The principle of operation and advantages of torsion bar suspension in a car
Content
- What is torsion
- The principle of operation of the torsion bar suspension
- Types of torsion suspensions
- Benefits of torsion bar suspension
- Disadvantages of torsion bar suspension
- The use of a torsion bar in the modern automotive industry
- Do-it-yourself torsion bar suspension adjustment
- Price of torsion bar suspension parts
Summarizing what has been said, the car's torsion bar suspension device seems simple and reliable. These qualities make the design popular and in demand. Today, torsion bars are installed on SUVs, trucks and budget cars. Lightweight design reduces machine weight. The use of torsion bars has a negative effect on the handling index. Therefore, torsion bars are not recommended for installation on sports cars, where maneuverability and high speed are important.
The torsion bar is the main element of the suspension system, where the principle of torsion is the basis. The torsion bar suspension device of a car itself assumes that an independent type design is used to equip the car.
What is torsion
The term literally translates from French as "torsion" or "twisting". This reveals the main property of the element. The torsion bar is a rod made of spring steel: monolithic or assembled from sheet iron. If the rod is cast from metal, then it necessarily has a section on both sides. If the part is twisted from sheets or rods, then for strength it is additionally fastened with knitting needles.
A torsion bar suspension is a design where the main damping elements are torsion bars installed symmetrically. If you compare the position of the torsion bars with the position of the springs or leaf springs, the difference becomes obvious. The former are completely excluded from the unsprung mass of any vehicle.
The principle of operation of the torsion bar suspension
When the torsion bar suspension is actively working, the force is transferred from the carrier arm. What causes the torsion bar to twist. When the torsion reaches the limit, the reverse action starts - the element begins to slowly unwind. This effect allows you to avoid serious impacts when the car overcomes an obstacle.
Types of torsion suspensions
Torsion bars are used on suspensions, where the wheels rotate independently of each other. There are 2 types of fastening: transverse and longitudinal.
The principle of operation of the torsion bar suspension in a car
Front independent torsion bar suspension on wishbones
If the suspension is installed in front with the use of transverse levers, then the following elements are included in the basis:
- a rod that is located strictly longitudinally;
- upper and lower arm;
- spring as a damping device;
- additional stabilizing lateral stability element.
The advantage of the torsion bar suspension located on the transverse levers is its compactness.
Rear independent suspension with transverse torsion bars
If the suspension is located transversely at the rear, then this significantly increases the luggage compartment. The compact design is certainly an advantage, but in general, such a design negatively affects the controllability of the machine. The rear wheels skid when cornering. Therefore, now torsion bar suspensions are no longer as relevant as they used to be.
Semi-independent rear torsion beam
The semi-dependent torsion bar suspension is equipped with an elastic rod with a V-section. The beam is rigidly attached with clamps and does not allow the wheels located along the same axis to move relative to each other.
The semi-independent fastening makes the structure more reliable and the vehicle running stable. This version of the suspension system is used in the production of modern budget cars.
Benefits of torsion bar suspension
To evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the system, it is better to try different driving options. Features can only be fully appreciated when operating the machine.
One of the advantages is the low weight of the structure and compact dimensions. This feature significantly reduces the overall weight of the suspension. Torsion bars are easy to install, do not require additional and complex maintenance during operation.
The design of the suspension is strong and reliable - this can be explained by the ease of assembly. Parts are fastened alternately using clamps and bolts.
An absolute advantage for experienced motorists is the ability to customize the suspension with torsion bars to suit your own driving style. A simple self-adjustment without visiting a car service helps not only to improve the car's handling, but also slightly increase the clearance, which has a positive effect on such quality as cross-country ability. Another plus is a quick inexpensive repair if necessary.
Disadvantages of torsion bar suspension
The main disadvantage is the deterioration of the controllability of the machine. Torsion bars have almost no effect on steering traction, as they are excluded from the unsprung mass system. This means that when cornering, the car turns to the side: the wheel scrolls along the axis. During the maneuver, the driver has no levers to control the axle, so he simply waits for the trajectory to straighten out due to the reverse thrust effect.
Torsion bars use needle bearings. These are elements that often become faulty due to the ingress of water or dirt on them. Bearings fail every 70-80 thousand kilometers, so these parts have to be changed often. It is impossible to use bearings of another type in torsion structures, since this element performs a key task.
In addition, the total cost of the torsion structure plays an important role. Due to the peculiarities of production, such a device is expensive.
Torsion bar suspension
The use of a torsion bar in the modern automotive industry
Torsion bar suspensions have become popular again in recent years. The structures are installed on SUVs and trucks, but are rarely mounted on cars.
Crossovers are equipped with torsion bars at the rear or front. Choosing such a suspension allows the automaker to reduce the overall weight of the car, but maintain the dimensions of the car. According to experts, the main task for engineers is to reduce the cost of the torsion bar. In addition, details are being worked out in order to improve the handling of the car.
Do-it-yourself torsion bar suspension adjustment
The torsion bar suspension can be adjusted independently without visiting a car repair shop. To do this, it is important to choose the right keys.
Ground clearance, or ground clearance, can be increased by changing the torsion star. This part has a slotted connector that allows you to change fasteners, remove from standard positions, raise or lower them. Manipulations directly affect the underestimation or overestimation of ground clearance.
Price of torsion bar suspension parts
The torsion bar itself costs 6500-8000 rubles, but there are additional elements that also require maintenance and periodic replacement.
| Detail | Cost, in rubles |
| Holder | 800 |
| Rear spring | 3800 |
| Silentblock | 320 Xx |
Elements for the torsion structure can be freely purchased at any auto shop in Moscow and other large cities.
Summarizing what has been said, the car's torsion bar suspension device seems simple and reliable. These qualities make the design popular and in demand. Today, torsion bars are installed on SUVs, trucks and budget cars. Lightweight design reduces machine weight. The use of torsion bars has a negative effect on the handling index. Therefore, torsion bars are not recommended for installation on sports cars, where maneuverability and high speed are important.
