Astra H
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Axle constructions - front axle Double-wishbone axle The double-wishbone axle is mainly used on the front axle. On very sporting vehicles, this form of axle is also sometimes used on the rear. The suspension arms are normally triangular. Therefore they are also called wishbones. The wishbones are mounted on the axle body or vehicle body in two rotary joints, while the outer corner is held by the steering knuckle at the top and bottom. The connecting elements between the steering knuckle and wishbone are usually ball joints. The purpose of these joints is to allow the vertical movements of the steering knuckle on springing, and horizontal movement on steering. The advantages of double wishbone axles is the very precise wheel guide and multiple adjustment possibilities. Depending on arrangement (e.g. symmetrical arrangement, tilt change) or change in length ratio (trapezoidal link) of the wishbones, various driving properties can be influenced positively. Spring strut type axle (MacPherson) The development of the McPherson-spring strut-axle is based on the design of the double-wishbone axle. The upper wishbone has been replaced by a complete spring strut. The lower part of spring strut is connected directly to the steering knuckle (welded or screwed), the upper part is screwed onto the vehicle body (dome). The lower crossmember in the double-wishbone axle is retained in the McPherson-spring strut-axle. The following depicts the different spring strut type axles used in Opel/Vauxhall vehicles. |
