Freelander System Description and Operation
REAR SUSPENSION
64-4
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
Description
General
The rear suspension comprises two MacPherson strut dampers with coil springs and two sets of three links (known
as "trapezoidal links"). A rear subframe is bolted to the body and provides the mounting points for the fixed and
adjustable links. The third link is known as the trailing link and is attached from the hub carrier to the body.
The suspension is designed to allow longitudinal movement of the wheel, which allows the wheel to move rearwards
and upwards in response to surface undulations. The longitudinal movement allows the springs and dampers time to
react to surface changes and improves ride quality.
MacPherson Struts
The left and right hand dampers are handed but otherwise similar in construction. The rear dampers are similar to the
front dampers but have slightly different damping characteristics.
The damper body is fabricated from thick walled tubing and has welded brackets for attachment of the hub carrier.
Two smaller welded brackets provide for the attachment of the brake hose to the brake pipe and the ABS sensor
cable.
Each damper is fitted with a coil spring. The coil spring locates in a fabricated seat and is retained in a compressed
condition on the damper by a top mount and nut. The top mount is fitted with three studs which locate in mating holes
in the inner wing turret and retained with three self locking nuts. A bump plate is fitted which accommodates a spring
aid. The bump plate is sealed against the inner wing turret to prevent the ingress of moisture into the interior load
space.
The spring rates differ between the front and rear suspension.
On 'Sport' derivatives (2004 MY), the suspension is 30mm lower and the springs and dampers are 30% stiffer than
standard models.
The following spring data table shows the colour codes, spring free length and the number of coils applicable to each
model:
A spring aid and a bump cup are fitted to the damper to prevent shock loads when the damper is fully compressed.
A dust cover prevents the ingress of dirt and water to maintain the integrity of the chromium plated damper rod.
The damper functions by restricting the flow of a hydraulic fluid through internal galleries within the damper. A
chromium plated damper rod moves laterally within the damper. As the rod moves, its movement is limited by the flow
of fluid through the galleries thus providing damping of undulations in the terrain. The damper rod is sealed at its exit
point from the damper body to maintain fluid within the unit and to prevent the ingress of dirt and moisture. The seal
also acts as a wiper to keep the rod outer diameter clean.
Rear Suspension
Model
Spring colour
code
Spring Free Length
Total No. of
Coils
All models except those
with sport suspension
WHITE/BLUE
349.86mm (13.774in)
6.4
All models with sport
suspension (2004MY)
ORANGE/
ORANGE
311mm (12.24in)
6.8