Re: [DML] Lotus Esprit Rear Suspension

[mike.griese@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

I don't see where you are getting that it's 90 degrees out of 
actual movement.  The rear suspension travels roughly in a 
vertical arc.  The shock and spring is arranged to control the 
travel of the hub carrier as it moves vertically.  The arrangement 
is no different than the front control arm, with the exception 
that the lower shock mount trails the hub instead of being
contained by the control arm.  Obviously what Lotus did
does work.

When you consider the trailing arm mount to the frame, you 
have to devise a joint that travels along 3 axes.  This is why
the mount is done as it is.  As the rear wheel is deflected up,
the trailing arm twists, so the front mount has to pivot.
When the rear wheel hits a bump, there is some rearward
motion, so the mount has to accomodate fore/aft motions.

--
Mike

-------------- Original message from "Tom Niemczewski" <dmctom@xxxxxxxxx>: -------------- 


> Mike 
> 
> I understand their approach of minimalism - use as little parts as possible 
> and make them at light weight as possible. That might explain the front 
> setup.... Although I still think they went overboard with those control 
> arms. 
> Their approach will never explain the design of the lower mount of the rear 
> shock. Why is it at 90 degrees to the actual movement? Beats me... it simply 
> doesn't work! 


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]


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