Tank torsion bar suspension device. The principle of operation and the device of the torsion bar suspension

The torsion bar is a metal elastic element that works for twisting. As a rule, it is a metal rod with a circular cross-section with a splined connection at the ends. A torsion bar can consist of a set of plates, rods, a beam of a certain section. Structurally, the torsion bar is attached at one end to the body or frame of the car, and at the other end to the guide element - to the lever. When the wheels move, the torsion bar is twisted, thereby achieving an elastic connection between the wheel and the body. A feature of torsion bars is rotation only in one direction - in the direction of twisting. Another feature is that the torsion bar can be used to adjust the height of the body. Torsion bars are used in different types independent suspensions: on double wishbones, on trailing arms, with linked trailing arms (torsion beam).

In the torsion bar suspension on double wishbones, the torsion bars are located parallel to the body, due to which their length and, accordingly, elastic properties can be adjusted in a wide range. One end of the torsion bar is attached to the lower transverse arm (less often to the upper arm), the other end to the vehicle frame. This torsion bar suspension design is used as the front suspension passenger carsoff-road vehicles - some models of American and Japanese SUVs. In a torsion bar suspension on trailing arms, the torsion bars are connected to the trailing arms and, accordingly, are located across the body. This torsion bar suspension design is used as rear suspension some models of small cars. A special place in the design of torsion suspensions is occupied by the so-called. torsion beam or suspension with associated trailing arms. The guiding device of this suspension is two trailing arms, rigidly connected to each other by a beam. Trailing arms are attached to the body on one side and to the wheel hubs on the other. The beam has a U-shaped cross-section, therefore it has high bending stiffness and low torsional stiffness. This property allows the wheels to move up and down independently of each other. The torsion beam is currently widely used as the rear suspension in front-wheel drive small and medium-sized vehicles. Due to its design, the suspension with a torsion bar occupies an intermediate position between the dependent and independent type of suspensions, therefore its other name is semi independent suspension.

History of appearance

Torsion bar suspension began to be used since the mid-1930s on cars french brand Citroen. In the 1940s, torsion bars were used on racing cars Porsche. Subsequently, they were used by many other automakers. For example, Renault, ZiL and Chrysler. The use of the torsion bar suspension was primarily due to its good ride quality and simple design.

Types of torsion suspensions

Front independent torsion bar suspension on wishbones The front torsion bar suspension on wishbones (one or two, depending on the design) consists of the following elements: A longitudinally located torsion bar that works for torsion and replaces the spring. The lower or upper arm that receives the main load, through which the force is transferred to the torsion bar. Damping element - a shock absorber that damping vibrations. Stabilizer lateral stability, compensating for body roll when driving. The compactness of the front wishbone torsion bar suspension allows efficient use of free space. For example, for the installation of massive wheel drives. In this regard, torsion bars have become widespread in the production frame SUVscombining increased cross-country ability with suspension softness. For instance, Toyota Land Cruiser 100 (mounting the torsion bar to the lower arm) and Toyota Hilux Surf (torsion bar on the upper arm). Torsion bars are also used on the front axle of commercial vehicles.

Rear independent suspension with transverse torsion bars

In rear suspension designs with longitudinal arrangement levers torsion bars are installed transversely. Legendary French renault car 16, produced until the 1990s, was equipped with a front suspension with longitudinally located torsion bars, and a rear suspension with transversely. A feature of the elastic elements of the rear suspension was their location - one was behind the other, which structurally entailed a difference in the wheelbase on the sides of the car (one of the wheels was closer to the front by a few centimeters). The handling and stability of the car left much to be desired, but it was the compactness of the torsion bar suspension that made it possible to significantly increase the volume luggage compartment, which largely determined the popularity of the model. Currently, such a suspension scheme is not used by automakers.

Semi-independent rear torsion beam

The semi-independent U-shaped torsion beam with an integrated elastic bar becomes more bending strength. At the same time, it allows the wheels of one axle to move slightly relative to each other when driving over irregularities. This improves the handling and stability of the vehicle. This suspension is used on the rear axle of most budget front wheel drive vehicles.

Benefits of torsion bar suspension

✔ High smoothness. ✔ Compact and lightweight. ✔ High maintainability. ✔ Simplicity and reliability of the design.

