Procedure to verify the suspension system on periodical motor vehicle inspection

The suspension system of a vehicle is an essential element which assures driving safety and passenger comfort. The shock absorbers are the key component of this system. A worn-out damper reduces the tyre-road contact, resulting in increased stopping distances. Similarly, lateral stability may be compromised as a result of uncontrolled rolling movements. In order to maintain safe driving conditions, it is essential to verify the status of the suspension system during Periodic Motor Vehicle Inspections (PMVI) using efficient procedures. The International Motor Vehicle Inspection Committee (CITA), recognised by the European CommissionâEuros™s Directorate-General âEuros˜Transport & EnergyâEuros™, is discussing the development of Directives on periodic inspections of vehicle suspension systems based on a reliable method. The current method to verify the suspension system status at PMVI stations is not reliable because the criteria to accept or reject a vehicle depend strongly on the vehicle size. This paper proposes a procedure that uses a new test bench that determines the real status of the suspension system of a vehicle and is based on identifying the damping ratio of the shock absorbers. The proposed procedure has been validated by experimental tests.

Procedure to verify the suspension system on periodical motor vehicle inspection Articles