The torsion bar extends from the front suspension to a point towards the rear of the vehicle, where it is bolted to the chassis with a bracket. This acts as the pivoting point for the torsion bar.
The torsion bar supports the vehicle load and twists around its center to provide the springing action.
The spring rate depends upon the length of the bar. The shorter and thicker the bar, the stiffer its spring rate.
In this application, the other end of the torsion bar is located at the front suspension. It is the front pivoting point for the suspension.
The lower control arm pivots on bushes. These bushes twist on the lower control arm, which is located in a housing attached to the cross-member.
The system also has an upper control arm bush that is attached to the upper part of the cross-member. The lower ball joint is attached to the lower control arm and allows the steering knuckle to rotate as the steering wheel is turned. The lower control arm moves up and down to accommodate movement in the suspension. This particular design is sometimes referred to as a ‘Wishbone Control Arm’.
The upper ball joint is attached to the upper control arm and allows the steering knuckle to rotate as the steering wheel is turned.
