Spring And Shock Absorber
| ITEM | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| 1 | Boot |
| 2 | Locknut |
| 3 | Bolt (quantity 3) |
| 4 | Suspension top mount |
| 5 | Strut bearing |
| 6 | Spring isolator - Upper |
| 7 | Coil spring |
| 8 | Spring isolator - Lower |
| 9 | Shock absorber body |
| 10 | Adaptive shock absorber control valve (if equipped) |
| 11 | Spring seat |
| 12 | Shock absorber piston rod |
| 13 | Spring aid |
The spring and shock absorber assembly consists of a shock absorber with a coil spring located on a welded spring seat on the shock absorber tube. The lower end of the shock absorber body locates in the wheel knuckle and is clamped with a nut and bolt.
The shock absorber piston rod is located through a central hole in the top mount. The shock absorber rod is threaded at its upper end. A self locking nut secures the shock absorber piston rod to the suspension top mount. A spring aid is mounted between the suspension top mount and the shock absorber to counter the bump loads and also assist with vehicle roll performance.
The shock absorber piston rod is sealed at the exit point from the shock absorber body. The seal retains the fluid within the shock absorber and prevents the ingress of dirt and moisture to the shock absorber body. The seal also incorporates a wiper to keep the shock absorber piston rod clean. A boot is mounted between the shock absorber body and the top mount and protects the shock absorber piston rod from damage.
Depending on vehicle specification, the shock absorber is either a conventional shock absorber or an adaptive shock absorber.
The conventional shock absorber functions by restricting the flow of hydraulic fluid through 2 valves. The piston valve is located at the end of the shock absorber piston rod, the base valve is located in the base of the outer tube.
In addition to the piston valve and the base valve, the adaptive shock absorber comprises a control valve. The control valve is used to control the flow of the fluid electrically, which allows the damping rate to be varied.
For additional information, Refer to: VEHICLE DYNAMIC SUSPENSION .
Depending on vehicle specification, different coil springs are installed on the vehicle. Each spring is color coded to identify its rating and installation requirements.
The lower end of the coil spring is located in a spring seat which is an integral part of the shock absorber body. The spring seat contains a spring isolator. The design of the spring seat prevents the rotation of the spring. The spring has a linear rate and is inclined to counter cornering forces. The opposite end of the coil spring is also located in a spring isolator which is installed in the suspension top mount.
Both spring isolators are made from rubber and reduce any noise, produced during shock absorber and spring compression/extension, from being transmitted to the vehicle body.
The strut bearing is pressed onto the suspension top mount. The strut bearing reduces steering resistance by preventing the spring from winding up when the steering in turned. The suspension top mount attaches to the vehicle body with 3 bolts.
Brackets are welded to the shock absorber body to provide the attachment of the following components:
- The stabilizer bar link
- The brake hose
- The wheel speed sensor lead
- The brake pad wear sensor lead
- The Adaptive Damping (AD) system wiring harness (if equipped).
There is an individual bracket, which locates the shock absorber into the wheel knuckle.