Anti-roll bar: what it is and how it works
Car suspension is a complex system, which we have already talked about on our website Vodi.su. The suspension consists of various structural elements: shock absorbers, springs, steering arms, silent blocks. The anti-roll bar is one of the most important elements.
This article will be devoted to this device, the principle of its operation, advantages and disadvantages.
The device and the principle of operation
In appearance, this element is a metal bar, curved in the shape of the letter U, although on more modern cars its shape may differ from the U-shaped due to the more compact arrangement of the units. This rod connects both wheels of the same axle. Can be installed front and rear.
The stabilizer uses the torsion (spring) principle: in its central part there is a round profile that acts as a spring. As a result, when the outside wheel enters the turn, the car begins to roll. However, the torsion bar spins up and that part of the stabilizer that is on the outside begins to rise, and the opposite one falls. Thus counteracting even more vehicle roll.
As you can see, everything is quite simple. In order for the stabilizer to perform its functions normally, it is made from special grades of steel with increased rigidity. In addition, the stabilizer is structurally connected to the suspension elements using rubber bushings, hinges, struts - we already wrote an article on replacing the stabilizer strut on Vodi.su.
It is also worth noting that the stabilizer can only counteract lateral loads, but against vertical ones (when, for example, two front wheels drive into a pit) or against angular vibrations, this device is powerless and simply scrolls on the bushings.
The stabilizer is fixed with supports:
- to the subframe or frame - the middle part;
- to the axle beam or suspension arms - side parts.
It is installed on both axles of the car. However, many types of suspension do without a stabilizer. So, on a car with an adaptive suspension, a stabilizer is not needed. It is not needed on the rear axle of cars with a torsion beam. Instead, the beam itself is used here, which is also capable of resisting torsion.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantage of its use is the reduction of lateral rolls. If you pick up elastic steel of sufficient rigidity, then even on the sharpest turns you will not feel a roll. In this case, the car will increase traction when cornering.
Unfortunately, the springs and shock absorbers will not be able to withstand the deep rolls that the body of the car experiences when entering a sharp turn. The stabilizer completely solved this problem. On the other hand, when driving straight, the need for its use disappears.
If we talk about the shortcomings, then there are quite a few of them:
- suspension free play limitation;
- the suspension cannot be considered completely independent - two wheels are connected to each other, shocks are transmitted from one wheel to another;
- a decrease in the cross-country ability of off-road vehicles - diagonal hanging occurs due to the fact that one of the wheels loses contact with the soil if the other, for example, falls into a hole.
Of course, all these problems are effectively solved. So, control systems for the anti-roll bar are being developed, thanks to which it can be turned off, and hydraulic cylinders begin to play its role.
Toyota offers complex systems for its crossovers and SUVs. In such a development, the stabilizer is structurally integrated with the body. Various sensors analyze the angular acceleration and roll of the car. If necessary, the stabilizer is blocked, and hydraulic cylinders are used.
There are original developments in the company Mercedes-Benz. For example, the ABC (Active Body Control) system allows you to completely dispense with adaptive suspension elements alone - shock absorbers and hydraulic cylinders - without a stabilizer.
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