The MacPherson strut is a type of suspension system commonly used in modern vehicles. It combines a shock absorber and a coil spring into a single unit, which helps to save space and reduce weight. Here's a brief overview of how it works:
1. Shock Absorber: The shock absorber dampens the vibrations and shocks from the road, providing a smoother ride. It is mounted inside the coil spring.
2. Coil Spring: The coil spring supports the weight of the vehicle and absorbs larger bumps and shocks from the road.
3. Strut Mount: The top of the MacPherson strut is attached to the vehicle's body through a strut mount, which allows for some movement and flexibility.
4. Lower Control Arm: The bottom of the strut is connected to the lower control arm, which is attached to the vehicle's chassis. This setup allows the wheel to move up and down while maintaining proper alignment.
The MacPherson strut design is popular because it is relatively simple, cost-effective, and provides good handling and ride comfort. For its current car range, SEAT designed its suspensions with MacPherson struts on the front axle.