4.

Automobile Chassis Components and Drive System

5. Classification of Chassis

A vehicle’s frame and a chassis are both essential vehicle components. They are part

of the vehicle’s body structure and keep it in form either when stationary or moving.

However, most people cannot tell the difference between the two.

Many a time, it won’t be weird finding someone who wrecked their care asking for a

chassis yet they are looking for a frame. At the same time, most people will be heard

interchanging them and referring to a chassis as a frame. So, if you have no idea what

is what among the two, this post seeks to discuss the two components and give out their

differences.

What is a Frame?

A vehicle frame is the key part of that car. It is also a part of the chassis. All of the

other motor vehicle components are attached to the frame in one way or the other.

The chassis and the frame are also fastened together.

Almost every vehicle type including small cars, medium, and even buses have a frame.

However, sometimes back some of the vehicles got switched in the way they are

created and fitted with a unibody design. This sought to decrease the amount of the

different parts needed to make the frame and chassis.

Functions of a Frame

A vehicle frame is fitted to serve the same functions as an organism’s skeleton. It serves

among other services the following:

• Supporting the vehicle’s body and mechanical components.

• Dealing with dynamic and static loads without undue distortion or deflection.
• Supporting the weight of the vehicle passengers, cargo loads, and the weight of the
vehicle’s body.
• A frame also deals with the torsional and vertical twisting that is transmitted when the
vehicle goes over uneven surfaces.
• Transversing lateral forces that are caused by road conditions, steering of the vehicle,
and side wind.
• Dealing with the torque from the engine and transmission.
• Dealing with sudden impacts from collisions and longitudinal tensile forces that are
caused by starting, acceleration, and compression from braking.

Types of Vehicle Frames

The types of frames available depend on the construction. They include:

• Perimeter frame
• Ladder type frame.
• Off set frame
• X-type frame.
• Off set with cross member frame.

What is a Chassis?

A chassis is a part of all vehicles. When it accommodates all the other components of

the vehicle including the gearbox, exhaust pipe, brakes, tires, engine, steering, and

axles, it then becomes a chassis. It is regarded as the backbone of a vehicle as it

supports all the other parts and components of the vehicle.

Functions of a Vehicle Chassis

A vehicle chassis is used to support different components including the:

• Steering system
• Fuel tank
• Radiator
• Engine
• Suspension system
• Brakes
• Wheels
• Fuel tank
• Brakes
• Transmission system which includes the gearbox, propeller shaft, clutch, and the rear
axle.

Types of Vehicle Chassis

The different types of car chassis are:

• The ladder
• Monocoque
• Backbone
• Space or tubular chassis.
• Combined chassis

Differences Between Frame and Chassis

The key differences between the two components are as listed below:

1. Meaning of Frame and Chassis

A chassis is the skeletal framework of a vehicle on which most of the mechanical parts

like tires, axle assemblies, steering, brakes, and the engine are fastened. It is the most

significant part of any vehicle as it is the source of strength and stability for the car

under any conditions.

A vehicle frame, on the other hand, is the main structure of the chassis. All the other

components, including the chassis, are fastened to the frame.

2. Design of Frame Vs. Chassis

A chassis is designed as the minimum requirement for any vehicle to move while a frame

is basically the vehicle’s body as everything else is fitted on it.

Frame Vs. Chassis: Comparison Table

5 Signs Your Chassis Needs Repairing
Each part of your car is equally important as each other but there is one part that is
probably the most crucial to the overall functioning and performance of the vehicle,
the chassis. This is the frame that is positioned at the bottom of a vehicle and lends
support to several parts present on the car's under-surface.

With time and obvious wear and tear, it is quite possible that the chassis might get
damaged; recognising this is important, but not a very easy task. Here are 5 signs that
could indicate your chassis needs repairing.

Increased Fuel Consumption

It is a good practice to keep track of your fuel consumption on a weekly or a monthly

basis. Not only does this help you keep track of your expenses for a specific period, it
also keeps you informed about how well your car is performing. If you notice your car
consuming more fuel than normal, have it checked up by an auto mechanic. This is
because the chassis might have got damaged; there could be some other reasons as well
for the poor fuel-efficiency of the vehicle.

Unfamiliar Noise

Should you happen to notice an unfamiliar noise when the car is in its motion, it could
indicate different things – exhaust pipe expansion or a separation of the substrate of
the catalytic converter from the base. However, abnormal sounds also result when
there is clunking of the chassis; and if left unattended, this can put a lot of pressure on
the chassis and cause it to damage further to a state beyond repair.

Poor Handling

When a car has been a victim of poor handling, it does not respond very well to a
steering manoeuvre – and you need to keep moving the steering wheel to ensure your
car moves along a straight line. The way the weight of the car is distributed (rear-heavy
or front-heavy) is an important factor that affects the handling of the vehicle however,
this may also be a symptom of problems with the chassis. If you find the car twists with
very little force, it could indicate that the chassis is weak and, unless you have this
corrected, it can get terribly bent.

Improper Steering

The steering is connected to the chassis, and any manoeuvre you perform with the
steering results in a movement of the chassis. If you notice problems with your steering,
it could indicate something is not quite right with the parts located in or around the
chassis. Having this checked is necessary to identify if there are chassis problems.
Rapid Wearing Out of Tyres

The tyres and wheels are connected to the vehicle's frame through the chassis and
suspension system. When all these components function correctly, the car travels in a
smooth way and tyres do not wear out too much. However, if there is a problem with
the car's chassis, it could lead to problems with alignment of the tyres and in turn, this
can result in the tyres getting worn out much faster than expected. If you find this
happening to your car tyres, have the chassis also checked out by a mechanic.

Although it is the least visible part of the car, the chassis is what provides the basic
framework for its structure. Exposure to tough road conditions can cause damage of
the chassis and unless you identify this early, you may need to replace the chassis –
an expensive and avoidable step. Watch out for these signs of a damaged chassis, so
that you do not end up repenting later.

If you spot any of these issues and think that your car’s chassis needs repairing, then
we here at SGH Bodyworks can help. Specialising in body repairs and mechanical
repairs, with Mazda, Saab and Lotus vehicles as well as many other models, we can get
your car looking its best in no time.

Source:

1. Difference Between Frame and Chassis | Difference

Between http://www.differencebetween.net/miscellaneous/difference-

between-frame-and-chassis/#ixzz76cNbyqsQ

2. https://www.sghbodyworks.co.uk/5-signs-your-chassis-needs-repairing/