L322 Range Rover System Description and Operation
SUSPENSION
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
60-9
Anti-Roll Bar and Links
The anti-roll bar is fabricated from 23 mm diameter, solid spring steel. The anti-roll bar operates, via a pair of links,
from a bracket on the upper face of each lower arm.
The anti-roll bar is attached to the rear of the subframe with two bushes which are bonded to the bar and cannot be
removed. Clamp plates are pressed onto the bushes and must not be removed. The anti-roll bar is secured to the
subframe with the clamp plates which are secured with bolts. The ends of the anti-roll bar are attached to the lower
arms via anti-roll bar links. This arrangement allows the anti-roll bar to act on a 1:1 ratio with the wheel travel providing
maximum effectiveness. A hardened steel washer is fitted between the ball joint and the lower wish bone bracket. The
hardened washer prevents the ball joint damaging the bracket which could lead to loosening of the torque nut. When
the link is removed it is important to ensure that the correct hardened washer is replaced in the correct position.
Each anti-roll bar link has a ball joint fitting at each end which improves response and efficiency. The top ball joint is
mounted at 90
°
to the axis of the link and attaches to the anti-roll bar and is secured with a nut. The lower ball joint is
also mounted at 90
°
to the axis of the link. The ball joint attaches to the lower arm and is secured with a nut. The ball
joints on the anti-roll bar links are not serviceable and if replacement of either is necessary, a new anti-roll bar link will
be required.
Hub Assembly
The hub assembly comprises a wheel hub, drive flange and bearing. A seal and bearing are fitted in the wheel hub
and are secured with a circlip. The drive flange has wheel studs attached to it and locates on the splined drive shaft
and is secured with a stake nut.
The cast wheel hub has a vertical boss with a cross hole. A ball joint is pressed in the hole and provides the attachment
point for the upper wishbone. The upper wishbone is secured to the wheel hub with a bolt and nut. An additional boss
with two cross holes provide location for the brake calliper.
A second vertical boss with a cross hole at the bottom of the wheel hub provides for the attachment of the lower
wishbone. A ball joint is pressed in the hole and the lower wishbone is secured with a bolt and nut. A further tapered
hole in the wheel hub allows for the attachment of the toe control arm ball joint.
A hole is machined in the wheel hub at 90
°
to the hub bearing. This hole allows for the fitment of the ABS speed sensor
which is secured with a screw into an adjacent threaded hole. The speed sensor reads off a target which is part of the
drive shaft assembly.
Air Suspension
The air suspension comprises the following:
l
Two front struts incorporating air springs
l
Two rear air springs
l
Two cross link valves
l
An air reservoir, pressure sensor and valve block
l
Four height sensors
l
Air supply unit
l
Air suspension ECU
l
Air supply pipes
l
External pressure relief valve (only on systems with a lower maximum operating pressure)
l
Air suspension fascia control switch.
The air suspension system is controlled by the air suspension ECU which is located adjacent to the passenger
compartment fusebox, behind the fascia. The ECU is located in a white coloured plastic bracket for identification.
Suspension geometry changes when moving from off-road to access heights. See the following table for data:
Front
Rear
Toe change
30 mins
10 mins
Camber change
90 mins
90 mins