| Term | Definition |
|---|
| Ball Joints | the pivot point for turning the front wheels to the right or left |
| Camber | the inward or outward tilt of the wheel from the top of that wheel |
| Caster | the backward or forward tilt of the spindle support arm to the top |
| Center Link | a steering linkage component connected between the pitman and idler arms |
| Coil Spring | supports the car's weight, maintain the car's stance, or height, and position all the other suspension parts correctly |
| Idler Arm | supports the right end of the center link |
| Inner/Outer Tie Rod | connects the center link to the steering knuckle, allows adjustment of the toe angle |
| Leaf Spring | the most common spring used on rear suspensions, and it consists of one or more leaves and usually has its ends formed into eyes for connection to the vehicle frame |
| Lower Control Arm | the control arm acts as a hinge to allow the wheels to go up and down independently of fthe chassis |
| Steering Gear | transfers turning motion from steering wheel to steering linkage parts |
| Pitman Arm | a steering linkage component that connects the steering gear to the linkage at the left end of the center link |
| Rack and Pinion | a steering system consisting of a flat gear (rack) and a mating gear (pinion). The pinion meshes with teeth on the rack causing the rack to move left or right. This motion moves tie rods and the spindle arm to steer the front wheel. |
| Front Wheel Drive Axles | transfers power from the transmissions to the wheels |
| CV Joints/Boots | allows the tires to rotate, turn and move up and down while the vehicle is moving |
| Driveshaft | transfers power from the differential to the wheels |
| Differential | changes the turning motion from the driveshaft to the rear axle shafts |
| Rear Axles | transfers power from the differential to the wheels |
| Ride Height | height of the vehicle from the frame to the floor |
| Shocks | to stabilize the car as it goes over bumps and into turns. Helps keep the tires on the ground |
| Steering Knuckle | a part of the front suspension that connects the wheel to the suspension system and the tire rod ends for steering. The wheel spindle is also attached to the steering knuckle |
| Strut Rod | a rod on the suspension system located ahead of or behind a lower control arm to retain the arm in its intended position |
| Struts | attached to the lower control arm on the bottom and to the shock tower on the top. Performs same functions as a shock. |
| Sway Bar Link | connects the lower control arm to the sway bar |
| Sway Bar | a bar on the suspension system that connects the two sides together. It is designed so that during cornering, forces on one wheel are shared by the other |
| Tire Size | the height, width, and the diameter of the tire |
| Toe Angle | the inward or outward pointing of the front wheels as measured in inches or millimeters |
| Torsion Bar | a steel shaft that serves the same purpose as a coil spring, It is located between the lower control arm and the frame, and it twists when the vehicle moves up and down |
| Upper Control Arm | the upper part of the main link between the vehicle frame and the wheels. The control arm acts as a hinge to allow the wheel to go up and down independently of the chassis |
| Brake Rotor | surface area that brake pads squeeze against to slow rotation of tires |
| Caliper | houses caliper piston, which forces brake pads against the rotor |
| Front Pads | actaul parts that puts force on rotor to slow the tire down |
| Front Brake Hoses | transfers pressure developed in the master cylinder the caliper |
| Brake Drum | surface area the brake shoes push against to the slow the rear wheels |
| Wheel Cylinder | a device used to convert hydraulic fluid pressure to mechanical force for brake applications |
| Rear Shoes | are forced against the brake drum to produce the rear braking action |
| Return Springs | returns the brakes shoes back to original position after brake pedal has been realeased |
| Parking Brake Lever | forces the brake shoes out against the drum to prevent the car from rolling |
| Self-Adjuster | provides a way for the brake shoes to remain at the proper distance from the drums as the shoes wear down |
Combine with other sets
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