All about Macpherson Strut

Automobiles are equipped with high-end systems engineered to perfection and the suspension system forms the most important system for any automobiles.

For any person, safety is at the top and the suspension system serves as the safety factor for both, the automobiles as well as the passengers sitting inside.

The McPherson Strut is named after an American Automobile Engineer, Early S Pherson who developed this type of suspension and then later was appointed as the chief engineer of the Chevrolet Light Car project back in 1945.

The Mcpherson suspension is a telescopic type of suspension system that uses the telescopic damper for the upper pivot mount.

This suspension is usually employed as the front suspension system in the automobiles, and so is referred as to an independent suspension system.

Design/Features

The Mcpherson strut usually is linked to one wishbone linkage and another with the axle or the hub, which also serves as a mounting point.

This lower linkage with axle allows both the longitudinal and lateral motion of the wheel.

The upper part of the hub assemble extended towards the center of the vehicles is rigidly connected to the lower part of the strut that allows the up and downside motion of the strut extended up towards the lower section of the outer body shell.

The length extended from the upper part of the strut attached to the body shell to the lower side ball joint mount indicated the Steering axis inclination.

The piston rod of the strut usually extends from 11mm to 18mm with a diameter of up to 25mm in passenger cars while up to 28mm in light commercial vehicles.

Components

The Main Components of Mcpherson Strut

• The Upper Spring Leg Mounting Point/Spring Upper Seat
• Spring leg turning with steering
• Shock Absorber
• Coil
• Spring Leg
• Suspension Support
• Bearing
• Upper Insulator
• Lower Insulator
• Spring Bumper

Functions/Advantages

The main functions/Advantages of the Mcpherson Strut suspension system are:-

It functions as a steering rod giving steering axis inclination and allowing the free movement of the wheel hub assembly.

It functions to provide damping assistance for shock absorption as well as the proper suspension for simultaneous contact between the wheel and the road.

Simplistic design that indicates the comparatively lesser amount of mechanical components as well as easy engineering of the automobiles.

Disadvantages

The Disadvantages of Mcpherson Strut suspension system are:-

As from the geometrical analysis, it is been noticed that it does not allow the vertical/longitudinal movement of the wheel without any camber angles given, sideway change, or even both.

The handling experience is not good as compared to the double-wishbone or multi-link suspension system.

Conclusion

Nevertheless, the MacPherson Strut suspension system still remains a remarkable invention, effectively combining strength, support, and stability, all at a suitably low manufacturing cost.

Originally published at https://www.carengineered.com on August 1, 2020.