Torque Shop

What does it mean when car manufacturers list "air suspension" in the data sheet? How different is this from a double-wishbone, multi-link or MacPherson strut system?

- Shreejit Changaroth

In many cases, when the term "air suspension" is stated in the specification sheet, there is rarely further elaboration on what it entails. This is likely because the carmaker wants to portray an image of sophistication, rather than explain the configuration of the suspension set-up.

Each wheel of an automobile is mounted on an assembly which consists of three main sub-units: a set of interconnecting levers or linkages, a spring and a damper. The design at the front is almost always different from that at the rear, primarily because the front wheels steer the vehicle while handling 70 to 80 per cent of the braking force.