The rear suspension of a car is the mechanical system that holds the car’s body and frame aloft as the connection between the car and the road. The rear suspension includes the frame (or body connections in a unibody vehicle), joints, bearings and bushings, rods, shock absorbers, springs, wheels, and tires. The rear suspension’s job is to work with the front suspension to conduct the car down the road smoothly and to keep it under control while it travels. On a basic level, the rear suspension prevents the vehicle’s body from contacting the ground and keeps the tires in contact with the road.
Suspension systems are generally classified into dependent and independent systems. The big difference between the two is dependent systems connect the left and right wheels with a solid axle. When the left wheel moves up or down, the right wheel has to move, too, and vice-versa. With an independent suspension system, the left and right wheels are free to move up and down without affecting the other side. Modern trucks and rugged SUVs are more likely to use dependent systems for their strength, durability, and simplicity. Passenger cars, sports cars, and crossover SUVs are more likely to use independent rear suspension systems for their ride comfort, roll control, and handling properties.
