Chassis/Suspension

Design and Function

Applies to: 2003–2013, 2013–2016

Chassis/Suspension

Most common SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles) are based on a type of chassis also found on high trucks. The XC90 is constructed like a passenger car, developed to meet the high handling standards. There is equal weight distribution between the front and rear ends due to the laterally mounted engine and four wheel drive.

The center of gravity is lower resulting in excellent directional stability.

Suspension

Front:

• Individual suspension with MacPherson springs
• Negative steering radius.

Rear:

• Individual suspension, Multilink.

Front suspension

1. Anti-roll bar
2. Bearing
3. Coil spring
4. Shock absorber
5. Spring strut
6. Steering arm
7. Wheel hub
8. Ball joint
9. Control arm
10. Bushing.

Individual suspension with MacPherson springs

• Lower control arm, forged
• Ball joint, modified mounting from previous models
• Steering arm, cast iron
• Coil spring, 3 different versions depending on weight.

Steering

• Limiter (plastic sleeve installed inside the steering gear). 70 mm for 16”, tire size 225. 65 mm for 17”, tire size 235
• The steering gear is made by ZF
• Speed dependent power steering. Option.

Rear spring/rear suspension

1. Subframe
2. Coil spring
3. Shock absorber, nivomat
4. Rear control arm
5. Cross stay, anti-roll bar
6. Adjustment stay
7. Bump rubber
8. Wheel spindle
9. Hub
10. Front control arm
11. Lower control arm
12. Bracket
13. Anti-roll bar.

The coil spring and shock absorber are mounted separately in the subframe.

• There are six (6) different types of coil spring (depending on weight, soft, medium, hard)
• The coil spring is oval where it meets the lower control arm. It can only be installed in one way
• The coil spring has a color marking which must be facing the marking on the lower control arm.

Shock absorber, the upper bushing is oval shaped to reduce side forces.

• The bushing is stiffer longitudinally
• Nivomat is standard on the seven seater version. For five seater versions it is an option or accessory.

The front and rear anti-roll bars are both 23 mm thick.

• The anti-roll bar is solid. It is manufactured from spring steel.

The subframe is manufactured in steel.