Monroe's Technical Support will help you find
answers to the most frequently asked product and installation questions
and provide invaluable technical training information. If you need
additional information or assistance, Monroe's Ride Control Technical
Assistance Team can assist you.
WHAT IS RIDE CONTROL
RIDE CONTROL DEFINED
According to Newton's First Law, a moving body will continue moving in a
straight line until it is acted upon by another force. Newton's Second
Law states that for each action there is an equal and opposite reaction.
In the case of the automobile, whether the disturbing force is in the
form of a wind-gust,an incline in the roadway, or the cornering forces
produced by tires, the force causing the action and the force resisting
the action will always be in balance.
Many things affect
vehicles in motion. Weight distribution, speed, road conditions and wind
are some factors that affect how vehicles travel down the highway.
Under all these variables however, the vehicle suspension system
including the shocks, struts and springs must be in good condition. Worn
suspension components may reduce the stability of the vehicle and
reduce driver control. They may also accelerate wear on other suspension
components.
Replacing worn or inadequate shocks and struts will help maintain good ride control as they:
Control spring and suspension movement
Provide consistent handling and braking
Prevent premature tire wear
Help keep the tires in contact with the road
Maintain dynamic wheel alignment
Control vehicle bounce, roll, sway, dive and acceleration squat
Reduce wear on other vehicle systems
Promote even and balanced tire and brake wear
Reduce driver fatigue
Suspension concepts and components have changed and will continue to
change dramatically, but the basic objective remains the same:
Provide steering stability with good handling characteristics
Maximize passenger comfort
Achieving these objectives under all variables of a vehicle in motion is called ride control.
