1.37 Knowing the parts of a vehicle: Rubber spring suspension system
When we talk about the parts of a vehicle, one of the most important but often overlooked components is the suspension system. This system is responsible for ensuring the comfort and safety of vehicle occupants, absorbing impacts and road irregularities. One of the most common types of suspension systems is the rubber spring system, which is what we'll explore in this chapter.
What is the Rubber Spring Suspension System?
The rubber spring suspension system is a suspension solution that uses springs made of rubber instead of traditional steel springs. These rubber springs are designed to absorb bumps from the road, giving you a smoother, more comfortable ride. Rubber has the ability to absorb energy and then release it, making it ideal for use in suspension systems.
How does the Rubber Spring Suspension System work?
The rubber spring suspension system works similarly to other suspension systems. When the vehicle passes over an obstacle or bump in the road, the rubber spring is compressed. This compression allows the spring to absorb impact energy, reducing the amount of shock that is transmitted to the vehicle's chassis and, in turn, to the vehicle's occupants.
Once the impact energy has been absorbed, the rubber spring then returns to its original shape, releasing the energy that was stored during compression. This energy absorption and release process helps to soften the feeling of impacts and road irregularities, providing a more comfortable ride.
Advantages of the Rubber Spring Suspension System
There are several advantages to using a rubber spring suspension system on a vehicle. First, rubber springs are generally lighter than steel springs, which can help reduce overall vehicle weight and improve fuel consumption.
Secondly, rubber springs have a longer service life than steel springs. Rubber is corrosion and wear resistant, which means that rubber springs generally don't need to be replaced as often as steel springs.
Finally, rubber springs can offer a smoother, more comfortable ride than steel springs. Rubber has the ability to absorb more energy than steel, which can result in a smoother ride feel and less vibration transmitted to vehicle occupants.
Conclusion
In summary, the rubber spring suspension system is an important part of the vehicle that contributes to the comfort and safety of the vehicle's occupants. Understanding how this system works can help vehicle owners keep their vehicles in good working order and recognize when a suspension service or repair may be needed.
