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A radius rod (also called a radius arm, torque arm, torque spring, and torsion bar) is a suspension link intended to control wheel motion in the longitudinal (fore-aft) direction. The link is connected (with a rubber or solid bushing ) on one end to the wheel carrier or axle , on the other to the chassis or unibody of the vehicle.
The reversing rod (with its lifting arm), needed to change between forward and reverse running, is therefore mounted at the same level as the pivot of the expansion link. This enables the lifting link ( German : Hängeeisen ) to be dispensed with, and the lifting arm to be connected directly to the radius rod.
It can thus control the position of the outboard end in only a single degree of freedom, maintaining the radial distance from the inboard mount. Although not deliberately free to move, the single bushing does not control the arm from moving back and forth; this motion is constrained by a separate link or radius rod. [2]
The axle receives its vertical and transverse support from a transverse leaf spring (leaf springs were often used for support in more than one direction), and its longitudinal support from fore-aft links sometimes called "radius rods" which are attached (via pivots) to the ends of the axle at their forward end and to the sides of the chassis ...
A strut suspension like MacPherson's requires a hinged lower member between the chassis and wheel hub to control the wheel position both inwards and outwards (controlling the track), and also forwards and backwards. This may be provided by a wishbone with a number of joints, or by using an additional radius rod.
Later American Motors Rambler models (1962 through 1966) used a flange and cushion mount in place of the ball and socket. [5] Since the torque tube does not constrain the car's body to the axle in the lateral (side-to-side) direction, a panhard rod is often used for this purpose. The combination of the panhard rod and the torque tube allows the ...
The strut spring, driveshaft below and radius rod can just be seen In 1956 Chapman was using de Dion rear axles for his Lotus racing cars and also the Vanwall . These had initially used transverse leaf springs , but later changed to coilover shock absorbers.
The shape of the subframe changed to an approximate triangle, bolted to the front of the differential and attached to the car at approximately the same points as the radius arms of the first generation IRS. The rear of the differential was further supported by a pair of link rods attaching it to the car's rear floor structure.