Suspension dampers are an essential component of any vehicle’s suspension system. They play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride, as well as improving vehicle stability and control. We will take a closer look at how suspension dampers work, the different types of dampers available, and their impact on the overall performance of a vehicle.
In this section, we will discuss the fundamental differences between springs and dampers. While springs produce a force in response to displacement, dampers produce a force in response to the speed of suspension displacement. This section will also provide a graphic that helps to visualize how the force response differs between a spring and a damper.
How Springs and Dampers Differ
Springs and dampers work on different principles, making their end use different. Elastic elements like springs and antiroll bars are affected by how far they have been displaced, while dampers are affected by how fast they have been displaced. Dampers use fluid dynamics to provide impressive performance and tunability. They force a fluid to pass through small holes or restrictions, which impedes its movement and produces a resistive force.
Understanding Damper Behaviour
To understand how a damper works, we need to characterize its behavior on something called a damper dyno. This allows us to run the damper at different speeds and define how the damper is working by plotting the force in response to the different velocities it’s driven at. The behavior of the damper is typically not linear, and there’s usually a difference in the behavior of compression versus rebound.
Adjusting Dampers
Dampers vary widely in sophistication, and there are a number of different technologies used for their internal workings. The most common configuration is a combination of needle valves and shims that results in the desired damping behavior. Different damper manufacturers will label the direction of the adjustments in different ways, and it’s important to contact the manufacturer to understand the overall effect of the adjusters if it’s not clear.
External Adjusters
The number of external adjusters on a given damper indicates something about the level of sophistication of the internals. While a basic damper will probably have none or maybe one adjuster, high-end examples can have as many as 5, enabling us to modify both the high and low-speed compression and rebound behaviour.
Shim Stacks and Nitrogen Gas
Shim stacks work by deflecting once a certain internal fluid pressure in the damper is reached, and there are a huge range of high-speed behaviors we can achieve by using different configurations of shim stacks. Pressurized nitrogen gas is used to reduce cavitation within the hydraulic fluid as well as providing space for the fluid displaced by the damper shaft during compression. Depending on the design of the damper, the nitrogen can be stored internally within the main body of the damper or externally in a piggyback style or remote canister.
What Are Suspension Dampers?
Suspension dampers, also known as shock absorbers, are devices that are designed to reduce the vibrations and shock transmitted from the wheels of a vehicle to the chassis. They work by converting the kinetic energy generated by the wheels into heat energy, which is then dissipated into the atmosphere. Suspension dampers are typically located at each corner of the vehicle and are connected to the chassis and the wheel hub by a piston rod and a mounting bolt.
Types of Suspension Dampers
There are several types of suspension dampers available, each with their unique advantages and disadvantages. The most common types include:
Hydraulic Dampers
Hydraulic dampers are the most basic type of suspension dampers available. They consist of a piston, a cylinder, and a hydraulic fluid that is used to dampen the vibrations and shock transmitted from the wheels. When the wheel hits a bump, the piston inside the cylinder compresses the hydraulic fluid, which in turn absorbs the energy and dissipates it as heat.
Gas Dampers
Gas dampers are similar to hydraulic dampers, but they use a gas, typically nitrogen, instead of a hydraulic fluid to dampen the vibrations and shock. The gas is compressed when the wheel hits a bump, which absorbs the energy and dissipates it as heat.
Spring Dampers
Spring dampers, also known as coilovers, combine a spring and a damper into a single unit. The spring provides the necessary support for the vehicle, while the damper controls the motion of the suspension.
Electromagnetic Dampers
Electromagnetic dampers use electromagnetic fields to control the motion of the suspension. They are typically more advanced and expensive than hydraulic or gas dampers and are commonly found in high-performance vehicles.
How Do Suspension Dampers Work?
Suspension dampers work by converting the kinetic energy generated by the wheels into heat energy, which is then dissipated into the atmosphere. When the wheel hits a bump, the energy is transmitted through the suspension system to the damper. The damper then compresses and expands, absorbing the energy and dissipating it as heat.
The Importance of Suspension Dampers
Suspension dampers play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride, as well as improving vehicle stability and control. They are essential components of any vehicle’s suspension system and should be inspected and replaced periodically to ensure optimal performance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, suspension dampers are a critical component of any vehicle’s suspension system. They work by converting the kinetic energy generated by the wheels into heat energy, which is then dissipated into the atmosphere. There are several types of suspension dampers available, each with their unique advantages and disadvantages. It is essential to understand the importance of suspension dampers and inspect and replace them periodically to ensure optimal vehicle performance.
Dampers produce force in response to the velocity they’re displaced at. While the rebound and compression behaviour of practical dampers is usually not symmetrical, the level of sophistication of the damper will determine how many adjusters it has.
FAQs
Q1. How long do suspension dampers last?
Suspension dampers typically last between 50,000 and 100,000 miles. However, this can vary depending on driving conditions, vehicle usage, and other factors.
Q2. Can I replace my suspension dampers myself?
While it is possible to replace suspension dampers yourself, it is recommended that you have them replaced by a certified mechanic to ensure proper installation and optimal performance.
Q3. Can suspension dampers improve the handling of my vehicle?
Yes, suspension dampers can improve the handling of your vehicle by reducing body roll and improving stability.
Q4. How can I tell if my suspension dampers need to be replaced?
Some signs that your suspension dampers may need to be replaced include excessive bouncing, uneven tire wear, and a rough ride.
Q5. Are there any maintenance tips for extending the life of my suspension dampers?
Yes, some tips include avoiding potholes and rough roads, maintaining proper tire pressure, and having your suspension system inspected regularly by a certified mechanic.
Remember, properly functioning suspension dampers are crucial for the overall performance and safety of your vehicle. Regular inspections and maintenance can help ensure that your suspension system is functioning optimally and providing a smooth and comfortable ride.
Source:
- High Performance Academy – A leading provider of online courses and training for high performance vehicle tuning and engineering. Website: https://www.hpacademy.com/
- Speedhunters – An online magazine covering the world of high performance cars, motorsport and tuning culture. Website: https://www.speedhunters.com/
- Car Throttle – An online community for car enthusiasts with articles, videos, and forums covering high performance cars, tuning, and motorsport. Website: https://www.carthrottle.com/
