Torsion/Anti-roll bar (Front suspension)

Torsion/Anti-roll bar

The anti-roll bars fitted differ between ACE and non-ACE vehicles. On non-ACE vehicles a conventional 'passive' antiroll bar is used. On ACE vehicles an 'active' torsion bar is used. Both types are attached to the front chassis cross member with mounting rubbers and clamp plates. The clamp plates locate in brackets on the cross member and are each secured with a bolt. Each end of the anti-roll bar is attached to an anti-roll bar link. Each link has a spherical bearing attached at each end. One end is attached to a bracket on the axle and secured with a locknut; a washer is installed between the spherical bearing and the bracket. The opposite end attaches through a hole in the anti-roll bar and is secured with a locknut. On 'active' torsion bars, the RH anti-roll bar link is attached to a long arm which in turn is attached to the torsion bar.

Passive anti-roll bar The passive anti-roll bar is a conventional anti-roll bar which opposes axle movement, reducing the effects of lateral forces on the vehicle body.

With the conventional 'passive' anti-roll bar, axle movement is opposed by the anti-roll bar through links attached to the axle casing and each end of the anti-roll bar. The anti-roll bar is manufactured from 30 mm (1.18 in) diameter spring steel bar.

Active torsion bar

FRONT SUSPENSION, DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION, Description - ACE.

The 'active' torsion bar is used in conjunction with the ACE system to control body roll and directional stability giving an improved reduction of the effects of lateral forces on the vehicle body over a conventional anti-roll bar.

The torsion bar opposes axle movement by the application of a hydraulic force to oppose the lateral forces through links attached to the axle casing and each end of the bar. The torsion bar is made from 35 mm (1.4 in) diameter spring steel bar. One end is fitted with an arm which is operated by a hydraulic actuator to oppose cornering forces.