Steering and Suspension flashcards

$\text{ratio}=\frac{\text{steering-wheel angle}}{\text{road-wheel angle}}$. At 15:1, turning the wheel 450° gives about $450÷15=30$°. A lower ratio (12:1) is quicker but needs more effort.

$F=kx$ and $E=\frac{1}{2}k{x}^2$; k is spring rate in N/m, x is compression in m, F in N, E in J. Convert mm to m first: 40,000 N/m times 0.018 m = 720 N. Doubling x stores 4 times the energy.

Springs support the weight and set ride height. The damper only controls how fast the spring compresses and rebounds, turning motion into heat via oil forced through valves. Repeated bouncing at normal ride height points to worn dampers.

Toe from above (front edges in = toe-in, apart = toe-out). Camber from the front (top leaning out = positive, in = negative). Caster from the side (top of steering axis tilted rearward = positive).

Positive caster helps wheels return to center and steadies straight-line travel, but too much makes steering heavy. Excess toe gives feathered wear; excess camber wears one shoulder of the tread.

No. Balancing adds small rim weights to correct uneven mass so the wheel spins smoothly; a shake in one speed band suggests imbalance. Alignment sets toe, camber and caster, affecting pull, tracking and tire wear.

A spring-steel bar linking left and right suspension. It twists when one side compresses more than the other, as in a turn, reducing body roll. It does little when both wheels rise together. End links attach it to each side.

Power steering only reduces driver effort; the car still steers mechanically, though harder, if assist fails. The sidewall number is the tire's maximum pressure; set cold pressure from the door-jamb placard or owner's manual.