March 12, 2025

Juan Valenciana

12th Grade

St. Francis Preparatory High School

The suspension system connects a car to its wheels and allows the wheels to oscillate up or down depending on the road conditions. Its goals are to maintain traction and stability, support the full weight of the vehicle, and absorb shocks and vibrations to provide a smooth ride for passengers.

When a car reaches a speed bump, the suspension system springs attempt to reduce the impact. As the front wheels rise onto the bump, the car's springs compress to cushion the upward motion and absorb the energy from the bump. Without the suspension system, the vertical energy of the wheel would be transferred to the frame, which would accelerate in the same direction.

 At the same time, a part called shock absorption is activated to minimize the rebound of the springs, limiting the bouncing as the car rolls off of the bump. Similarly, without these shock absorbers, the vehicle would move up and down uncontrollably.

As the wheels descend from the speed bump, the springs decompress, allowing the tires to maintain contact with the road. The control arms, which connect the wheels to the chassis, guide the wheels’ vertical motion while keeping them aligned. Meanwhile, the bushings and ball joints absorb vibrations and provide flexibility at pivot points, ensuring that the suspension operates smoothly without transmitting harsh movements to the frame.

The stabilizer bar comes into play if one wheel encounters the bump more than the other (if the bump is one-sided). It transfers force between the left and right sides of the suspension, minimizing body roll and keeping the car stable. The wheel hubs and axles work together so the wheels maintain correct rotation and traction throughout the motion. As the rear wheels repeat the cycle, the suspension balances the car’s weight distribution and prevents it from nose-diving forward or tipping sideways.