Types of Suspension Systems

Suspension is a crucial component of a vehicle, responsible for providing a smooth and comfortable ride, as well as maintaining the vehicle’s handling and performance. Understanding the different types of suspension systems is important in order to make informed decisions about vehicle maintenance and upgrades.

This article explores the various types of suspension, including the different suspension types and their unique features and benefits.

Suspension works by absorbing the shock and vibrations caused by the road surface and keeping the wheels in contact with the ground. The suspension system is made up of several components, including:

• Springs
• Shocks
• Control arms

The springs are responsible for absorbing and dampening the bumps in the road, while the shocks control the rate at which the springs compress and rebound. The control arms are responsible for maintaining the position of the wheels and ensuring proper alignment.

The suspension system works in conjunction with the tyre and wheel assemblies to provide a smooth ride and maintain handling and performance. When the vehicle encounters a bump in the road, the springs compress, absorbing the shock and reducing the impact felt by the vehicle and its passengers. The shocks then control the rate at which the springs compress and rebound, helping to maintain the vehicle's stability and preventing excessive bouncing.

Over time, the suspension components can wear out and become less effective, leading to a rough ride, poor handling and reduced performance.

Regular maintenance and inspections can help to keep the suspension system functioning correctly and prevent issues from developing.

If you notice any signs of wear or damage, it's important to have your suspension system inspected by a professional mechanic to ensure it is functioning properly and providing the best possible ride and handling.

The MacPherson strut suspension is a type of suspension commonly found in front-wheel drive vehicles. It consists of a spring and shock absorber integrated into a single unit called a strut. This type of suspension is known for its compact design and ease of maintenance, making it a popular choice for many vehicle manufacturers.

Another common type of suspension is the double wishbone suspension. This type of suspension is made up of two parallel control arms that are connected to the wheels and the vehicle chassis. It provides improved handling and stability and is often found in high-performance and sports cars.

The multi-link suspension is another type of suspension that is becoming increasingly popular in modern vehicles. It uses multiple control arms to provide improved handling and stability and allows for fine-tuning of the suspension geometry for specific driving scenarios. This type of suspension is commonly found in rear-wheel drive vehicles and high-performance sports cars.



Don't let worn-out suspension components compromise the performance and safety of your vehicle. If you're in need of suspension services, don't hesitate to reach out to the experts at K & T Ballina Mechanical. With over 20 years of experience, our team of fully qualified mechanics will ensure your car’s suspension system is functioning properly and providing a smooth, safe ride.

Call us today on (02) 6686 4852 or reach out via our contact form to experience the quality and professionalism that have made us a trusted name in Ballina and the surrounding areas.