Axles, Wheels, Tires and Suspension System

All of these elements are essential to road safety. For instance, tires are the only points of contact with the road, and they have a great impact on brake efficiency and handling.

Axles and Half-Trains

ROLE: they guarantee the precision of the trajectory and the comfort of the passengers. Axles and half-trains are articulated mechanical elements linking the wheels to the chassis.
Risks if non-compliant:
  • The vehicle may drift to the right or left and have poor road handling.
  • Vibrations or unusual noises may occur when braking or driving especially at high speed.
  • Faulty axles and half-trains will also cause abnormal and rapid wear of tires and mechanical elements such as shock absorbers.
  • Accidents may occur.

Triangle and Suspension Arm

ROLE: to ensure the connection between the chassis and the pivot in order to allow the wheel to move.
Risks if non-compliant:
  • In the event of breakage, the wheel will touch the chassis and a loss of control of the vehicle may occur.

Ball Joints or Articulations

ROLE: to allow or limit the movements of the various components of the half-trains in order to guarantee the precision of steering and the stability of the vehicle.
Risks if non-compliant:
  • If these components are excessively damaged, the front suspension could come apart causing loss of control of the vehicle.

Shock Absorbers

ROLE: to absorb and dampen the shocks due to an uneven or bumpy road surface and ensure contact between the tires and the road at all times.
Risks if non-compliant:
  • Road holding and comfort may be decreased if shock absorbers are damaged.
  • Loss of control of the vehicle can occur.
  • The braking distance of the vehicle can increase.

Anti-Roll Bar

ROLE: to distribute the weight of the vehicle onto the two wheels on the same axle to avoid unexpected movements or rolling of the vehicle, especially when cornering.
Risks if non-compliant:
  • If the anti-roll bar is deformed or incorrectly fitted, the road holding may be lowered.
  • A loss of control of the vehicle will occur if this component breaks while driving.

Spring, Torsion Bar

ROLE: to maintain the body height of the vehicle on uneven surfaces and absorb some of the forces generated by the motion and the movement of the vehicle's load.
Risks if non-compliant:
  • The failure of these components might cause a loss of control of the vehicle.

Wheel Bearing

ROLE: to reduce the friction due to the rotation of the wheel and support the weight of the vehicle.
Risks if non-compliant:
  • Vehicle handling might be affected if these components are damaged.
  • A loss or blocking of the wheel may occur.

Rigid Axle

ROLE: to ensure the connection between the chassis and the wheels which are fixed at each end.
Risks if non-compliant:
  • The vehicle’s behavior may be changed if the rigid axle is damaged or incorrectly fitted, which will increase the risk of accident.
  • Corrosion or cracks can cause a sudden failure leading to a sudden loss of control.

Tires and Rims

ROLE: to guide the vehicle, to transmit the driving and braking power and to support the load of the vehicle.
Risks if non-compliant:
  • Inaccurate guidance of the vehicle may occur if the rims are deformed.
  • A wheel can come off the vehicle if it is insecurely fitted.
  • If tires are deformed or worn, there is a risk of a burst tire and loss of control of the vehicle.
  • Unsuitable mounting, wrong dimensions or characteristics may change the vehicle’s behavior and cause a burst tire.
  • Friction can cause premature wearing of these components and lead to a burst tire.