Vääntösauvat

Vääntösauvat, often translated as torsion bars, are a type of spring system used in vehicle suspension. Instead of a coiled spring, a vääntösauva is a long metal bar that twists when one end is subjected to force and the other is fixed. This twisting action creates a reactive force that helps to absorb road imperfections and support the vehicle's weight.

In a vehicle suspension system, one end of the vääntösauva is typically attached to the vehicle's frame or chassis, while the other end is connected to a suspension control arm. As the wheel moves up and down over bumps and dips, it causes the control arm to rotate. This rotation twists the vääntösauva, storing energy. When the force is released, the vääntösauva untwists, returning the energy and helping to push the wheel back to its original position.

Vääntösauvat offer several advantages. They are relatively simple in design, durable, and can be adjusted to alter the vehicle's ride height and stiffness. This adjustability makes them popular in off-road vehicles and some performance cars. However, they can also be more complex to implement in certain suspension geometries compared to coil springs, and their effectiveness can be influenced by factors like the length and diameter of the bar. Historically, they were a common suspension component, particularly in older American trucks and some European cars, though they are less prevalent in modern passenger vehicles which often utilize coil springs or air suspension.