Section 604 (Rear Suspension System): General Description

The rear suspension utilizes coil springs over struts and light weight aluminum knuckles. Each wheel is mounted to a tri-link independent suspension system. The 3 links are identified as the inverted U-channel trailing arm and the tubular front and rear rods.

Fig 1: Identifying Rear Suspension Components

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Parallel links allow the rear wheels to deflect upward when the rear wheels hit a road hazard, without moving the toe angle in a positive direction. An advantage of this suspension system is the reduction of unsprung and overall weight. Handling is improved with the independent action of each rear wheel. The rods control the lateral wheel deflection.

Several techniques are employed to achieve this independent wheel movement. The tri-link design may be compared to a right angle. The wheel is located at the right angle formed by the rods and the trailing arm. The ends of the tri-links hinge in order to provide vertical wheel travel. The solid links force the wheel to travel through a controlled arc whose fore-aft position is determined by the trailing arm, and whose lateral position is determined by the rods.

Aside from maintaining geometric wheel location, each portion of the suspension has additional functions. The knuckle supports the brake caliper. All brake torque and braking forces are transmitted through the tri-links and the strut. The final duty of the rods is to maintain the camber angle of the wheel throughout the wheel's travel, and to allow for setting the toe. The overall result of this rear suspension geometry is to maintain the rear wheels in a near vertical position at all times.

The stabilizer shaft attaches to the stabilizer bar drop link and extends rearward, where the stabilizer connects to the rear suspension support by 2 rubber bushings and mounting brackets.

A non-serviceable unit hub and bearing bolts to the knuckle. This hub and bearing is a sealed, maintenance-free unit.

Check the suspension system periodically for the following conditions:

• Shock absorbency.
• Bushing durability.
• Tightness of attaching bolts.
• Visible damage.
• Misalignment.
• Excessive wear.