Front Suspension
FRONT SUSPENSIONDescription
The front suspension design on the New Range Rover allows maximum wheel travel and axle articulation, providing good ground clearance without loss of traction or directional stability.
Near constant ride frequency under all load conditions is achieved by utilizing advancements in suspension geometry complemented to control and operation of the air suspension system.
Long front radius arms (1) are fitted to the front axle (7) and provide maximum axle articulation which is vital for off road performance. The radius arm, comprising a forged steel link with twin front mountings using ferrule rubber bushes, is secured to fabricated mounting brackets welded to the front axle. Flexible rubber bushes are used on a stem end joint to secure the rear of the radius arm to a mounting on the chassis cross member as shown in diagram. The vehicle height sensors are also linked to the front radius arms.
A panhard rod (2), which ensures that the axle remains centrally located, is fitted transversely and also uses ferrule rubber bush mountings at both axle and chassis locations. An anti-roll bar (5) is fitted to the front axle to control body roll and directional stability. Two rubber bearing bushes, with retaining straps, secure the anti-roll bar to the front axle, while ball jointed links, suspended from the chassis, support the rear of the anti-roll bar.
Conventional telescopic shock absorbers (3), used to control body movement, are secured to fabricated towers which are welded to the chassis. The upper fixing uses a single retaining bolt passing through a flexible rubber bush. The lower fixing of the shock absorber comprises of a stem type mounting with two flexible rubber bushes and support washers secured to an axle mounting by a single retaining nut. Cellular foam bump stops (4) are fitted under the chassis adjacent to the air springs (6) and prevent possible damage that could occur should there be excessive axle to chassis movement. Should there be a loss of air pressure in the air springs the vehicle can still be driven safely at a speed not exceeding 35 mph (56kph) with the bump stops resting on the axle, although this will result in a hard ride. The loss of air pressure should be investigated as soon as possible. The bump stops are 'progressive' and will reform from a compressed state when the load is released.