Description of the rear suspension design (Opel Zafira A)

The car's rear suspension is semi-independent, made on an elastic beam with longitudinal levers, cylindrical springs and double-acting shock absorbers.

The rear suspension beam consists of two longitudinal levers connected by a U-shaped cross-member. This cross-member provides the cross-member with greater bending rigidity and less torsional rigidity, allowing the levers to move relative to each other within small limits and act as a stabilizer of lateral stability.

The levers are made of a variable section profile, which gives them the necessary rigidity. At the front, the beam levers are secured with bolts in removable brackets of the body side members. The mobility of the levers is ensured by rubber-metal hinges (silent blocks), pressed into the eyes of the levers.



Brackets for mounting shock absorbers and lower support cups of springs are welded to the rear part of the levers. The springs are made separately from the shock absorbers and are attached to the body side member with the upper support cups. A protective cover and an upper support are installed on the shock absorber rod. The shock absorber is attached to the car body through the upper support. The protective cover prevents dust and dirt from getting onto the shock absorber rod.



Also, vertical flanges are installed at the rear of the levers, to which the rear wheel hubs and brake shields with pads are bolted.

The rear wheel hub assembly with the journal and bearing is a non-separable unit.