F1 push-rod and pull-rod suspension explained
A big talking point of Formula 1 car design is push-rod and pull-rod suspension. But what is the difference between them, and why is it so important? Mercedes push-rod front suspension detail Photo by: Giorgio Piola What's the difference between push-rod and pull-rod suspension? An F1 car’s suspension has an upper and lower wishbone – triangular-shaped carbon fibre bars that absorb the shock from the road – which essentially connects the chassis to the wheels. Between the wishbones, both at the front and rear, is a suspension rod – either a push-rod or a pull-rod – that connects the wheel to a horizontal torsion spring. The torsion spring stores and releases energy, while twisting when force is applied to it, and that helps to keep a car stable over bumpy surfaces. A push-rod mechanism sits high up on the chassis where a diagonal rod then connects it to a low point of the wheel. So, over bumps or kerbs the wheel pushes ...