The Pros and Cons of Double Wishbone Suspension

Date Posted: 22 August 2024

Clearly, the suspension system plays a critical role in how a vehicle handles and how comfortable driving it is, yet, not all suspension systems are made equal. Among the various types, the double wishbone suspension design is often highlighted for its advanced handling capabilities and precision. However, it’s not the only option available.

MacPherson struts and multi-link suspensions are also widely used, each offering its own set of characteristics and benefits. In this article, we’ll explore the components of vehicle suspensions, delve into the pros and cons of double wishbone, and see how it compares to MacPherson and multi-link systems, in the hope that it will help you decide which suspension type is best suited for your needs.

So let’s start from the beginning.

The Components of a Vehicle’s Suspension System and Its Purpose

In essence, the purpose of a suspension system is to ensure that a vehicle handles well while providing comfort for the occupants. It keeps the tyres in firm contact with the road, improves steering stability, and distributes weight evenly during acceleration, braking, and turning, while absorbing and dampening the impact of any holes, bumps, or anything else you might encounter while driving.

The design of a suspension system can vary, but the main components of a typical suspension system include:

Springs: Springs are the primary component that absorbs the energy from road bumps and uneven surfaces. They come in different types, such as coil springs, leaf springs, and torsion bars. Their role is to support your vehicle's weight and manage vertical motion.
Shock Absorbers: These work in conjunction with the springs to control the bounce. While the springs absorb the impact, shock absorbers dampen the oscillation to prevent excessive bouncing and maintain tyre contact with the road.
Struts: Struts are a type of suspension component that combines a shock absorber and a spring in a single unit. They are used in certain suspension systems, like the MacPherson strut (which we’ll discuss later), to provide both damping and structural support.
Control Arms: Control arms connect the vehicle's suspension to the frame or body and allow for up-and-down movement while maintaining the wheel's position in relation to the vehicle.
Anti-Roll Bars: Anti-roll bars are used to reduce body roll during cornering. They connect opposite wheels together and distribute weight across the suspension, improving stability and handling.
Bushings: Finally, bushings are rubber or polyurethane components that cushion the joints between various suspension parts. Plus, they reduce vibration and noise, partially contributing to a more pleasant ride.

Three Types: Double Wishbone, MacPherson, and Multi-Link Suspension Systems

A man at a mechanic checking if he can upgrade his car with double wishbone suspension.

When it comes to the different types of suspension systems, there are three types, all with distinct advantages and disadvantages. Namely, you will find:

Double Wishbone Suspension: This system uses two control arms (upper and lower) that form a wishbone shape, hence the name. The control arms connect the wheel hub to the vehicle frame, which allows for precise control of wheel motion. It also includes a coil spring and shock absorber mounted between the arms to manage vertical movement.
MacPherson Strut Suspension: With a simpler design, the MacPherson strut integrates the spring and shock absorber into a single unit that connects directly to the vehicle’s frame at the top and the wheel hub at the bottom. It uses a single control arm to manage the wheel’s position, essentially making it a compact and cost-effective system.
Multi-Link Suspension: Multi-link suspensions consist of multiple control arms (typically three to five) that connect the wheel hub to the vehicle’s frame. This design allows for greater flexibility in tuning and wheel alignment, offering independent control over different aspects of wheel movement. It often includes separate coil springs and shock absorbers.

Now, let’s discuss each individual type in more detail.

The Pros and Cons of Double Wishbone Suspension

Double wishbone suspension is a popular choice and has several key advantages over the other types. For one, it provides excellent camber control, allowing for optimal tyre contact and enhanced handling performance. Then, the design enables precise steering response, giving you a very good, communicative feel for how your vehicle handles.

Additionally, it can be tuned for both comfortable ride quality and superior handling. Finally, the relatively compact design of double wishbone suspension offers packaging flexibility, so it is suitable for a variety of applications. Double wishbone is usually used in performance and luxury vehicles.

That being said, there are some cons to double wishbone suspension. It is complex and can be costly to manufacture due to its multiple components. It also adds unsprung weight, which can affect ride quality. Finally, the system requires precise alignment for optimal performance and may reduce ground clearance, which can limit its use in certain vehicles.

Double Wishbone vs. MacPherson

It can be difficult to compare double wishbone suspension and MacPherson struts as they are significantly different in design and application. Double wishbone systems offer superior handling precision and camber control compared to MacPherson struts, making them ideal for high-performance vehicles. They allow for fine-tuning of ride quality but are more complex and expensive to produce.

On the other hand, MacPherson struts are simpler and more compact, making them cost-effective and easier to maintain. They are commonly used in everyday vehicles due to their space-saving design and adequate performance. However, they simply don't offer the same level of steering precision or customisation as double wishbone systems.

Double Wishbone vs. Multi-Link

When comparing double wishbone and multi-link suspensions, both are known for their advanced handling characteristics, but they operate differently. Double wishbone systems provide consistent camber control and precise steering response, which are ideal for performance-orientated vehicles. They offer a balance between comfort and handling, but have a more rigid structure.

Multi-link suspensions, with their multiple control arms, offer even greater flexibility in tuning and can better adapt to various driving conditions. This system provides greater comfort and better isolation from road imperfections but is more complex, leading to higher costs and maintenance challenges. In short, double wishbone focusses on better handling at the (slight) expense of comfort, while multi-link suspension does the opposite.

Which Type of Suspension Is Best for You?

Based on what we just talked about, it should be clear that choosing the right suspension depends on your driving needs and priorities. If you value precise handling and a direct steering feel, especially for performance or sports cars, the double wishbone suspension might be ideal. It's perfect if you prioritise driving dynamics and are willing to invest in a more complex system.

For everyday driving where cost, space efficiency, and maintenance are important, the MacPherson strut is a practical solution. If you’re looking for a blend of comfort, adaptability, and handling, especially in luxury or high-end vehicles, the multi-link suspension could be the best fit. Ultimately, your decision should balance performance, comfort, and budget.

The Best Aftermarket Suspension Parts in Australia

The close-up view of a Mercedes with performance suspension.

Regardless of the type of suspension system you choose to have in your car, the most important thing is that it is constructed from high-quality components. That’s what we offer at Perform-Ex Auto - we sell premier aftermarket suspension and steering parts. If you wish to upgrade your suspension system and need new coil springs, shock absorbers & struts, control arms, or anything else, you will find it here.

All of our parts come with a genuine warranty, and we guarantee we can offer the lowest price. If you find a suspension part we sell for less at another authorised Australian dealer, contact us and we will match the price. You can make your purchase online, and we will ship the parts right to your address. Finally, don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions or need help; we’ll respond to you as quickly as possible.