Table of Contents
Suspension Systems
Purpose of the System ........................................................................ 3
Basic Suspension Geometry ............................................................... 4
Caster ...................................................................................................4
Camber .................................................................................................5
Toe ........................................................................................................6
Steering Roll Radius ..............................................................................7
Steering Axis Inclination ....................................................................... .8
Toe-out on Turns ...................................................................................9
Geometric Axis .....................................................................................10
Suspension Systems ............................................................................11
Single Joint Front Suspension ............................................................ ..11
Double Pivot Front Suspension ............................................................ 14
Rear Suspension Systems .................................................................. 16
Semi-Trailing Arm ..................................................................................17
Semi-Trailing Arm with “Track Link” .......................................................18
Central “C” Link ....................................................................................19
Multi-Link Suspensions .........................................................................22
Alignment Procedures ........................................................................ 28
Vehicle Inspection .................................................................................29
Ride Height Measurement ..................................................... ...............30
Identification of Suspension ..................................................................32
Vehicle Loading ............................................................................ ........34
Alignment Specifications .......................................................................36
Alignment Checklist ..............................................................................38
Alignment Worksheets ..........................................................................39
Review Questions .................................................................................40