Dubonnet suspension
Encyclopedia
Dubonnet suspension was a system of independent front suspension
and steering
popular mainly in the 1930s and 1940s. Not very durable unless exactingly maintained, it was soon replaced by other versions. It consisted of a rigidly mounted axle beam
in which the sprung steering and suspension arms pivoted aound kingpins mounted of the ends of the axle. The wheels themselves were mounted onto stub axles, suspended from the kingpins. The system featured an encased coil spring
and shock absorber
, which sealed in the oil needed to lubricate and protect the suspension parts. This was also the weakness of the layout, as any leaks would have negative effects on ride and durability.
The system was invented by French engineer and designer André Dubonnet (heir to the Dubonnet
vermouth fortune), and built into his Hispano-Suiza
based special of 1933. He sold it to General Motors who adapted it as their "Knee-action ride", but the system was also used by many others including Fiat, Alfa Romeo, and Simca.
Independent suspension
Independent suspension is a broad term for any automobile suspension system that allows each wheel on the same axle to move vertically independently of each other. This is contrasted with a beam axle, live axle or deDion axle system in which the wheels are linked – movement on one side affects...
and steering
Steering
Steering is the term applied to the collection of components, linkages, etc. which will allow a vessel or vehicle to follow the desired course...
popular mainly in the 1930s and 1940s. Not very durable unless exactingly maintained, it was soon replaced by other versions. It consisted of a rigidly mounted axle beam
Beam axle
A beam axle is a suspension system, also called a solid axle, in which one set of wheels is connected laterally by a single beam or shaft...
in which the sprung steering and suspension arms pivoted aound kingpins mounted of the ends of the axle. The wheels themselves were mounted onto stub axles, suspended from the kingpins. The system featured an encased coil spring
Coil spring
A Coil spring, also known as a helical spring, is a mechanical device, which is typically used to store energy and subsequently release it, to absorb shock, or to maintain a force between contacting surfaces...
and shock absorber
Shock absorber
A shock absorber is a mechanical device designed to smooth out or damp shock impulse, and dissipate kinetic energy. It is a type of dashpot.-Nomenclature:...
, which sealed in the oil needed to lubricate and protect the suspension parts. This was also the weakness of the layout, as any leaks would have negative effects on ride and durability.
The system was invented by French engineer and designer André Dubonnet (heir to the Dubonnet
Dubonnet
Dubonnet is a sweet, wine-based aperitif. It is a blend of fortified wine, herbs, and spices , with fermentation being stopped by the addition of alcohol....
vermouth fortune), and built into his Hispano-Suiza
Hispano-Suiza
Hispano-Suiza was a Spanish automotive and engineering firm, best known for its luxury cars and aviation engines in the pre-World War II period of the twentieth century. In 1923, its French subsidiary became a semi-autonomous partnership with the parent company and is now part of the French SAFRAN...
based special of 1933. He sold it to General Motors who adapted it as their "Knee-action ride", but the system was also used by many others including Fiat, Alfa Romeo, and Simca.