Front Suspension

The front suspension consists of two strut and spring assemblies and a subframe, attached to which are the lower arms and the stabilizer bar.

The lower arm is of a pressed steel, fabricated construction, which is attached to the subframe by bolts through horizontal and vertical bushings. The lower arm also carries a ball joint that attaches the lower arm to the wheel knuckle. Each wheel knuckle mounts the halfshaft in a double groove ball bearing, which is secured on both sides by a snap ring.

The wheel knuckle also mounts to the strut and tie-rod end.

The stabilizer bar consists of a transverse bar with two ball jointed link bars.




Strut and Spring Assembly

The strut and spring assembly is supported from its upper mounting by a rubber insulator fitted to the strut top mount. A coil spring is located between two seats on the strut. A plastic shield is fitted around the piston to prevent dirt and water ingress. A rubber bump stop is also fitted to protect the strut at its fully compressed condition.

As the road wheel rises, the movement is transmitted to the wheel knuckle, then through the ball joints to the lower arms and the strut and spring assembly. The spring absorbs the shock and the damper damps any unwanted spring frequencies, which could lead to an unstable vehicle.

A stabilizer bar is mounted via clamps and bushes to the front subframe and is connected via link bars to each of the strut and spring assemblies.

When cornering, weight is naturally transferred to the outer wheel and there is a natural tendency for the inner wheel to lift. The stabilizer bar helps to minimize this by transferring some of the apparent rise of outer wheel to the inner wheel through the link bars to the strut and spring assemblies. This helps to provide a smoother ride.