Freelander Rear Suspension: Trapezoidal Links Overview
REAR SUSPENSION
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
64-5
Trapezoidal Links
Three links make up the trapezoidal linkage. The fixed transverse link is fabricated and is not adjustable. The
adjustable transverse link comprises a tube, threaded at each end. A threaded fitting is screwed into each end of the
tube and locked with lock nuts to a prescribed distance between centres. Each fitting has a pressed bush installed.
The trailing link is fabricated and is not adjustable.
The fixed transverse link is bushed at each end and is located in the forward mounting of the rear subframe and the
forward attachment on the hub. The adjustable transverse link is also bushed at each end and is located in the
rearward mounting of the rear subframe and the rearward attachment on the hub. The fixed transverse link and the
adjustable transverse link are attached to the rear subframe with individual bolts and nuts and are attached to the hub
with a single bolt and nut with a washer at each end.
The trailing link is bushed at one end. The bushed end is located in a separate bracket which is bolted to the body.
The link is secured with a bolt which screws through the bracket into a captive nut in the body rail. The opposite end
is forked and locates over a bushed lug on the hub and secured with a bolt and nut.
The fixed transverse links, the adjustable transverse links and the trailing link have a significant role in the vehicle
handling. The bushes in each link control the longitudinal movement of the wheel due to braking, acceleration or
surface undulations.
The adjustable transverse link allows for the toe-in of the wheel to be adjusted if necessary. The fixed transverse link
is slightly shorter than the adjustable link which promotes a small amount of toe-in during cornering. This also
minimizes the effects of bump steer. The bush attaching the fixed transverse link to the rear subframe has a very soft
initial movement rate which becomes progressively harder as the rate of deflection increases. The three remaining
bushes in the fixed transverse and the adjustable transvserse links are of hard construction which give precise
handling and minimizes transient steer effects. The soft bush allows for small amounts of toe-in during cornering.
