1.27. Knowing the parts of a vehicle: Rigid axle suspension system

The suspension system is one of the most important parts of a vehicle, responsible for absorbing impacts and road irregularities, providing a smooth and comfortable ride. One of the types of suspension system is the rigid axle, which will be the focus of this chapter of our e-book "Complete Guide to Vehicle Maintenance from 0 to Advanced".

The rigid axle suspension system, also known as leaf spring suspension or live axle suspension, is one of the oldest and simplest suspension systems. It is composed of a rigid axle that connects the wheels of the same axle, be it front or rear. This axle is suspended from the vehicle's chassis by means of springs and shock absorbers.

The springs have the function of absorbing impacts and road irregularities, while the dampers have the function of controlling the movement of the springs, preventing them from continuing to oscillate after absorbing an impact. The rigid axle, in turn, ensures that the wheels remain aligned and parallel to each other, regardless of road irregularities.

There are two main types of rigid axle suspension: leaf spring suspension and coil spring suspension. The leaf spring suspension is the oldest and simplest. It is composed of several steel blades stacked on top of each other, forming a bundle. The ends of the beam are attached to the axle, while the center of the beam is attached to the vehicle chassis. The flexibility of the blades allows them to absorb impacts and road irregularities.

The coil spring suspension, on the other hand, is more modern and more sophisticated. It is composed of helical springs that are fixed between the axle and the chassis of the vehicle. Coil springs are more flexible and more efficient at absorbing impacts than bundle springs. In addition, they are lighter and take up less space, which allows for a more compact and more aerodynamic vehicle design.

Despite its advantages, rigid axle suspension also has its disadvantages. One of the main ones is that it does not allow independent control of the wheels. This means that when one wheel experiences an irregularity, the other wheel on the same axle is also affected. This can result in a less smooth and less comfortable ride, especially on rough roads.

In addition, rigid axle suspension is heavier and less efficient than other suspension systems such as independent suspension. This can result in higher fuel consumption and lower performance, especially in terms of acceleration and braking.

Despite these drawbacks, rigid axle suspension is still used in many vehicles, especially off-road vehicles and commercial vehicles, where robustness and simplicity are more important than comfort and efficiency.

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In summary, the rigid axle suspension system is a fundamental part of a vehicle, responsible for absorbing impacts and road irregularities and ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride. Despite its drawbacks, it is still used in many vehicles, especially off-road vehicles and commercial vehicles. Knowing how this system works is essential for anyone wanting to learn about vehicle maintenance.

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29Knowing the Parts of a Vehicle: Torsional Suspension System

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