Types of Heavy Duty Truck Suspension


February 27, 2024
Automotive
Editorial


Heavy duty trucks have to perform different and diverse operations for which they need powerful support. Since the vehicles are almost always required to carry heavy loads, truck suspensions are highly necessary to offer these vehicles stability.

The suspensions power the truck to handle uneven roads smoothly and perform their heavy duty without any issues. This also helps the driver to enjoy a comfortable ride. If you are looking for different types of heavy duty truck suspensions, you can check out https://www.maximinc.com/parts-suspension-parts-category.  Moreover, it also ensures that the shipment remains free of damage even when the vehicle comes across bumpy roads.

Different Types of Heavy Duty Truck Suspension

Heavy duty trucks have to carry a huge amount of load, so a strong suspension system is required to ensure they can function smoothly in all circumstances. The suspension needs to be reliable and durable. Here are different types of suspension suitable for heavy duty trucks.

Independent Suspension

Independent suspension refers to any automobile suspension system that lets each wheel on a similar axle move vertically.

The system’s lower unsprung wheel enables heavy duty trucks to enjoy an enhanced ride quality and handling by addressing the road and keeping the vehicle free of obstructions.

The assembly of this suspension is installed on each separate wheel individually, which reduces the impact of bumps faced by the truck.

Air Suspension

Air suspensions support the huge weight of heavy duty trucks through compressed air, which is pumped into the airbags-mounted axle. The pressure can be adjusted according to the weight of the load.

They are also highly useful for loading and unloading cargo as they can park the truck evenly, even on unevenly leveled grounds. Their versatile nature enables the truck to ride smoothly despite heavy load.

As opposed to leaf springs or conventional suspensions, this suspension system is equipped with bellows or airbags, which enables the truck to facilitate enhanced comfort and load-carrying capacity.

Leaf Spring Suspension

The origin of leaf springs can be traced back to medieval times; hence, they are also referred to as laminated or carriage springs. It is a slender arc-shaped piece of steel that gives it a bow-like resemblance.

It supports heavy weight vehicles by attaching to the chassis and rear axle. Therefore, the axle’s pressure resulting from the weight amount is prevented, allowing the truck to carry on with its heavy duty without any hassle.

It also ensures that the truck stays aligned on the road by controlling the height at which it drives on the road.

Torsion Bar Suspension

Torsion bar suspensions are systems that employ a metal bar. This bar is the system’s main weight-bearing spring and is mounted on the truck’s frame for support. Every time the truck hits a bump, the bar twists around its axis and absorbs the shock.

These suspension systems are durable and provide the necessary suspension required by the truck through its twisting motion, thereby leading to spring-like resistance. The torsion bar also twists along its length when the wheels are in up-and-down movement.

Trailing Bar Suspension

Also known as trailing-link, this suspension system is equipped with dual trailing arms. The suspension connects the vehicle frame with the wheel hub through the horizontal and large arm’s front edge to pivot the truck body.

One can adjust the arms from the vehicle easily without having to remove it. It negates the axle’s external forces and supports the truck’s weight, allowing it to work smoothly even when on heavy duty.

Now that you have become familiar with the different types of heavy duty truck suspensions, you can look into the personal advantages of these suspensions. It will help you determine which type of suspension system works best for your heavy duty truck.