Axles; Front Axle - Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class Service Manual

Front axle

Main features of front suspension:
• Two individual control arms (strut rod and cross
strut)
• Torsion stabilizer bar
• Suspension strut
The third link is the tie rod, which forms part of the
rack-and-pinion steering.
The two individual control arms are positioned
towards the bottom of the steering plane. The tie rod
forms a third link as a laterally positioned steering
gear. It is located just in front of the wheel center. The
longitudinal force leverage is very small and the sensi-
tivity to vibrations very low. The stabilizer bar is
connected to the suspension strut. For general weight
reduction purposes, the strut rod and cross strut are
made of aluminum.
Front axle
1 Suspension strut
2 Cross strut
3 Torque strut
Introduction of the New GLK-Class (USA), Introduction into Service Manual for Model Series 204
!
The positioning and design of the wheel control parts,
especially the separation of the lower wishbone
control arm into two individual control arms, offers the
following advantages:
• Improved axle kinematics
• The scrub radius has been set closer to zero
• Sensitivity to vibrations due to unbalanced tires
and brake force fluctuations is minimized
Improved occupant protection due to the deformation
capability of the lower steering plane in a frontal
impact
The position of the rack-and-pinion steering in front of
wheel center produces desirable self-steering
behavior under lateral forces. The steering gear and
engine mount are bolted directly to the body via a
carrier.
4 Torsion stabilizer bar
5 Drive shaft

Axles

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