How Automotive Suspension Systems Work

Here's the basics on how the two main types of automotive suspensions work - Double Wishbone and MacPherson.

The purpose of a car's suspension is to support the weight of a vehicle, keep good tire contact with the ground and absorb any impacts when driving over road imperfections.

Modern suspension systems make use of various geometry to handle this task, each with its own pros and cons. In this video, the suspension from a MacPherson strut vehicle is described, taken apart part by part and explained. It is then compared to the suspension of a car with double wishbone suspension.

At the end of the video, a live comparison is presented between the two suspension types as the vehicles drive down the road.

The main components of a suspension are the control arms, strut (or spring and shock absorber), ball joints, and steering knuckles. The arrangement of these components form various geometrical relationships which can be categories and related to wheel motion as a vehicle navigates a corner or rides over a road imperfection.

The vehicles demonstrated in this video are a 2001 Toyota Corolla a 2007 Lexus GS350, and a 2004 Toyota Camry.

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[MrGoogelaar]

Factual, to the point, no screaming, no fuss, well done!

[daaknait]

The toothbrush is a vital piece in these videos.

[sachinrana]

you are awesome being mechanical engineering student i always try to find out such informative videos on youtube but no one not a single person is able to explain that well as you do. By seeing and every part cut down one by one in each and every videos i am learning so much with your grace.

[charlesfu]

The best teardown and explanation ever

[handoflegion]

You are such a good explainer, better than those teacher with fancy degrees with no hands-on experience of machines.

[ppsor]

Very educational, clear and concise, that is how quality content should be produced, thank you.

[scully]

I've watched many of your videos, and you are perhaps the best teacher on ANY subject I have ever seen! This strut-versus-wishbone comparison just could not be explained any better by anyone.

[iPervy]

Masterfully done speedkar! Incredible how you jammed so much info in my head and so efficiently as well!

[damon]

This man is a national treasure. The toothbrush is just added gold

[wholeNwon]

No fluff, just facts. That's why I subscribed long ago.

[ZarMulix]

ME here who really appreciates your videos - some of us don't have access to practical experience, time, a vehicle, or space to work in (esp in a city). Nothing beats taking stuff apart and doing it yourself but your videos are a close second and little subtleties can always be looked up and researched after having a basic understanding. Lots of visuals, plenty of explanation, and super short. Your videos are perfect - keep em up!

[ViniSocramSaint]

Lowkey the best Macpherson strut explanation video on Youtube. Concise and simple but non-lacking. The explanation for the natural disadvantage of camber change and even deviation from the ideal angle for grip in all situations is the only one that makes sense for someone that comes from a place of 0 knowledge.

I am a lay person, not in mechanical engineering college, trying to learn the ins and outs of cars, quick, through YT videos, for the purpose of making a physics-based model for a game, while coming from absolute 0 knowledge and investing 0 money and having no "live model". We can learn a surprising amount this way, but there are obvious limitations to not having a teacher and book that explains parts, angles and mechanics. I never learned the actual turning of the structure happens at the top of the strut in a ball bearing up until this video, even though there are countless videos on macpherson that "explains all the basics".

[snyper]

I’m digging your channel. You get straight to the point, you know you’re stuff, and you make it easy to understand. You’re a natural teacher and I’m subscribed now.
Be safe everyone.

[TheBoondoggler]

This is absolutely genius. I finally understand a front suspension. Bravo to you, sir.

[TheOnlyRaceEngineer]

You are the first guy I have found who has explained the reason for the perpendicular bushings on the control arm. You saved me a real headache. thanks a lot. your videos are quick, straight to the point and no drama. you are the best. cheers .

[MiteyMOofyearsAgo]

Thank you for taking the time to do this.
It is a must see for back yard mechanics and those wishing to understand cars.

[causeitso]

Finally someone who is explaining by actual example and not try to be funny every other word. Thanks mate.

[benisunci]

Best explanation on the whole internet probably.

[shengjingbo]

Your suspension class is the best I’ve ever seen

[obikendobi]

This video is amazing. I learned so much. I don’t even have a propensity for mechanical knowledge yet I was following along to your thorough, clear explanations.

Thank you!! Subscribed so I can learn more!