Suspension: Description and Operation

Fig. 2 Disassembled view of front suspension. Firebird:

FIREBIRD
The front suspension is designed to allow each wheel to compensate for changes in the road surface level without appreciably affecting the opposite wheel. Each wheel is independently connected to the frame by a steering knuckle, strut assembly, ball joint, and lower control arm. The steering knuckles move in a prescribed three dimensional arc. The front wheels are held in proper relationship to each other by two tie rods which are connected to the steering knuckles and to a relay rod assembly. Coil springs are mounted between the spring housings on the front crossmember and the lower control arms. The upper portion of each strut assembly extends through the fender well and attaches to the upper mount assembly with a nut, Fig. 2. The inner ends of the lower control arm have pressed in bushings. Bolts, passing through the bushings, attach the arm to the suspension crossmember. The lower ball joint assembly is a press fit in the arm and attaches to the steering knuckle with a torque prevailing nut.