Disadvantages of torsion bar suspension

✔ Difficulty of torsion bar production. ✔ Mediocre car handling. Currently, the front independent suspension, where torsion bars are installed as elastic elements, is used in the production of trucks and SUVs that are not intended for dynamic driving. In addition, the torsion bar suspension is successfully used in the design of the chassis of tanks and other special tracked vehicles.

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Let's define what a car suspension is. This is a device that provides elastic adhesion of automobile wheels to the supporting system, and also regulates the position of the body while driving, reducing the load on the wheels.

Currently offered different types suspensions: spring, pneumatic, spring, torsion, etc. So, the torsion type is metal torsion shafts that work in torsion, with one end attached to the chassis, the other to a special lever standing perpendicularly and connected to the axle.

The manufacture of such a part is made from heat-treated steel, which directly allows it to withstand heavy loads at the moment of torsion.

The main principle of the suspension is considered to be bending work.

Application of the torsion model

The location of the torsion beam is possible longitudinally and transversely. The longitudinal arrangement is used on large, heavy trucks... On passenger cars, a transverse arrangement is used, usually on a rear wheel drive.

In these two cases, the mechanism is designed to ensure smooth running, roll control when cornering, ensure optimal damping of oscillations of wheels, body, and reduce oscillations of steered wheels.

For some vehicles, a torsion bar suspension is used for automatic leveling using a motor that pulls the beams for additional rigidity, depending on the speed, as well as the condition of the road surface.

Height adjustable design can be used when changing wheels. This is when the vehicle is lifted with three wheels, and the 4th is lifted with a jack. The main advantage of this type of suspension is considered to be durability, ease of height adjustment, as well as compactness in the width of the transport.

It takes up much less space than coil springs. Of course, the torsion bar configuration is easy to operate and also easy to maintain.

Work process

In this video, you will learn how the torsion bar suspension works.

Due to the fact that the torsion shaft is fixed rigidly on the body or frame of the car, twisting forces act on it during suspension operation. But the torsion shaft is made from a special alloy and has a certain hardening, which allows it to work as a spring element.

At the moment of twisting, the shaft tends to return the car wheel to its original position. So, the principle of operation is similar to the spring or sprung version of this auto part. The semi-independent suspension is a suspension system made in the form of two trailing arms connected by a transverse trailing arm.

The main advantages of such a mechanism:

• ease of installation;
• light weight;
• compactness.

The key disadvantage is the ability to use it only on a non-driving axle.

Suspension adjustment

In the case of a loose suspension, it is possible to adjust the positions using an ordinary wrench. It is enough to get down the car, tighten the necessary bolts. The main thing is not to overdo it in order to avoid excessive rigidity of the stroke at the moment of movement. Adjustment of torsion parts is easier than adjustment of spring types.

Car manufacturers are changing the torsion beam to adjust the travel position depending on the engine weight.

Key repair properties

Considering all the problems of torsion beams, it is quite possible to conclude that maintenance, as well as repair of a torsion bar suspension, is associated with the following situations:

• Height regulation of the structure.
• Dismantling or replacing torsion bars.
• Replacement of needle bearings.
• Replacement of fingers, axles of the rear beam.
• Rear beam arm repair.

Rear suspension height adjustment should not be thought of as a complete structural repair. This usually happens due to the fact that the car owner wants to lift the rear of the car.

Sometimes the change in the height of the beam is intended to increase the rigidity and reduce the draft of the car rear end, at maximum load. You need to know that the rear beam torsion bar is not able to work when the height of the rear beam changes, it will be operated under a more aggressive load, and this may affect its resource.

The process of changing the height consists in changing the position of the torsion bar, or rather its splined end, as well as the sprocket. The torsion bar has slotted connectors at the ends. The torsion bar is attached at one end to the slotted connector, the rear beam lever.
And the other - into the connector on the beam body. If repairs are in progress of this type suspension, then you will need to dismantle the torsion bars.

In this situation, it is important to make the torsion bars' native position in the rear beam, so that at the time of installation it is clear what is being inserted and also where. In order to dismantle the torsion bar in the process of pulling from the splined connection, an inertial puller is used.

The puller pin is screwed into the thread at the end of the torsion bar, maybe this thread should be cleaned.

Often the spline joints "sour" or "stick", in this case, a standard puller will not help, only an ordinary sledgehammer can help out.

