How FAI is supporting the future of steering and suspension systems

Steering suspension dynamics have significantly evolved over the 20 years FAI have supplied the Aftermarket, as manufacturers have adopted more complex systems. Multi-link suspension and double wishbones have become commonplace, not only on the front but also at the rear of vehicles, replacing the heavily relied-on torsion beam.

This revolution was perfect for UK roads, as they were more equipped to absorb pot-hole-scarred highways and keep the rear of the vehicle stable whilst navigating undulating country roads.

With the rise of electric vehicles and electric variants of existing models, these complex systems are put under further strain as curb weight increases far beyond ICE-driven vehicles; not to mention the need to keep what is often an SUV-style application flat and stable in the corners.

Many manufacturers realised the use of aluminium components to counteract the weight of batteries. FAI has kept pace with industry manufacturing techniques and demand for modern vehicles where components experience failure. Vehicles such as the award-winning Jaguar i-Pace and Audi e-Tron are perfect examples of this scenario, sporting newly developed aluminium front control arms.

Traditional steel arms, when placed under strain outside design parameters such as fully depressing a wheel in a deep pothole, tend to bend the metal structure, while retaining its functionality.

During winter months, as the roads deteriorate, failures of suspension parts are common yet with aluminium components, the arm doesn’t behave like the steel counterparts, splitting or shearing off when load is exceeded.