Lower Suspension Arms (Front suspension)

Lower Suspension Arms

The lower suspension arms are fabricated from steel and each arm is handed. The arms are attached at two pivot points. The forward end of the arm contains a bush and is attached to lugs on the front subframe with a bolt. A spigot on the rear mounting of the arm engages with a bush and housing assembly and is retained with a snubber washer and a nut. A ball joint is located on the outer part of the arm and is connected to the swivel hub and secured with a nut.

The two pivot bushes have a significant role in vehicle handling. The bushes control the longitudinal movement of the wheel due to braking, acceleration or surface undulations.

Front bush

The front bush is located at a specified angle to the axis of rotation of the lower suspension arm. The front bush is deflected radially and axially as the wheel moves rearwards. The angle of the bush ensures that the wheel moves directly rearward reducing the effects of longitudinal steer to a minimum.

Rear Bush

The rear bush is mounted on the axis of rotation of the lower suspension arm. In the radial direction the bush is relatively soft in its construction. In the axial direction, the bush is very soft for the first 2 mm of movement. Snubbing areas to the front and rear of the bush provides a progressive increase in the hardness of the bush as the deflection of the wheel increases. The rear bush controls the amount that the wheel can move forward or rearward.