Often torsion bar suspension repairs involve the process of replacing the rear beam needle bearings. According to some reports, the needle bearing replacement process is required after 80,000 km.

When replacing bearings, it will be necessary to dismantle the torsion bars, as well as the beam levers. Each side of the beam contains two bearings. The most dangerous rear beam problem is wear. needle bearing, because it is difficult for an ordinary motorist to determine this.

In the absence of diagnostics, the car is also operated with a crumbled bearing, thereby aggravating the problem. As a result, the axle wears out. Of course, the axles of the rear beam can be replaced, but this is very difficult at home, since in addition to knowledge and experience, special equipment and devices are required.

Stations maintenance will not replace axles, but only offer a new beam assembled with new axles, and this is a very expensive proposal.

The most difficult case when repairing a torsion-type structure is the destruction of the bearing seat in the lever. This rarely happens, in a very "neglected" situation.

The destruction of the seat occurs for the reasons that the pin of the rear beam, although much less often, since this place is protected by an outer bearing race. Lever repair process: restoration of the seat on metal cutting equipment.

The main problem of the beam arm restoration is the search for the required equipment; this work is carried out on a lathe and boring machine.

Gallery

In this section, there are photos of torsion suspensions for a tank, a trailer and others.

It differs from the classic spring one in that instead of springs, torsion bars are used in its design. extremely simple and effective at the same time. The torsion bar is an elastic shaft, which is rigidly attached to or on one side, and the other side is connected to the wheel hub. In the case of a front wheel drive vehicle, the torsion bar is mounted on the lower wishbone.

Varieties and torsion bar suspension device

In vehicles with front-wheel drive and transverse arrangement of the suspension arms, the torsion bars are fixed along the body. In the case of trailing arms, the torsion bars are respectively secured across the car body.

The most common example of a torsion bar suspension is the semi-independent rear suspension in front-wheel drive passenger cars. This suspension consists of two trailing arms, which are interconnected U-beam... The connecting beam, due to its design, has the ability to work in twisting and allows the wheels to work out irregularities independently of each other.

The principle of operation of the torsion bar suspension

Due to the fact that the torsion shaft is rigidly fixed to the body or frame of the car, then during the operation of the suspension, twisting forces act on it. However, the torsion shaft is made of a special alloy and has a certain hardening, which allows it to work as a spring element. When twisting, the shaft tends to return to its original position. The principle of operation is similar to that of a spring or sprung suspension.

Benefits of torsion bars

Despite the fact that the principle of operation of the torsion and spring suspension is practically the same, the torsion shafts have several advantages over springs or springs:

• simple and compact suspension device;
• ease of repair and maintenance;
• the ability to adjust the stiffness of the suspension.

Torsion shafts take up very little space, which makes the suspension as compact as possible. Service and self torsion bar suspension repair do not cause trouble. Replacing one of the torsion bars is done with much less labor than replacing the springs.

It should also be noted that the torsion bar suspension can adjustable in stiffness, which the classic spring does not allow. On some cars, the suspension stiffness is adjusted automatically or manually remotely using electric motors that regulate the preliminary force of the torsion bars.

When choosing a car, every car enthusiast spends a long time in deep thought, sometimes tormented by his experiences and fears, and sometimes lives in anticipation of this joyful moment - for someone first, and for someone else. However, there are many issues to solve, and one of them is a car with which suspension to choose.

It's better to decide in advance what kind of suspension you want

Suspension - what is it?

Surely not every one of us in the XXI century had the opportunity to ride in a horse-drawn cart on a cart, to experience the sensations of every dimple and pothole. So this is the clearest example of a vehicle without the same suspension. It is such an important part of the car as the suspension that determines the level of comfort, ease of control, as well as stability and cross-country ability. Today there are several types of pendants, among which the following main parts can be distinguished:

• Fasteners.
• Stabilizing elements of lateral elasticity.
• Distributing elements of the direction of force.
• Extinguishing moment.
• Elastic elements.

Each type of suspension has its own pros and cons.

Suspension by degree of elasticity

By the type of elastic element, the suspension is usually divided into four types:

• Torsion bar.
• Spring loaded.
• Leaf springs.
• Pneumatic.

The torsion bar suspension consists of rods twisting under load. One of the torsion bars is high elasticity. The design is based on high temperature hardened steel. If the torsion bar suspension is briefly characterized, in just a few words, then the following immediately comes to mind: resistance to shock loads, durability, compactness.

