[tmac]

OK, help me guys and gals- what is it and what does it mean?

 

[Wagonuser]

Re: unsprung weight? (tmac)

A Simple answer is...
Sprung weight, is the weight of all items supported by the springs,, ie, most of the car,
Unsprung weight is the weight of those items that are essentially supported directly by the road via the tires before you get to the springs. Such as the tires, the wheels, the hubs, the discs, maybe the back axel. (essentially the weight of the suspension pieces & brakes)
There are a few items that are more ambiguous, because they have a connection to a supported location, and a connection to an unsprung object. Things like half shafts, suspension arms, shocks, and steering arms.
most likely the weight of these items is split between sprung/unsprung categories.
For normal suspension purposes, it is probably easier to achieve better ride quality if the weight of those components is reduced.
On some jaguars, and a few other older english cars, they actually moved the rear discs next to the differential, so they could reduce the weight of the rear suspension.

Regards

 

[tmac]

Re: unsprung weight? (Wagonuser)

Thanks.
Tony

 

[SAEDave]

Re: unsprung weight? (Wagonuser)

Your answer should be a reminder to those who think big tires are always great: The additional unsprung weight will usually adversely affect the ride, adding to impact harshness and could even worsen handling over bumpy turns. The suspension system is carefully calibrated for spring rates, damping and tire weight; changing just one element is often counrterproductive. That does not mean that a stiffer, more highly damped sport suspension with larger (heavier) tires won't be ok other than rougher ride.