. At the service station, specialists will carry out everything necessary procedures, including diagnostics and repair of the rear suspension.

Diagnostics of faults can be carried out in a garage. First of all, it is necessary to carry out visual inspection all parts. Front suspension:

- you need to remove the shock absorbers and inspect them for cracks, chips and other damage;

Then you need to carefully inspect the ball joints, silent blocks, lever and rod.

Particular attention in this area must be paid to rubber joints, seals and fasteners. If you notice damage or cracks, you need to replace it. this part to a new one. There is a rubber gasket on the bottom of the car, it should also be intact.

Was a fault found during diagnostics? Before you eliminate it, evaluate it technical capabilities. If you are not sure, it is best to contact specialists at a car service center. Afterwards you can proceed to diagnosing the rear suspension. Here, too, the inspection begins with the shock absorbers. Next, you need to devote time to the rods and seals. While inspecting the rear suspension Special attention Pay attention to inspecting the exhaust pipe. Sounds and squeaks may come from damage in it.

During the inspection process, it is necessary to tighten all threaded elements and lubricate all joints where necessary. If no damage is found, and the sounds continue to intensify while driving, you should contact a specialist. The thing is that inept or incorrect actions can lead to damage or destruction important element car transmission, and this can result in expensive repairs.

Diagnostics and repair of rear suspension

In order for every ride on an iron horse to give comfort and pleasure, it is necessary to regularly inspect and diagnose the chassis of the car. If you are unable to detect and eliminate the characteristic sounds on your own, you need to contact a car service center. Specialists will carry out all necessary procedures, including:

- comprehensive diagnostics and repair of the rear suspension, comprehensive diagnostics of all suspension components;

Restoration and repair work;

Repair or complete replacement individual parts or suspension units;

Wheel alignment adjustment and front and rear suspension adjustment.

When carrying out all stages of work, car mechanics use special equipment that cannot be installed in a garage or replaced with anything. Professional diagnostics and repairing the rear suspension can be compared to treatment in an expensive clinic or surgery. Suspension and chassis Cars are not just a mechanism that provides movement and control of the movement process, but also ensures safety on the road. Therefore, a negligent attitude towards squeaks, knocks or unusual rolls of the car on the road can lead to disastrous consequences.