Honda Acura NSX 1991, Service Manual

Page: 650 / 1420

(Front Compliance Mechanism)
To avoid the usual compromise between ride quality and handling characteristics, a pivot-type “compliance mechanism”
has been designed as an integral part of the front suspension. When one of the front wheels is subjected to a rearward
movement by an uneven. road surface or by heavy braking, the load produced has two separate effects. As with any
suspension system, the load acts in the vertical direction to compress the suspension spring and reduce the ride height.
On the NSX the load also acts through both the upper and lower control arms to twist the compliance pivot. This allows
the wheel to move rearward by a controlled amount, thus absorbing energy. The result is an outstanding ride quality with
only minimal changes to track width and wheel geometry. In Corning, the compliance pivot does not come into play and
the lateral suspension stiffness required for maximum roadholding and optimum control response is maintained.
(Rear Toe Control Arm)
Many conventional passenger-car independent rear suspension systems are subject to undesirable changes in toe-in
angle with wheel movement. This results in instability both in Corning and in acceleration. In the NSX, the design and
pivot locations of the rear toe control arm produce a slight controlled increase in toe-in during bump travel. As a result,
the NSX is extremely stable under heavy cornering loads and over bumpy road surfaces.
TOE CONTROL ARM