double wishbone suspension

Types of Double Wishbone Suspension

A double wishbone suspension is a vehicle suspension system on the front and rear ends of cars and trucks. The system has two control arms that resemble a wishbone or a V shape. Each arm has a ball joint at the outer end that connects to the vehicle's body. At the inner end, the two control arms connect to a common pivot point. Manufacturers use double wishbone suspensions in racing and luxury cars because they offer better handling, ride quality, and adjustability. Below are the types of double wishbone suspension.

• Standard Double Wishbone Suspension

  The standard double wishbone suspension has lower and upper control arms that form two triangles. The control arms link the vehicle chassis and the wheel hub, allowing wheels to move up and down without affecting the car's body. Standard double wishbone suspensions offer drivers precise steering and wheel control. As a result, the tires maintain contact with the road, improving traction. Motorsports and luxury vehicles use standard double wishbone suspensions.

• Superman Double Wishbone Suspension

  The superman double wishbone suspension is an improved version of the standard suspension system. In this suspension system, the upper control arm is longer than the lower control arm. The upper control arm connects to the chassis using a ball joint instead of a pivot point. Mechanics and suspension engineers prefer the superman double wishbone suspension for off-road and racing vehicles. The suspension system offers better camber control and wheel alignment during the suspension travel. As a result, the vehicle has a stable handling experience, even at high speeds.

• Multi-Link Suspension

  The multi-link suspension system has more than two control arms. The upper and lower control arms form a triangular shape with other control arms. The multi-link suspension combines features of the standard and superman double wishbone suspensions. Multi-link suspensions offer high levels of handling, stability, and comfort. Drivers feel the multi-link suspension is more sophisticated. As a result, car manufacturers use multi-link suspensions in luxury sedans and sports cars.

Specification & Maintenance of Double Wishbone Suspension

The specification of the wishbone suspension system can vary depending on the requirements of the specific vehicle design. Here are some general specifications:

• Control Arms

  The control arms are often made from lightweight materials in modern vehicles, such as aluminum. They house the ball joint and bushings and are typically sized to allow sufficient wheel movement with the vehicle's body. The control arms connect the suspension system to the vehicle frame.

• Ball Joints

  The ball joints link the control arms to the wheel hub assembly. They allow for the necessary wheel movement in multiple directions. Ball joints can wear out over time, leading to excessive wheel movement and potentially affecting the vehicle's handling.

• Chassis

  The chassis is the vehicle's main frame. The double wishbone suspension system gets mounted on it. The chassis supports the suspension system, vehicle body, and other important parts like the engine and transmission.

• Wheel Hub Assembly

  The wheel hub assembly is connected to the double wishbone suspension system via the ball joints. It houses the brake components and allows the wheels to get mounted and rotated.

• Shock Absorber Mounts

  The shock absorber mounts connect the double wishbone suspension system to the vehicle's chassis. The mounts are used to attach the shock absorbers to the control arms and the vehicle frame. They help control the wheel's movement and the vehicle's overall stability.

• Anti-Roll Bar

  The anti-roll bar connects the double wishbone suspension system to the vehicle's chassis. It helps control the wheel's movement during cornering, enhancing the vehicle's stability and handling.

Here are some maintenance requirements for the double wishbone suspension system:

• • Visual Inspection:

Vehicle operators should check the suspension system for signs of damage regularly. They should look for worn-out control arms, ball joints, bushings, or other components. Any damaged parts should be replaced immediately to prevent further damage to the suspension system.

• Lubrication:

  The suspension system's moving parts should be regularly lubricated. This helps reduce friction between the components and prevents premature wear. The right lubricating oils should be used as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

• Wheel Alignment:

  The double wishbone suspension system allows for precise wheel alignment adjustments. However, the vehicle operator should check the wheel alignment regularly. Hitting potholes or curbs can affect the wheel alignment, leading to uneven tire wear and poor handling.

• Shock Absorber Replacement:

  The shock absorbers in the double wishbone suspension system help control the wheel's movement. They should be replaced as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Worn-out shock absorbers can reduce the suspension system's effectiveness, affecting the vehicle's handling.

How to choose double wishbone suspension

There are several factors to consider when purchasing double wishbone suspension kits for resale or retail. These include;

• Vehicle compatibility

  Business buyers should choose double-wishbone suspensions compatible with various vehicle models. They should also source suspensions with adjustable features to allow customization for specific car models.

• Quality and durability

  To meet their customers' needs, business buyers should prioritize the quality and durability of double wishbone suspensions. They can achieve this by sourcing suspensions from reputable manufacturers. Additionally, the suspensions should be made of high-quality materials such as steel and aluminum, enhancing their durability.

