Mitsubishi MOTORS Lancer Evolution VIII 2003, Technical Information Manual

Page: 35 / 368

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
REAR SUSPENSION 34-2
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
M2340000100137
A trailing arm type multi-link suspension is used for
the rear suspension. In contrast to the trailing arm
multi-link system used on the Lancer, the Lancer
Evolution uses a newly developed multi-link system
built on a double wishbone base to achieve superior
handling stability. Optimum design of the suspension
points and use of aluminum parts for the suspension
arms and crossmember reduces weight. In addition,
use of ball joints on the suspension arms reduce fric-
tion and creates a suspension system that exhibits
superior stroke characteristics that respond well
under all driving conditions.
STRUCTURE
1. The A-shape upper arm assembly mounted
inside the wheel combines with the three I-
shaped arms including the trailing arm assembly
that runs in front-rear orientation with the vehi-
cleís body, the lower arm assembly and the assist
link to support the knuckle.
2. Each arm uses a ball joint and pillow ball bushing
at the knuckle end and a pillow ball bushing at the
body end, and are mounted on the body via the
crossmember.
3. Alignment and suspension stroke, a wider track,
and optimization of roll center height improves
cornering response throughout the range from
initial response through to the cornering limit.
COMPONENT CHARACTERISTICS
(COMPARED TO THE LANCER)
1. Suspension arm (made of forged aluminum)
•
The trailing arm assembly, upper arm assem-
bly, lower arm assembly and assist link are
made of forged aluminum to reduce weight
and increase rigidity.
•
The knuckle mount and body-end mount for
the lower arm assembly use pillow ball bush-
ings for high rigidity and reduce suspension
friction.
•
The body-end mount for the assist link uses a
low-friction slide bushing.
2. Crossmember (made of forged aluminum)
•
The crossmember is made of forged alumi-
num to reduce weight and increase rigidity.
3. Shock absorber, coil spring, stabilizer, bump rub-
ber
•
The shock absorber size was changed and
the rod diameter was increased to improve
stability during roll by increasing damping
response.
•
Optimization of shock absorber damping,
spring rate, bump rubber characteristics and
bushing characteristics improves cornering
response throughout the range from initial
response through to the cornering limit.