Mazda RX-8 2004 Service Highlights page 195

MULTI-LINK REAR SUSPENSION CONSTRUCTION
Optimized Link and Shock Absorber Layout
Compliance toe control
• The suspension system layout is such that the
center axis line of the shock absorber intersects
to the outside and rear of the virtual kingpin axis.
This layout ensures that the toe-in moment is
constantly produced around the virtual kingpin
axis of the rear wheels. Due to this, the rear
wheels constantly and securely provide a high
level of gripping power.
Compliance camber control
• Initial load in the negative camber direction is
applied to the rear lateral links (upper/lower).
Because of this, the bushings anchoring the rear
lateral links (upper/lower) to the rear
crossmember are constantly pressed toward the
rear lateral links. As a result, the central, non-
sensitive region of the bushing is not used,
thereby minimizing delayed steering response
and suppressing parasitic (unnecessary) wheel
movement in response to external disturbances.
Elongated links
• Elongated upper and lower rear lateral links have
been adopted. They reduce torsion applied to the
bushings on the rear crossmember side during
jounce and rebound of the rear wheels, providing smooth link behavior.
Improved Roadholding
• The damper lever ratio has been set at approx. 1 to improve the efficiency of shock absorber operation.
— Damper lever ratio:
shock absorber stroke (B)/wheel vertical
stroke (A)
— A layout with the damper lever ratio close to 1
makes it possible to provide a damping force
even during minute strokes. As result,
excellent roadholding is exhibited in a variety
of driving conditions.
End Of Sie
REAR SHOCK ABSORBER CONSTRUCTION
• As with the front shock absorber, a high-pressure gas-filled monotube shock absorber has been adopted.
• Placement of the rear coil springs below floor level reduces lateral spring force on the damper rods and thereby
minimizes friction.
• This layout also contributes to an enlarged trunk compartment space.
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02–14–2
REAR SUSPENSION
CENTER AXIS OF
SHOCK ABSORBER
COIL SPRING
REACTION FORCE
INITIAL LOAD TO
LATERAL LINKS
CHU021401016S03
TOE-IN MOMENT
VIRTUAL
KINGPIN AXIS
INTERSECTS TO
REAR OF VIRTUAL
KINGPIN AXIS
CHU0214S002
OFFSET
MOMENT
LENGTH
NEGATIVE
CAMBER
MOMENT
VERTICAL LOAD
CHU0214S003
A
B
BHJ0214N005
CHU021428700S01