Land Rover Discovery: Spring and Shock Absorber

NOTE:

Adaptive dynamics shock absorber shown, standard shock absorber similar.

1. Locknut
2. Bolts - Top mount
3. Top mount plate
4. Top mount bearing
5. Spring isolator
6. Spring
7. Spring Isolator
8. Shock absorber body
9. Spring seat
10. Shock absorber piston rod
11. Spring aid
12. Boot

The spring and shock absorber assembly consists of a shock absorber with a coil spring located on a welded spring seat on the shock absorber tube. The lower end of the shock absorber body locates in the wheel knuckle and is clamped with a nut and bolt.

Depending on vehicle specification, the shock absorber is either a conventional shock absorber or an adaptive shock absorber.

The conventional shock absorber damping functions by restricting the flow of hydraulic fluid through a piston in the shock absorber.

The adaptive shock absorber damping functions by also restricting the flow of a fluid through the piston. In the adaptive shock absorber instead of hydraulic fluid it contains a fluid whose flow properties change when subjected to a magnetic field, which enables the damping rate to be varied.

For additional information, refer to: Vehicle Dynamic Suspension (204-05 Vehicle Dynamic Suspension, Description and Operation).

The shock absorber rod is located through a central hole in the top mount assembly. The shock absorber rod is threaded at its outer end. A selflocking nut secures the shock absorber rod to the top mount assembly. A spring aid is fitted between the top mount assembly and the shock absorber to counter the bump loads and also assist with vehicle roll performance.

There are different spring aids for conventional and adaptive shock absorbers.

The shock absorber rod is sealed at its exit point from the shock absorber body to retain the fluid within the shock absorber and to prevent the ingress of dirt and moisture. The seal also incorporates a wiper to keep the shock absorber rod clean. A boot is fitted between the shock absorber body and the top mount and protects the shock absorber piston rod from damage.

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 a spring seat which is an integral part of the shock absorber body and contains a spring isolator. The design of the spring seat prevents the spring rotating. The spring has a linear or dual rate compression and is inclined to counter cornering forces.

The opposite end of the coil spring is also located in a spring isolator which is fitted in the top mount assembly. Both spring isolators are made from rubber and reduce any noise, produced during shock absorber and spring compression/extension, from being transmitted to the vehicle body.

The top mount bearing is pressed onto the top mount plate. The top mount bearing reduces steering resistance by preventing the spring from 'winding' up when the steering in turned. The top mount assembly attaches to the suspension turret with three bolts.

Two brackets are welded to the shock absorber body. One bracket provides for the attachment of the stabilizer bar link. The second bracket provides for the attachment of the brake hose, the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) wheel speed sensor cable and the brake pad wear sensor lead. On vehicles with dynamic suspension the adaptive shock absorber cable is also attached to the second bracket. The second bracket also positively locates the shock absorber into the wheel knuckle and its location is critical to controlling the vehicle trim height.

Front Suspension / Description and OperationLower Control Arm

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