Leaf springs have been used for quite some time. Even wealthy nobles could afford to equip carts with a spring suspension, which significantly increased the comfort of travel. The base is metal plates connected together, which partially act as shock absorbers, reducing the load on the latter. Advantage - high endurance, disadvantage - not the best, to put it mildly, elasticity and a large mass of the structure.

The air suspension is characterized, first of all, by its high cost and increased comfort level. IN vehicleah with air suspension ground clearance can be adjusted in height, the degree of elasticity can also be adjusted. Due to its complexity, this type of chassis is not widely used in our country.

The spring undercarriage, which is the main "competitor" of the torsion bar, has a very wide application. The main advantages are low cost, availability, reliability, as well as providing more comfort. Cons - low load capacity, spring sensitivity to high loads.

Torsion bar or spring?

So which suspension is better: torsion bar or spring? Owners, experts and ordinary people cannot find common ground, challenging each of the opinions on the question of which, in the end, undercarriage choose. Modern manufacturers have begun to combine in some car models and use both types of elastic elements. For example, the so-called "heels" or "pickups" have a front spring suspension, and the rear - a torsion bar, which provides excellent softness and comfort for passengers and the driver, and it is possible to transport small loads weighing a couple of hundred kilograms. Fully spring-loaded suspension can be used in cars executive class, in those cars that do not imply the transportation of even medium-sized cargo.

Dependent or independent ?!

Every motorist should also think about this question when choosing his "swallow". It is on the suspension is divided: dependent and independent. Dependent is a structure in which two wheels of one axle are rigidly connected to each other. In this case, the movement of one wheel in the axle affects the movement of the second. The dependent "design" is used mainly on rear-wheel drive cars, a striking example is the "Zhiguli", as well as powerful heavy-duty cars and tractors. One of the main disadvantages of this type is the heavy assembly weight. In the case when the axle is used as a leading one, the ride is lost.

Independent suspension is a complex design in which one wheel in an axle does not depend on another wheel in the same axle, and if there is some dependence, then it is minimal. Now manufacturers use several types of this type of construction: McPherson (McPherson), multi-link, single-link. Each of them, naturally, has its own advantages and disadvantages. The most effective, soft and comfortable is multi-link, but it is also the most impractical and expensive to operate. It is widely used in executive cars. Most of the vehicles in use use the MacPherson strut - semi-independent suspension with average cost service and an acceptable level of comfort.

Operation in Russia

Determine which is the best suspension for russian roads, our compatriots cannot specifically. It all depends on the purpose for which you take, what you expect from it, from what price range it is. Your driving style also greatly influences the choice. Best suspension the car is one with which you will feel confident on the road and comfortable in the cabin. For the transportation and delivery of goods, it is better to use a more durable suspension, that is, a torsion bar or even a spring one. For daily city driving in a small car or an economy class car, you can choose a MacPherson strut or single-link suspension. Business class, of course, got used to comfort, for them a multi-link independent suspension will be an excellent basis for a comfortable ride.

Make a choice only in the right direction, and, as they say, no nail, no rod!

A torsion beam refers to a type of suspension that uses a torsion bar as an elastic element. This metal bar is characterized by a circular cross-section, at the ends of which a splined connection. The torsion bar itself includes:

• set of plates;
• rods;
• beams of the established section.

The torsion bar design is attached at one end to the frame or car body, and at the other end to the lever. The rotation of the wheels contributes to the twisting of the torsion bar, due to this, an elastic bond is achieved between the body and the wheel. The peculiarity of the mechanism: it rotates only in one direction - in the direction of twisting. Another feature is that the torsion bar is used to adjust the height of the body. This type of suspension is used among independent suspensions:

• double wishbone;
• trailing arm;
• associated trailing arm.

Schematic torsion bar suspension arrangement

Torsion bar suspension with double wishbone torsion bars are located along the body. This factor provides that their length, respectively, and elastic properties are adjustable in a wide range. As mentioned earlier, the torsion bar structure is attached from one end to the body or frame of the car, and from the other to the lever. Some models of Japanese and american SUVs uses this mechanism as the front suspension of light vehicles with off-road vehicles.

