DEGRADATION OF STEERING AND SUSPENSION COMPONENTS AFFECTING DRIVER-VEHICLE PERFORMANCE DURING EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

The report deals with the effects of free play in steering and wheel suspension components on vehicle handling, with special attention to the performance of the driver/vehicle system in emergency situations. A field study has been carried out in which 33 subjects drove a Volvo 142 and a Saab 99 in both original condition and with certain degradations in steering and wheel suspension. The cars were driven on a test track where the drivers were exposed to two different types of surprise situations in which quick avoidance manoeuvres were necessary. The cars were equipped with instruments for the registration of speed, side acceleration, and steering wheel movement. After having driven the cars, the drivers made a comparative rating of the handling qualities of the cars. The test method used in the study is evaluated and a comparison is made with other methods for testing vehicle characteristics. Based upon the results from the present study and from other similar studies, in USA and Sweden, conclusions are drawn regarding the effects of free play in steering and suspension on vehicle handling and traffic safety. Consequently, some general recommendations are given for the evaluation of degradation in steering and suspension components at annual vehicle inspections.

• Corporate Authors:

  Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute (VTI)

  Linköping,   Sweden  SE-581 95
• Authors:
  • Arnberg, P W
  • ODSELL, O
• Publication Date: 1978

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: 30 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Emergencies; Human machine systems; Maneuverability; Steering wheels; Suspensions
• Uncontrolled Terms: Degradation
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00178411
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: VTI Report No. 109A
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 29 1978 12:00AM