• Market demand

  Buyers should research the market to find out the most in-demand double-wishbone suspension kits. They can focus on suspensions with popular sizes and specifications and those suitable for common vehicle models.

• Cost

  Business buyers should compare the prices of double-wishbone suspensions from various suppliers and look for those offering the best deals. They should also consider the long-term benefits of the suspension kits and avoid overly cheap suspensions that may disappoint their customers.

• Supplier reliability

  Business buyers should find trustworthy suppliers with reliable double wishbone suspension kits. They should read reviews and testimonials to gauge the supplier's reputation. Additionally, they should partner with suppliers known for timely deliveries, ensuring they have sufficient stock.

• Warranty and after-sales support

  Buyers should look for double wishbone suspension suppliers offering a reasonable warranty period. They should also check the kind of after-sale support the suppliers provide, such as technical assistance and spare parts availability.

• Installation and maintenance

  Business buyers should select double-wish suspensions that are easy to install and maintain. They can find suspensions that come with installation manuals or partner with suppliers who offer installation guidance.

How to DIY and Replace

Replacing double-wishbone suspension systems can be complex, depending on the complexity of the suspension system. Here are some general steps to guide one through the process:

• Set up the workspace: Ensure that the workspace is clean and organized. Park the car on a flat surface. Engage the parking brakes and place wheel chocks on the wheels that won't be worked on.
• Gather the necessary tools: Get the necessary tools that will be needed for the double wishbone suspension repair. These include a floor jack, jack stands, wrenches, socket set, pliers, torque wrench, and new suspension components (if applicable).
• Remove the wheel: Use a lug nut wrench to loosen the lug nuts slightly. Then, use a floor jack to lift the vehicle and place it on jack stands. Completely remove the lug nuts and take the wheel out.
• Drain the suspension fluid: This step only applies when working with a double-wishbone suspension system that has a hydraulic system. Locate the drain plug on the hydraulic system. Use a wrench to loosen the plug and allow the fluid to drain into a suitable container.
• Disconnect the suspension components: Use a wrench or socket set to loosen and disconnect the bolts and nuts. Lower control arm: Disconnect the front or rear LCAs from the chassis and the steering knuckle. Upper control arm: Disconnect the front UCAs from the chassis and the suspension strut or coilover.
• Disconnect the ball joints: Disconnect the ball joints at both ends of each control arm. This may require a ball joint separator tool, depending on how stuck they are.
• Remove the old control arms: Remove the old control arms from the double-wishbone suspension. This may require some force, depending on how rusted or corroded the components are.
• Install new control arms: If applicable, install new control arms. First, grease the ball joints with a suitable lubricant. Then, follow the ball joints up to the LCAs and UCAs. Reconnect all disconnected suspension components and ensure they are properly torqued to the manufacturer's specifications.

  Reconnect the hydraulic system: Refill the hydraulic system with fresh suspension fluid. Then, close the drain plug and bleed the system per the manufacturer's instructions.

• Perform a suspension alignment: After replacing the control arms, it's important to perform a suspension alignment. This ensures the wheels are properly aligned and the suspension system functions optimally.
• Replace the wheels: Put the wheels back on and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Lower the vehicle off the jack stands and use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specified torque.

  Test drive the vehicle: Take the vehicle for a short test drive to ensure everything functions properly. Recheck the suspension components and wheel alignment after the test drive.

Q&A

Q1. Can an ordinary vehicle be converted to a double-wishbone suspension?

A1. Yes, a double wishbone suspension can be installed on a regular car, but it requires a significant amount of work. Modifying the chassis of the vehicle is necessary since the double wishbone suspension system needs to be mounted there. Furthermore, it will be very costly to convert an ordinary vehicle to a double wishbone suspension.

Q2. What are the vehicles that use double wishbone suspension?

A2. Many modern cars, especially high-performance ones, use double wishbone suspension. Examples include luxury brands like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes. Sports cars like the Nissan GT-R and Toyota 86 also use this type of suspension. Double wishbones are also used in many SUVs and trucks, especially for the front suspension.

Q3. What is the main advantage of double-wishbone suspension?

A3. The double wishbone suspension offers great maneuverability and handling. This is the main reason why many high-performance cars use the double wishbone suspension system. It allows the wheels to move up and down better without affecting each other, keeping the tires in contact with the road. As a result, the driver can control the car easily.

Q4. What is the difference between a single and double wishbone suspension?

A4. The double wishbone suspension has two arms (wishes) that resemble a wishbone. Each wheel has two wishbone arms to control its movement. Meanwhile, the single wishbone suspension only has one arm at each wheel. The single wishbone suspension is cheaper and easier to maintain. However, it cannot offer the same level of performance and handling as the double wishbone suspension.