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Automotive vocabulary · Brakes, Suspension, Steering and Tires

Suspension

Meaning in automotive, with examples

/səˈspɛnʃən/nounCore term

In automotive, suspension means: The system of springs, shock absorbers and linkages that connects the wheels to the body. It absorbs bumps and keeps the tires in contact with the road.

In Turkish: süspansiyon, askı sistemi

How it is used

Engineers talk about suspension design, setup and geometry; technicians inspect suspension components for wear and knocking noises. Common types are MacPherson strut, double wishbone and multi-link.

Example sentences

  1. There's a knocking noise from the front suspension when the car goes over speed bumps.

  2. The sports version has a stiffer suspension and a lower ride height.

Common collocations

  • front suspension
  • rear suspension
  • suspension geometry
  • stiff suspension
  • independent suspension
  • shock absorberA hydraulic part of the suspension that controls how fast the springs compress and rebound, so the car does not keep bouncing after a bump.
  • wheel alignmentThe adjustment of the wheel angles (toe, camber and caster) to the manufacturer's values, so the car drives straight and the tires wear evenly.
  • chassisThe base frame of a vehicle together with the systems mounted on it, such as suspension, steering and brakes. In engineering it often means everything under the body that makes the car ride and handle.
  • steeringThe system that lets the driver turn the front wheels to change direction, from the steering wheel through the column and the rack to the wheels.

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

More terms: Brakes, Suspension, Steering and Tires

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