Introduction to Independent rear suspension system
Obviously, many automotive sites must have told you a lot about suspension system, types and how it works. But, what do you know about independent rear suspension system? These are fundamental things you need to be accustomed to if you really want to understand the mechanics of the independent rear suspension system. Erode any ill-feeling that the whole setup might be in bad taste or probably you have wasted your time on lengthy article. A typical suspension system creates the needed connection between your vehicle and its wheels. It embodies the shock absorber, springs, tires, struts and linkages. When vehicle’s wheels are held firmly onto the road surface, the suspension is already in play.
A lot of trucks and Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) are using this independent rear suspension system, boasting of 2 springs to ensure the vehicle’s wheels move independently of one another, without causing harm or affecting the position and angle of other wheels. With this type of suspension system, smooth and exciting road experience is guaranteed. Despite the numerous benefits car owners can enjoy while using the independent suspension system, there are also few setbacks caused by it.
What is an independent rear suspension system?
In its simplest form, the fully independent suspension system refers to suspension system found in a vehicle where every wheel on similar axle is allowed to move vertically and independently when plying the road. It is the direct opposite of beam axle system, where there is a linkage between the wheels. This type of suspension engages the services of the right and left sides of the system to be linked with few mechanisms such as anti-rolls bars. While this anti-roll bar isn’t interested in linking their motion together, it ensures the spring rates of the right and left suspension are effectively tied together.
The independent rear suspension unlike the independent front suspension, allows the rear wheels to play the major part whenever the vehicle is moving on the road. Although, most of the newly manufactured vehicles come fitted with Independent front suspension system, this hasn’t deterred the car manufacturers from using the other independent suspension type at their production lines. The independent rear suspension system utilizes the half-shafts in connecting the wheels to the differentials, in order for them to move freely without impacting on one another. This often helps in making possible good handling, noise suppression and quality ride.
Benefits of Independent rear suspension system
When making choice of the type of independent suspension system you need to be fitted on your vehicle, you might want to know what you will be missing if you do not go for the independent rear suspension system. These are:
Smooth ride
Regardless of the type of terrain or presence of potholes on the road, the independent rear suspension system will make driving smooth and easy as much as possible. This is possible by dampening the amount of shock when the wheels hit a pothole or road bump. The independent rear suspension system makes sure that the effect of rough terrain is limited to just one wheel, while the other wheels are not affected or transferred by the axle to the entire vehicle. What could have been a nightmare for those passengers at the back, has now been solved by this suspension type.
Good road traction
An independent rear suspension system offers solid traction on irregular or rough surfaces. This is one area where those vehicles with rigid-axle suspension are really lacking. The Independent rear suspension ensures the vehicle maintains a good contact on rough terrains or uneven surfaces. This type of suspension also makes it possible for even tire wear, since it offers better road traction.
Cornering
Interestingly, the independent rear suspension system promises top road performances for vehicles in spite its underlying strength in off-road adventure. For an improved experience when cornering, the independent rear suspension system is probably a smart choice.
Problems associated with independent rear suspension system
While vehicle owners are poised to enjoy a lot of benefits from using this type of suspension system, there are few setbacks or possible issues that might confront them overtime. These include:
Maintenance
Maintaining vehicles with independent rear suspension system could prove a bit challenging. This is traced to the presence of complex movable components. Overtime, it will be required of you to find replacements for some parts or even repair. This could incur high financial burden on the owners. Maintaining this type of suspension system is one of the drawbacks we should expect.
As a result of complex parts and advanced engineering, the price of independent rear suspension system is way higher than a regular suspension type. If you are really interested in this type of suspension, you shouldn’t mind coughing out some money to enjoy its benefits.
Rear suspension weight
Weight is often placed on vehicles equipped with this type of suspension system. As a result, there is a possible issue of understeer from its independent movable wheels and heavier suspension. The vehicle will understeer when its turning trajectory doesn’t align with the intended path. Consequently, this can cause problem for rear passengers and the vehicle as a whole, especially when the driver takes turns at high speed.
Straight-line road-trip
Independent rear suspension system may be a perfect choice for approaching corners but its performance rate on straight road isn’t impressive enough. On this type of suspension system, every wheel can easily and independently get lifted from the surface, which could adversely affect its traction. There is also the possibility for uniformed loss of driving power while in vehicle equipped with independent rear suspension.
Final note
Independent rear suspension system has proven overtime as an ideal choice for off-road capability as well as high performance ride. While it might offer few worrying drawbacks, car owners should understand that there isn’t any perfect suspension system out there. The important thing is to weigh your options and see if the benefits of Independent rear suspension system are what you are looking for in a vehicle.
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