Front

Front Suspension


OUTLINE





The front suspension is a strut-type independent suspension, with cylindrical double-acting, low pressure-gas-filled dampers and coil springs. The top of each strut assembly is attached to the body through a rubber cushion. Used in combination with other rubber cushions, this rubber cushion effectively insulate vibration and shock and thus improves ride comfort.

The transverse link is an "L" shaped arm design to increase steering stability and reduce road noise. The transverse link has a maintenance-free ball joint fitted by a castle nut at its outer end. The front of the link's inner end is fitted to the front crossmember through a rubber cushion and the rear of the inner end is bolted to the vehicle body through a fluid-filled bushing.

The front crossmember is bolted to the vehicle body.

The stabilizer is attached to the front crossmember through rubber cushions and its right and left ends are connected to the stabilizer links through ball joints.

The lower end of the stabilizer link is connected to the transverse link through ball joints.

A camber angle adjustment mechanism, which uses eccentric bolts, is provided at the joint of the damper strut and axle housing.


CONSTRUCTION
TRANSVERSE LINK
For enhanced handling stability, a longer transverse link is used and the tread is larger by 20 mm (0.79 inch) than the previous model.

STRUTS





^ All models use struts with low-pressure-gas-filled dampers that feature stable shock attenuating performance. They improve ride quality and reduce vibration and noise.
^ The strut contains a rebound spring which acts on the piston rod toward its extending direction to reduce attitude change due to roll.

SUB FRAME





^ A sub frame is used to effectively dissipate and absorb impact energy.
^ The sub frame consists of left and right parts and bolted to the body.
^ The sub frame is manufactured by hydro-forming technology which enables large sectional area contributing to increased strength and rigidity as well as decreased weight. (Hydro-forming: A manufacturing method of forming by applying fluid pressure to the inner side of a pipe material placed inside an outer mold. Compared to the conventional flange welded type, a larger sectional area of the component can be obtained resulting in increased strength and rigidity.)