How do vehicle’s steering and suspension systems work?

In today’s cars we can find between 70,000 and 90,000 components working in sync with each other for us to enjoy a high level of comfort and safety. Therefore, the steering system and suspension system are particularly relevant, so in Teknia we manufacture each part with the highest quality standards and using the latest technologies.

We can safely state that today’s vehicles are true works of engineering. We are often unaware of it, but a modern-day car is the sum of thousands of parts working together in perfect harmony. The steering system and the suspension system play a fundamental role among the components of a car.

Basically, driving comfort and occupant safety depend on the suspension and steering systems. They make it possible to steer, turn and stop a vehicle. In essence, both components are part of the “backbone” of every car. That is why they will continue to be essential in the future, both in electric and autonomous cars.

At Teknia we are involved in the manufacture of key components for both the suspension and the steering system of a car. Both are included in our Driving Comfort category. Thanks to our international presence, we bring solutions in different technologies to this product category, adapting to market trends.

The steering system is becoming more and more advanced

Steering is the system in charge of controlling the vehicle’s trajectory, whether in a straight line or in turning maneuvers. It is an essential component of the automobile to maintain stability and control, and for the safety of passengers. Likewise, all the parts and mechanisms that make it up are relevant to be able to operate correctly.

The steering system has changed a lot over the years. From the original rigid bar attached to the wheel axle, which required great effort, we have moved on to a more complex, safer, and more efficient set of components. As a result, the driver can now use the steering wheel to steer the front wheels with great precision and with little effort.

Similarly, the steering wheel is now much more than just a ring to turn with. While in a current steering system we find a steering wheel connected to a steering rod, there are many more components behind it. The steering rod connects to the steering box, which transmits the turn to the wheel axle through a series of gears.

These steering boxes can be of various types, resulting in various types of steering systems: mechanical, hydraulic, electric power-assisted, rack and pinion, and recirculating ball bearing. With today’s technology, component manufacturers can create systems with improved steerability, precision, smoothness, reliability, absorption capacity and, of course, protection in the event of an accident.

The suspension system, vital to stability and safety

The suspension is the set of automotive components that connect the wheels to the chassis. This allows relative movement between the two and always keeps the vehicle in contact with the road. Essentially, the suspension system is made up of elastic elements – such as springs or springs – and damping elements, the best known of which is the shock absorber.

The elastic elements isolate the body from the irregularities of the road, while the damping elements stop the oscillations produced during the ride. In this way, the suspension system offers a dynamic balance: it adjusts and compensates according to variations and driving conditions.

The response of the suspension system will depend on the tuning or setting of both. In any case, we can highlight, as functions of the suspension:

• To maintain the height of the vehicle uniformly
• To offer stability and comfort while driving, isolating yourself from vibrations and irregularities of the road.
• To contribute to the stability of the car.
• To support the weight of the vehicle.
• To keep the tires on wheels and in continuous contact with the asphalt.

Today’s technology allows us to develop different types of suspensions. Thus, in the market we currently find dependent suspensions (rigid axle, torsion, or Dion), independent suspensions (McPher-son and multi-link, among others), pneumatic, with electronically adjustable shock absorbers…

Teknia manufactures advanced automotive components

Teknia Group offers solutions with different technologies, such as: tube forming, stamping, machining, and aluminum injection; the latter is becoming more and more relevant due to the importance of reducing the weight of vehicles. For example, one of the key products we manufacture for the steering system is the servomotor housing.

In the case of the suspension system, the Spring seats, as well as the lower and upper supports, are outstanding products of our production line. These parts are part of the shock absorber. In addition, Teknia produces many other high-end steering and suspension components that will play an important role in the vehicles of the future.

As you have seen, the steering system and the suspension system are extremely important elements for the correct operation of a vehicle. Therefore, in Teknia we play an important role in the manufacture of this type of automotive components, essential both in today’s vehicles and in the future of mobility.