In a torsion-type suspension, the trailing arms of the torsion bars are connected longitudinally, respectively, located across the body. This design looks like a rear suspension on some models of small cars.

Schematic structure of a torsion beam

A special place in the construction of this type of suspension is given to the torsion beam. As a guiding device, two trailing arms are used here, fastened together by a beam. The trailing arms are fastened to the body on one side and to the wheel hubs on the other. The beam is characterized by a U-shaped section. This factor gives the unit a greater degree of bending rigidity and less torsional rigidity. And thanks to this property, the wheels are able to move up and down independently from each other.

An approximate schematic composition includes:

1. rubber-metal hinge;
2. shock absorber;
3. cross beam (torsion bar);
4. coil spring;
5. wheel hub;
6. trailing arm

Longitudinal or transverse placement

The placement of the torsion bar parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle is characteristic of the front wheels of certain types of off-road vehicles and commercial models. Rear torsion bar suspensions are characteristic exclusively passenger carsdesigned for a small or lower segment of the middle class. In this case, they are characterized by a transverse arrangement relative to the body.

The peculiarities of each type of torsion suspension are reflected when it is necessary to resolve issues related to their maintenance in a technically sound condition. Take a rear torsion beam as an example. And we will look for an answer to the question regarding the restoration of car beams with our own hands.

Causes of malfunctions

• The most weak point beams are bearings. The service life of any type of bearing is governed by its wear. Needle-type bearings are no exception, because no one has canceled the factors that accelerate depreciation. This part of the beam system is not subject to shock loads. Therefore, the influence of jolts from high-speed driving, unlike hub bearings, is unusual for them. In most cases, they suffer from entrained dirt. Any sealant cannot be avoided from aging, and water will immediately flow through the smallest hole. As soon as moisture gets inside, you can say goodbye to the bearing. Extraneous sounds emanating from the beam on an uneven surface are signs of bearing failure. If you start repairing immediately, the car owner will get off with a simple replacement of worn parts. Ignoring this factor leads to a complete replacement of the shafts. After all, it was not in vain that the standard terms for replacing bearings were developed every 60 thousand km, even though no signs were observed. When the wheels of the vehicle fit into the shape of a house, it will hardly be possible to get out of the situation solely by replacing the bearings.
• Shock absorbers and springs. These problems are not very common in practice.
• Torsion bar as a source of malfunctions. Depending on the model, there may be two, three or four of them. The reason for the wear of each option is damage to the splines, with the help of which the torsion bars are connected to the pipe and levers, or the break of the rod. The fatigue strength of the torsion bars is high, but not unlimited. The torsion bars settle in the same way as the springs settle, thereby reducing the rear clearance of the car. The features of the torsion bar suspension allow, by reinstalling the torsion bars, not only to return the original position of the body, but also to increase the ground clearance, if necessary. However, fatigue stress gradually builds up in the rod, and corrosion reduces the torsion section, which ultimately leads to breakage. There is nothing more to break in the torsion beams.

Self-replacement problems

If it is necessary to dismantle the beam, it is unrealistic to cope with this work on its own. The part is characterized by significant weight and dimensions. Pressing out the old shafts and further installation in their original place requires heating and associated hot work. Shafts cannot be dismantled otherwise without the help of a special press. It requires quality preparation seats... And without solid experience, it is extremely difficult to correctly set the torsion bars and ground clearance.

Role of additional elements

Shock struts in a torsion-type system are very important. Thanks to their device, vibrations of the body, suspension elements and attachments... The shock absorber in modern production is presented in two types: one-pipe and two-pipe. The characteristics of each type of shock absorber depend on their design. Automotive shock absorbers depending on working fluid are divided into gas, oil and gas-oil. The shock absorber strut support is a device with which the shock absorber itself is attached to the top of the car body.

Modern analogues

The torsion beam has now become popular as a rear suspension in front-wheel drive cars belonging to the small and middle class. Due to the design, the suspension and shock absorber with a torsion beam occupy an intermediate position between the dependent and independent types of suspensions, it is this factor that determines its second name - semi-independent suspension.

Tanks are the most famous carriers of torsion suspensions among vehicles.

The rear beams and shock absorber of French cars sometimes characterize that - tank - meaning their reliability. They are really reliable, however, they can be reproached with the difficulties of repair and its high cost in comparison with beams, where elastic elements are springs.

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