Multi-link suspension: description, principle of operation, pros and cons

Now the cars are installed different types of pendants. There is a dependent and independent. Recently, a semi-independent rear beam and "McPherson" are installed on the cars of the budget class in the front. On business and premium cars, an independent multi-link suspension has always been used. What are the pros and cons of her? How is it arranged? About all this and not only - later in our today's article.

Characteristic

Multi-link suspension is installed on cars with rear- and front-wheel drive layout. It has a more complex device, therefore it is used on cars of expensive class. For the first time the multi-link suspension was installed on the "Jaguar E-Tour" in the early 60's. Over time, it was modernized and is now actively used on cars "Mercedes", "BMW", "Audi" and many others.

Device

What are the features of this design? Multilink suspension requires the following elements:

• Subframe.
• Transverse and longitudinal arms.
• Hub supports.
• Shock absorbers and springs.

How is everything fixed?

The hub is attached to the wheel by means of four levers. This allows the wheel of the car to move unhindered in the transverse and longitudinal plane. The supporting element in the construction of this suspension is the subframe. The transverse lever is attached to it through special bushings with a metal base. To reduce vibration, they use rubber. The transverse arms are connected to the hub support. This is how the wheels are correctly positioned in the transverse plane. Often the multi-link independent rear suspension includes three transverse levers:

• Lower back.
• Front.
• Upper.

The latter carries out the transfer of forces and connects the subframe to the wheel support housing. The lower front suspension arm is responsible for the convergence. The rear element perceives forces that are transmitted from the body when the vehicle is moving. Drive in the longitudinal position is due to the longitudinal lever. It is fixed to the body of the machine with a support. On the other hand, the element joins the hub. In the car there are four longitudinal levers - one for each wheel. The hub bearing itself is the base for the wheel and bearing. The latter is fixed with a bolt. By the way, if you do not comply with its tightening torque, you can disable the bearing. When making repairs, you should leave a small play in the hub. Otherwise, you have a loose bearing. Also, the multi-link front suspension has a screw spring in its design. It relies on the lower rear wishbone and takes effort from it. Separately from the spring is located shock absorber. Usually it connects to the hub support.

Stabilizer

The multi-link rear suspension, in contrast to the semi-independent beam, has in its design the anti-roll bar. The name itself speaks for the purpose of the element. This detail reduces rolls when cornering at speed. Also, this parameter is affected by the stiffness of shock absorbers and springs. The presence of the stabilizer significantly reduces the risk of skidding during the turn, as it ensures uninterrupted contact of the wheels with the road surface. The element is a kind of metal bar. It looks like the picture below. The stabilizer of lateral stability is established on a stretcher of a multilever suspension bracket and fastened by means of rubber support. Due to the drafts the rod is connected with the support of the hub. What has the multi-link suspension pluses and minuses? Let's consider them below.

Benefits

Cars using this suspension are much more comfortable. The design uses several levers. All of them are mounted on stretchers through silentblocks. Due to this, when passing the pit, the suspension perfectly swallows all irregularities. By the way, only the wheel that hit the pit works. If it is a beam, all efforts will be transferred to the neighboring hub. In the car, where the multi-link suspension is used, there is no excessive noise and vibration when passing the road irregularities. Also this car is safer. This is explained by the use of the anti-roll bar. By their weight, the levers are much lighter than the beam. This reduces the curb weight of the vehicle.

Thus, the multi-link suspension is:

• Comfort.
• Lack of strong impacts on the body.
• Increased grip of wheels with the road.
• Possibility of lateral and longitudinal adjustment.

disadvantages

If you raise the question of what is better - a beam or multi-link suspension, - it is worth considering the cons of the latter. The biggest drawback is the complexity of the design. Hence the high cost of maintenance and not cheap price of the car itself. The cost of a multi-link suspension is 2-3 times higher than an ordinary semi-independent beam. The next is the resource. Since the design uses a lot of hinges, levers and stylentblocks, all of them sooner or later fail. The service life of the multi-link suspension is 100 thousand kilometers. As for the beam, it is almost eternal. The design is an order of magnitude more reliable and does not require expensive maintenance. The maximum that needs to be replaced is the shock absorbers. They "walk" along our roads about 80 thousand kilometers. Multilink suspension when driving on irregularities requires more attention. If the machine starts to make knocks in the front or back, it is worth checking the condition of the levers and stylentblocks. In the presence of backlashes and free wheeling, they should be replaced. The cost of the new levers on the Mercedes in the 124th body is $ 120 per wheel. Despite the great age and low cost of the car, spare parts for it did not become cheaper. The same applies to other machines that use this type of suspension. When replacing the silent blocks, you need a lift or an inspection pit. Usually such machines are repaired in the service centers. And this is additional costs.

Is it possible to identify the problem yourself?

If you notice a characteristic knocking while driving, it may be necessary to repair the suspension. To find out the exact cause, you need a viewing pit or trestle. If this is a front suspension, inspect the state of the hinge of equal angular velocities. It has an anther. If it is cracked, an urgent replacement is needed. Otherwise, all the dirt gets inside and you have to buy a new joint joint.

Check the play in the steering rods. Examine the shock absorbers. If there are streaks on them, most likely, the sound comes from them. This means that the valve inside the shock absorber is broken and the rod moves arbitrarily. Silentblocks of levers and stabilizer of lateral stability too should not have люфтов. Inspection of the rear suspension should start with shock absorbers. Further we check rubber seals and drafts. Often elements are damaged in the area of contact with the exhaust pipe. Pay special attention to this place. If the muffler beats against the body, there are characteristic traces of blows, it is worth replacing its pillow. In most cases, the problem disappears. Having inspected the condition of the suspension, sum up what elements are out of order and require replacement. In the absence of experience, it is recommended to contact the service.

Conclusion

So, we found out the features of the multi-link suspension. As you can see, it has many shortcomings. But its main advantage is comfort. The way this car goes, can not be compared with anything. Also it is more maneuverable. If there is a choice - a beam or mnogorychazhka, - it is necessary to start from the budget. The last suspension should only be taken if you are willing to spend at least $ 400 to service it.