A GUIDE TO STEERING & SUSPENSION
STAYING ON THE STRAI & NARROW
INSTANT EXPERT
Steering and suspension components keep your car out of hedgerows but how can a DIYer save money on repairs? Rob Marshall provides an overview on such an enormous topic.
One of the reasons why CM devotes so much time to suspension and steering issues is their immense influence on how your car is designed to behave, both on test tracks and public roads. Motor manufacturers devote considerable efforts to design a car with ride and handling that is vice-free but comfortable yet responsive. The steering must not be twitchy at speed, but it has to be geared sensibly for parking manoeuvres, for instance. Variable ratio steering racks and even power-assisted steering (PAS) have relieved chassis engineers of some traditional compromises, such as steering weight, although some electric PAS systems have been criticised for robbing the experienced driver of ‘feel’. Aside from being responsive, the suspension must also isolate the occupants from road shocks, or Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) as it is known in the trade. Part of this includes optimising positive primary and secondary ride characteristics, although it is surprising how many of today’s manufacturers do not match their vehicle’s suspension settings with those of the seats. Additionally, road noise that is transmitted through the tyres must also be considered by the suspension, as well as interior/exterior sound-deadening material.
It is also interesting to note that developing and tuning automotive steering and suspension systems is a UK speciality. Even to this day, many car companies turn to British expertise, when optimising their chassis for European markets.
