SUSPENSION

AND
STEERING
SUBSYSTEM
 Steering Knuckle

The steering knuckle is a crucial component in a vehicle's

suspension system as it helps to connect the wheel hub to
the suspension system and transfer steering inputs from the
steering system to the wheel. It is also responsible for
maintaining stability and control during driving, which
makes it essential to use high-quality materials to ensure
durability and safety.

Steering knuckles, also known as steering spindles or uprights, are

components of a vehicle's suspension system that connect the wheel hub
to the suspension system. They are usually made of high-strength steel
or aluminum and are designed to support the weight of the vehicle and
transfer steering inputs from the steering system to the wheel.
Materials Used for Steering Knuckles:
The choice of material for steering knuckles is critical to ensure its strength and durability. The following are some of the materials
commonly used for steering knuckles:

1. Cast Iron:
Cast iron is a widely used material for steering knuckles due to its high strength and low cost. It is also easy to cast into complex shapes,
which makes it ideal for producing complex steering knuckle designs. However, cast iron steering knuckles are relatively heavy, which
can negatively impact fuel economy and performance.

2. Steel:
Steel is another popular material used for steering knuckles due to its high strength and stiffness. It is also relatively lightweight and
durable, making it an excellent choice for high-performance vehicles. However, steel steering knuckles can be expensive to produce,
and the manufacturing process can be complex.

3. Aluminum:
Aluminum is a lightweight material that is often used for steering knuckles in high-performance vehicles. It offers excellent strength and
stiffness while also being corrosion-resistant, which makes it ideal for use in harsh environments. However, aluminum steering knuckles
can be expensive to produce, and the manufacturing process can be complex.
4. Composite Materials:
Composite materials, such as carbon fiber, are also used for steering knuckles in high-performance vehicles. These materials offer high
strength and stiffness while also being lightweight. However, composite materials can be expensive to produce, and the manufacturing
process can be complex.

Types Of Steering Wheels

1. Standard steering wheel:

This is the most common type of steering wheel found in cars. It features a circular shape with a diameter ranging
from 14 to 17 inches and is typically made of plastic, leather, or a combination of both.

2. Sports steering wheel:

This type of steering wheel is designed for high-performance vehicles and features a smaller diameter than the
standard wheel. It also has a thicker grip and may include additional features like paddle shifters and thumb rests.

3. Heated steering wheel:

This type of steering wheel includes a heating element that warms the wheel in cold weather, making it more
comfortable to hold.

4. Flat-bottom steering wheel:

This type of steering wheel is similar to a sports steering wheel but has a flat bottom instead of a circular shape. It is
designed to provide more legroom for the driver and a sportier appearance.
5. Multifunction steering wheel:
This type of steering wheel includes additional buttons and controls for features like audio, phone, and
cruise control, allowing the driver to keep their hands on the wheel while operating these functions.

6. Ergonomic steering wheel:

This type of steering wheel is designed to reduce fatigue and discomfort during long drives by providing a
more comfortable and natural grip. It may include features like a contoured shape or additional padding.

Anti-dive
Anti-dive geometry refers to the design of a suspension system that resists the tendency of a motorcycle or other
vehicle to "dive" under braking. When a rider applies the brakes, the weight of the vehicle shifts forward, causing the
front suspension to compress. In some cases, this can cause the front end of the vehicle to dip downward, reducing
the stability and control of the vehicle.

Anti-dive geometry is achieved through various design features such as:

1. Changing the angle of the front fork to reduce the amount of dive under braking.

2. Increasing the stiffness of the front suspension to resist compression.

3. Adding a mechanical or hydraulic system that resists the compression of the front suspension under braking.

Anti-dive geometry is particularly important for high-performance motorcycles and other vehicles that require precise
control and handling at high speeds. By reducing the amount of dive under braking, anti-dive geometry can improve the
stability and control of the vehicle, allowing the rider to brake later and more effectively without sacrificing handling or
safety.

Anti-lift geometry

Anti-lift geometry (ALG) is a design feature used in

automotive suspension systems to minimize the lifting of
the front suspension under acceleration.

During acceleration, weight is transferred from the rear of

the car to the front, causing the front suspension to compress
and the rear suspension to extend. This can result in the
front wheels losing traction and causing the car to
understeer.
ALG is designed to counteract this effect by using geometry to prevent the front suspension from compressing too much.
This is typically achieved by positioning the upper control arm and steering axis at an angle that creates a moment arm
that resists the lifting force.

ALG is particularly important in high-performance cars where the engine produces a lot of power and the weight transfer
is more significant. It can improve the car's stability and handling, allowing the driver to maintain control during hard
acceleration.

Functioning Of Fox Suspension

In 1974, Bob Fox ran a small business distributing suspension components for motocross
bikes with his brother Geoff. Founded in California in 1977 (46 years ago).
Fox suspension is a type of mountain bike suspension system designed to absorb shock and
improve the bike's handling in rough terrain. The Fox suspension system consists of several
components, including the fork, rear shock, and associated hardware.
 The Fox fork is the front suspension system that connects the front
wheel to the bike's frame. It consists of two stanchions that slide up
and down inside the fork legs, with a spring and damping system
inside. When the wheel hits a bump, the spring compresses, and the
damping system slows down the rebound, reducing the amount of
energy transferred to the rider.

The rear shock is mounted to the bike's frame and provides suspension
for the rear wheel. It also has a spring and damping system, similar to
the fork, that helps absorb shock and improve the bike's handling. The
rear shock is often adjustable, allowing riders to tailor the suspension
to their specific riding style and terrain.

Fox suspension systems also typically include various hardware, such as bushings and mounting bolts, that help
connect the suspension components to the bike's frame.
Overall, the Fox suspension system is designed to provide a smooth and controlled ride over rough terrain, allowing
riders to maintain better control of their bike and ride more confidently. It's a popular choice among mountain
bikers and is known for its durability, performance, and adjustability.

Which type of suspension system is used in your car or bike? Explain its functioning. Suggest
any modification that you wish to implement.

In my bike the suspension system used is coil spring and hydraulic damper setup.

Coil spring allows a motorcycle wheel to move independently from its chassis. Hydraulic damper setup
controls and manages the movement of the spring. The primary function of motorcycle suspension is to isolate the
chassis and rider from road imperfection. With a proper suspension system, the vibration effect due to potholes,
bumps, cornering and acceleration or deceleration force can be minimized. In contrast, tires would lose traction
when a motorcycle runs into road imperfections. In addition, the suspension system also provides a comfortable
riding experience for the rider and passenger. It can reduce road-induced vibration and shock.
Springs allow a motorcycle wheel to move independently from the
chassis, and dampers control and manage movement of the spring. A
motorcycle riding only on springs would bounce continuously and
dangerously after every road impact.
Springs are coiled steel wire that compress or stretch when acted upon
by an external force. Spring rate is the measurement of force required to
compress it a certain distance, which is typically measured in pounds per
inch. Spring rate varies with material thickness and number of coils.
Heavier duty springs will have relatively thicker coils spaced further
apart from one another.

In its most basic sense, a damper slows and controls spring action. Dampers control
spring action using hydraulic fluid, which travels through a series of passages and
restrictions.
A piston with a precisely measured passage (orifice) travels within the shock body in a
bath of hydraulic fluid. The weight of the fluid and the size of the passage determines
the piston’s travel speed. When a motorcycle encounters a bump, dampers slow spring
compression and rebound as the fluid slowly travels through the passages within the
shock body.