5 Types of Suspension Springs Used In Automobile Vehicles

In this article, you’ll learn what is a suspension spring. Its working, advantages, disadvantages, uses and types of suspension springs all are explained with images.

Also, you can download the PDF file at the end of this article.

Basics of Suspension System

The purpose of suspension systems is to improve and cushion the vehicle’s stability. They reduce vibrations and improve tire contact with the road by smoothing the impact of potholes, bumps, and uneven road surfaces.

As a component of the suspension system, suspension springs are essential in absorbing and distributing the vehicle’s weight equally, enabling the best possible handling and comfort.

What is a Suspension Spring?

Suspension springs are made especially to hold up the weight of the car and offer a comfortable ride. As the car travels, these springs compress and extend to absorb impact and stop the car from bouncing or swaying too much.

They are usually found between the suspension parts of the car, like the axle or control arms, and the frame of the vehicle. It is essential to choose suspension springs based on the vehicle type and specific needs to achieve optimal performance and comfort.

Read also: Different Types of Suspension Systems and Their Applications

Types of Suspension Springs

Following are the five different types of Suspension springs:

#1 Leaf Spring

Leaf spring consists of some leaves, made of steel plates, of increasing lengths from the center. All the leaves are clamped by a center bolt at the center and side almost at the sides so that the leaves are in position.

The main leaf is the longer one that has bent ends and is called the spring eyes. The spring eye is connected to the frame by a shackle. The center portion of the spring is connected to the front axle by a U-bolt.

Types of Leaf Springs

Following are the different types of leaf springs.

1. Semi-elliptical spring
2. Quarter-elliptical spring
3. Three-quarter elliptical spring
4. Transverse spring
5. Full elliptical spring
6. Platform type spring

Read also: Types of Axles: Rear Axles, Front Axle and Stub Axle

1.1 Semi-elliptical Springs

Semi-elliptical springs are usually used in all the vehicles. Particularly in trucks, semi-elliptical springs are fitted in front and rear axles.

But in cars, they are fitted on the rear axle only and the independent suspension is fitted on the front axle. Semi-elliptical springs are cheaper and require less repairing. They increase the range of spring action and last for a long time.

1.2 Quarter-elliptical Spring

Quarter-elliptical springs were used in old small cars, like Chrysler cars. This type of spring consists of only a quarter portion of the full elliptical spring and is fitted with the frame by the bolt.

1.3 Three-quarter elliptical Spring

A three-quarter elliptical spring is a combination of semi-elliptical and quarter elliptical springs. This type of spring was used in old cars.

1.4 Transverse Spring

transverse spring just like the semi-elliptical spring but inverted in shape. One end of the spring is joined with a chassis frame by shackle, and the other end with the axle. It is also fixed with a frame by the bolts at the center.

1.5 Full-elliptical Spring

Full elliptical springs consist of two semi-elliptical springs joined together oppositely. This type of spring was used in old cars. They do not maintain correct axle alignment.

1.6 Platform Type Spring

Platform-type springs consist of two semi-elliptical springs. They are fitted with a chassis frame by shackle at one side and the other side is fitted with an inverted semi-elliptical spring. In this arrangement, the weight of the car is divided into three points.

Read also: What is a Steering System? And How Does It Work?

#2 Helper Spring

Helper spring is just like a semi-elliptical spring but without eyes at the ends. It is fitted with the main springs particularly on the rear axle of the truck to carry the heavy load. The ends of the helper spring touch the brackets fitted on the frame when the truck is heavily loaded.

#3 Coil Springs

Coil springs are made of spring steel. These are described with the independent suspension system.

While providing a wide variety of spring rates, they can be accommodated in all types of confined spaces. As compared to leaf springs they weigh only half the weight required for doing the same job.

They can also store twice the energy per unit volume in comparison to leaf springs but to control the accelerating, braking, and cornering, anti-roll bars or radius roads should be provided.

The pan-shaped brackets or spring seats attached to the rear axles are used to seat the coil spring. Spring seats incorporated into the frame are similarly used for compressing springs against them.

The suspension is also used in combination with a torque tube or torque rod drive. As regards energy storage i.e. energy stored in a given weight of spring, coil and torsion bar springs are superior to the leaf springs.

#4 Torsion Spring

A torsion spring is also used in an independent suspension system. Torsion suspension spring has a rod that acts under the torsion by taking shear stresses.

One end of the bar is connected to the frame and another end is connected to the wheel arm and supported in the bearing. The end of the wheel arm is connected to the wheel hub. When the wheel hits a bump, it starts vibrating up and down, thus a torque on the torsion bar starts acting as a spring.

#5 Air Springs

Air springs, or airbags, employ compressed air to support the vehicle’s weight. They offer a comfortable and adaptable ride that may be customized according to load capacity and preferred level of comfort.

Since they provide excellent comfort and ride quality, air springs are frequently seen in premium cars and recreational vehicles. Compared to other suspension springs, they could cost more to install and maintain.

#6 Rubber Springs

Rubber springs are used in suspension because they save greater energy per unit of weight than steel.

So rubber springs are more compact than other springs. The main advantage of using a rubber spring is that it does not suddenly fail like steel so there is less risk. It also has excellent vibration-damping properties.

Considerations for Selecting Suspension Springs

There are many factors to consider while choosing suspension springs. The first thing to consider when choosing the right suspension springs for a vehicle is its type and intended use. Vehicles differ in terms of weight distribution and handling demands.

For instance, to handle larger loads, a heavy-duty truck could need leaf springs, yet a sports car might handle better with torsion springs.

The second thing to think about is the comfort and ride quality that you want. While some suspension springs provide a more pleasant ride with smoother damping qualities, others may offer a more firm ride with superior responsiveness and control.

Important considerations to take into account include load capacity and weight distribution, particularly for trucks that routinely transport large cargo. Suspension springs should be chosen for a vehicle’s best performance and stability based on their ability to carry loads.

Finally, it is important to think about the cost and maintenance factors. The initial cost and maintenance needs over time may differ amongst different suspension springs.

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Conclusion

Understanding the four types of suspension springs is crucial to optimizing vehicle performance. Coil springs, leaf springs, torsion springs, and air springs all have advantages and limitations, making them appropriate for a variety of vehicle types and applications.

That’s it, Thanks for reading. If you have questions or doubts about the “types of suspension springs” ask in the comments. If you like this article please share it with your friends.

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