Educational Mechanics
Steering & Suspension
Overview
Steering and suspension systems allow a vehicle to change direction, maintain stability, and manage forces between the vehicle and the road. Together, they influence handling, ride comfort, and control.
This page provides an overview of how steering and suspension systems work and links to explanations of individual components and layouts.
What This System Does
Steering and suspension systems work together to:
​
-
Allow the driver to control vehicle direction
-
Maintain tyre contact with the road surface
-
Absorb and manage road irregularities
-
Support vehicle weight and load changes
Their design directly affects vehicle behaviour and driver feedback.
How the System Is Structured
Although designs vary, most vehicles use a combination of:
​
-
Steering mechanism
Translates driver input into wheel direction changes. -
Suspension components
Support the vehicle and allow controlled movement between the body and wheels. -
Damping and control
Regulates motion to prevent excessive oscillation.
Different layouts are used depending on vehicle size, purpose, and performance requirements.
Key Topics in This System
Steering Systems
How driver input is converted into wheel movement.
Suspension Components
How suspension supports the vehicle and manages movement.
-
Suspension components explained
Vehicle Stability and Handling
How suspension geometry affects control.
-
Handling and load transfer
-
Suspension layout basics
Common Points of Confusion
Steering and suspension are often considered separately, but vehicle behaviour depends on how both systems interact. Changes in suspension geometry or stiffness can affect steering response and stability.
Understanding their combined role helps explain differences in ride and handling characteristics.
Where to Go Next
Continue learning by:
-
Exploring another vehicle system
-
Exploring a specific steering or suspension topic
-
Browsing all video-supported explanations
-
Looking up suspension terminology in the glossary