Controlled compression and rebound: the multi-link independent suspension
The series-production launch of the Mercedes-Benz 190 in 1983 also marked the beginning of the multi-link independent suspension's career. In many respects this is a feature that remains without parallel to this day, which is why this patented axle principle - naturally in a modified form - is also employed in the C-Class. With the multi-link independent suspension the wheel is fixed to five elastically mounted links that are independent of each other and which restrict its scope for movement in five directions:
The lower transverse control arms activate the suspension springs and dampers
The upper transverse control arms regulate the camber over the spring travel
The torque struts take up the drive and braking forces, and compensate for dive
and squat when accelerating and decelerating
The diagonal struts are arranged differently from the torque struts, and also
help to prevent dive and squat when braking and accelerating
The track rods limit changes in the wheel's toe-in to a desirable minimum
Owing to this intelligent control arm construction, each rear wheel basically retains freedom of movement in one plane only: namely during controlled compression and rebound.
See also:
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified
U.S. government course. For example, a tire
graded 150 wo ...
Switching the windshield wipers on/
off
WARNING
Wiper blades are components that are subject
to wear and tear. Replace the wiper blades
twice a year, preferably in the spring and fall.
Otherwise the windshield will not be wiped
...
Definition of terms for tires andloading
Tire ply composition and material
used
Describes the number of plies or the number
of layers of rubber-coated fabric in the tire
tread and sidewall. These are made of steel,
nylon, polyester and ...