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MULTI-LINK REAR SUSPENSION CONSTRUCTION

BHE021401016T03

## Optimized Link and Shock Absorber Layout

Compliance toe control

• The suspension system layout is such that the center axis line of the shock absorber intersects to the outside and rear of the virtual kingpin axis. This layout ensures that the toe-in moment is constantly produced around the virtual kingpin axis of the rear wheels. Due to this, the rear wheels constantly and securely provide a high level of gripping power.

1 | Center axis of shock absorber
2 | Toe-in moment
3 | Virtual kingpin axis
4 | Intersects to rear of virtual kingpin axis

Compliance camber control

• Initial load in the negative camber direction is applied to the rear lateral links (upper/lower). Because of this, the bushings anchoring the rear lateral links (upper/lower) to the rear crossmember are constantly pressed toward the rear lateral links. As a result, the central, non-sensitive region of the bushing is not used, thereby minimizing delayed steering response and suppressing parasitic (unnecessary) wheel movement in response to external disturbances.

1 | Coil spring reaction force
2 | Offset moment length
3 | Negative camber moment
4 | Vertical load
5 | Initial load to lateral links

Elongated links

• Elongated upper and lower rear lateral links have been adopted. They reduce torsion applied to the bushings on the rear crossmember side during jounce and rebound of the rear wheels, providing smooth link behavior.

## Improved Roadholding

• The damper lever ratio has been set at approx. 1 to improve the efficiency of shock absorber operation.

  – Damper lever ratio:
  shock absorber stroke (B)/wheel vertical stroke (A)

1 | Wheel vertical stroke
2 | Shock absorber stroke

  – A layout with the damper lever ratio close to 1 makes it possible to provide a damping force even during minute strokes. As result, excellent roadholding is exhibited in a variety of driving conditions.