Rear Suspension
REAR SUSPENSIONDescription
The rear suspension design locates the rear axle with two lightweight composite radius arms (1) and a panhard rod (2). The system allows maximum axle articulation and wheel travel while maintaining roll stiffness, directional stability and vehicle refinement. The composite radius arm is mounted to the chassis through a ferrule rubber bush and to the axle using a 'sealed for life' isolation rubber.
The vehicle height sensors are also linked to the radius arms, for full details of the height settings, refer to Air Suspension/Description and Operation/Height Settings Description and Operation
The panhard rod is mounted to the chassis through ferrule rubber bushes as shown in image
Conventional telescopic shock absorbers (3) used to control body movement, are secured to the chassis cross frame and a fabricated lower mounting, welded to the axle, that also supports the radius arms. The upper fixing comprises a single bolt passing through a ferrule rubber bush. The lower fixing of the shock absorber comprises of a stem type mount with two rubber bushes and support washers, secured to the axle mounting with a single retaining nut.
Cellular foam bump stops (4) are fitted under the chassis adjacent to the air springs and prevent any possible damage that could occur should there be excessive axle to chassis movement. Should there be a loss of air pressure in the air springs (5) the vehicle can still be driven safely, at a speed not exceeding 35mph (56kph), with the bump stops resting on the axle, although this will result in a hard ride. The loss of air pressure should be investigated as soon as possible. 'Progressive' bump stops are used and will reform from a compressed state when the load is released.