Land Rover Discovery: Spring and Shock Absorber

NOTE:

Adaptive dynamics damper shown, standard damper similar.

1. Bolt - shock absorber to wheel knuckle
2. Shock absorber
3. Nut - Shock absorber top mounting to body fastener
4. Nut - shock absorber to top mounting.
5. Spring isolator
6. Spring
7. Nut - shock absorber to wheel knuckle

Spring

The coil spring fitted differs with vehicle specification. Each spring is color coded to identify its rating and fitment requirements.

The lower end of the coil spring is located in the lower control arm which contains a spring seat and spring isolator. The design of the spring seat prevents the spring rotating. The spring has a linear rate compression and is inclined to counter cornering forces.

The upper end of the coil spring is also located in a spring isolator underneath the vehicle's body member. Both spring isolators are made from rubber and reduce any noise, produced during damper and spring compression and extension, from being transmitted to the vehicle body

Shock absorber

The Shock absorber assembly is a twin-tube design; the lower end of the shock absorber is fitted with a bush and is attached to the wheel knuckle.

The shock absorber top mounting is secured to the body with two nuts.

The shock absorber functions by restricting the flow of hydraulic fluid through internal galleries within the shock absorber. The shock absorber rod moves axially within the shock absorber, its movement limited by the flow of fluid through the galleries, providing damping of undulations in the terrain.

The shock absorber rod is sealed at its exit point from the shock absorber body to maintain the fluid within the unit and to prevent the ingress of dirt and moisture. The seal also incorporates a wiper to keep the rod clean.

For additional information, refer to: Vehicle Dynamic Suspension (204-05, Description and Operation). For vehicles fitted with an adaptive damping system.

Upper control arm

1. Bolt - upper control arm to wheel knuckle
2. Bush - upper control arm to wheel knuckle
3. Nut - upper control arm to wheel knuckle
4. Upper control arm
5. Nut - upper control arm to subframe
6. Bush - upper control arm to subframe
7. Bolt - upper control arm to subframe

The Upper control arm is made from forged aluminum with both ends of the arm having a bush housing machined in the arm; a bush is pressed into each of the housings. The inner end locates in brackets on the upper section of the subframe. The outer end of the bar locates in lugs at the top of the wheel knuckle.

Rear Suspension / Description and OperationLower Control Arm and Tie Bar

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