Discovery II
REAR SUSPENSION
64-6
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
Description
General
The rear suspension comprises two dampers, two radius arms, a Watts linkage and an anti-roll bar assembly. On
vehicles without Self Levelling Suspension (SLS) coil springs are used. On vehicles with SLS air springs are used.
The anti-roll bar is an essential part of the rear suspension. On vehicles without ACE, a conventional 'passive' anti-
roll bar is fitted. On vehicles fitted with the ACE system, a thicker diameter anti-roll bar, known as a torsion bar, is used
with an actuator at one end.
FRONT SUSPENSION, DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION, Description - ACE.
The hydraulic dampers and springs provide springing for each rear wheel. The long travel dampers, springs and
radius arms provide maximum axle articulation and wheel travel for off-road driving. The rear axle is controlled
longitudinally by two forged steel radius arms and transversely by a Watts linkage.
Radius arms
Each radius arm is manufactured from forged steel. Two bushes are pressed into the rear of the radius arm. The rear
of the radius arm is located between a fabricated bracket on the axle and secured through the bushes with two bolts
and nuts. A bush is pressed into the forward end of the radius arm which is located in a fabricated bracket on each
chassis longitudinal and secured through the bush with a bolt and nut. Each radius arm is similar in its construction
to the front radius arms. The rear radius arms are shorter than the front and have a lug for attachment of the SLS
height sensor (when fitted).
The radius arms prevent longitudinal movement of the rear axle and because of their length allow maximum axle
articulation. The stiffness of the bushes in each radius arm also contributes to the vehicle roll stiffness.
Each radius arm has a notch on its lower edge which provides location for the vehicle jack.
Dampers
Two conventional telescopic dampers are used to control body/axle movement. The upper damper mounting is fitted
with a bush which locates in a bracket on the chassis longitudinal. The damper is secured with a bolt which screws
into a captive nut on the bracket. The lower damper mounting is also fitted with a bush and locates in a fabricated
bracket attached to the rear axle. The lower mounting is secured with a bolt which screws into a captive nut on the
bracket. The upper and lower bushes are replaceable items.
Air springs (vehicles with SLS)
On vehicles with SLS fitted, air springs are fitted between the rear axle and the chassis. Each spring is located at its
base on a fabricated platform on the rear axle. The top of the spring locates in a fabricated bracket attached to the
outside of each chassis longitudinal.
The plastic base of the air spring has two lugs which locate in a slotted hole in the rear axle platform. The spring is
secured by rotating the spring through 90
°
, locating the lug in the platform. The plastic top of the air spring has two
grooved pins which locate in holes in the bracket on the chassis. Two spring clips locate on the grooved pins and
retain the top of the spring in position.
Each air spring comprises a top plate assembly, an air bag and a base piston. The air bag is attached to the top plate
and the piston with a crimped ring. The air bag is made from a flexible rubber material which allows the bag to expand
with air pressure and deform under load. The top plate assembly comprises the plastic top plate with two bonded
grooved pins on its top face. In the centre of the top face is a female connector which allows for the attachment of the
air hose from the SLS compressor. The piston is made from plastic and is shaped to allow the air bag to roll over its
outer diameter. The base of the piston is recessed with a boss moulded in the centre. The boss has two lugs which
provide attachment to the axle platform.
Coil springs (vehicles without SLS)
On vehicles without SLS fitted, coil springs are fitted between the rear axle and the chassis in place of the SLS air
springs. Each spring is located at its base by the lower spring seat which is secured to a fabricated platform on the
rear axle with two bolts. The top of each spring is located in the upper spring seat. The upper spring seat comprises
a pressed metal plate with an outer coating of natural rubber bonded to the plate. The upper spring seat is retained
in position by the compression of the spring.
