| > | | | | automobiles. |
| "Suspension," when discussing cars, refers to the use | | | | The suspension system has two basic functions, to |
| of front and rear springs to suspend a vehicle's | | | | keep the car's wheels in firm contact with the road |
| "sprung" weight. The springs used on today's cars | | | | and to provide a comfortable ride for the passengers. |
| and trucks are constructed in a variety of types, | | | | A lot of the system's work is done by the springs. |
| shapes, sizes, rates, and capacities. Types include leaf | | | | Under normal conditions, the springs support the |
| springs, coil springs, air springs, and torsion bars. | | | | body of the car evenly by compressing and |
| These are used in sets of four for each vehicle, or | | | | rebounding with every up-and-down movement. This |
| they may be paired off in various combinations and | | | | up-and-down movement, however, causes bouncing |
| are attached by several different mounting | | | | and swaying after each bump and is very |
| techniques. The suspension system also includes | | | | uncomfortable to the passenger. These undesirable |
| shocks and/or struts, and sway bars. | | | | effects are reduced by the shock absorbers. |
| Back in the earliest days of automobile development, | | | | The above information is directly from the Auto |
| when most of the car's weight (including the engine) | | | | Insight program, which you can buy online from |
| was on the rear axle, steering was a simple matter | | | | Common Problems: |
| of turning a tiller that pivoted the entire front axle. | | | | ·Shocks and struts can wear out and affect |
| When the engine was moved to the front of the | | | | handling. If you car bounces excessively over bumps |
| car, complex steering systems had to evolve. The | | | | and leans hard in corners, your shocks could be warn. |
| modern automobile has come a long way since the | | | | Look behind the wheel for the shock or strut and |
| days when "being self-propelled" was enough to | | | | look for leaking oil. This is a sure sign of a worn |
| satisfy the car owner. Improvements in suspension | | | | shock or strut. |
| and steering, increased strength and durability of | | | | ·Ball joints. Ball joints wear and can cause your car |
| components, and advances in tire design and | | | | to wander while driving down the road. This is |
| construction have made large contributions to riding | | | | dangerous as they can separate and cause you to |
| comfort and to safe driving. | | | | lose control. |
| Cadillac allegedly produced the first American car to | | | | Preventive maintenance: |
| use a steering wheel instead of a tiller. | | | | ·Check your shocks or struts for leakage frequently. |
| Two of the most common steering mechanisms are | | | | Also pay attention to how your car handles. If you |
| the "rack and pinion" and the standard (or | | | | notice the ride deteriorating take your car in to have |
| recirculating-ball) systems that can be either manual | | | | the struts checked. |
| or assisted by power. The rack and pinion was | | | | ·Ball joints should be checked when your car is |
| designed for sports cars and requires too much | | | | inspected, if not, have your mechanic check them at |
| driver muscle at low speeds to be very useful in | | | | least twice a year. |
| larger, heavier cars. However, power steering makes | | | | ·At each oil change make sure you or your |
| a heavy car respond easily to the steering wheel, | | | | mechanic lubricates the ball joints and any other |
| whether at highway speeds or inching into a narrow | | | | suspension components. Some components cannot |
| parking place, and it is normal equipment for large | | | | be lubricated as they are sealed from the factory. |