Axles And Suspension - SMART 453 Series Introduction Into Service Manual

Axles and suspension

Front axle
As in the predecessor model, the front axle of the new smart
is a classic MacPherson strut design.
The main advantages of this front axle design include:
• Small space requirement
• Low unsprung masses
• Large support base
• Low forces
Wheel control on each wheel is performed by a transverse
control arm below wheel center, a suspension strut and a tie
rod.
Front axle of smart model 453
1 Transverse control arm with supporting joint
2 Integral carrier
3 Stabilizer bar
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– This printout will not be recorded by the update service. Status: 06/2014 –
The focus during the redevelopment of the front axle of mo-
del series 453 was on achieving a high level of driving safety,
a high level of manoeuvrability and improved ride comfort
compared to the predecessor model series. A high level of
driving safety was achieved through the design of the axle
kinematics and by adjusting the tuning. To improve the ride
comfort, the spring travel both at the front axle and at the
rear axle was increased. The newly developed front axle is
now equipped with a transverse control arm with one guide
bearing and one comfort bearing respectively, which produ-
ces greater longitudinal flexibility and improved suspension
response. In order to achieve the desired reduction in the
turning circle, the front axle was designed to allow very large
outside wheel turn angles. This necessitated a suitable in-
tegral carrier design, long toothed rack travel distances and
suitable tie rod kinematics.
2 3 1
4 Wheel carrier
5 Coil spring (side load spring)
6 Twin-tube gas-filled shock absorber
Introduction of the New smart fortwo coupé and smart forfour | Model Series 453
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P33.00-2144-00