LIMIT HANDLING PERFORMANCE AS INFLUENCED BY DEGRADATION OF STEERING AND SUSPENSION SYSTEMS. VOLUME II

The influence of degradations in steering and suspension system (S/SS) components on limit handling behavior of passenger vehicles is examined by means of analysis, simulation, laboratory measurement, and full-scale testing. The major single conclusions deriving from this study is that vehicle handling performance at the limits of tire-road adhesion is negligibly influenced by degradation in S/SS components, both singly and in combination. A principal exception, as indicated by a positive sensitivity in certain performance measures, is degraded shock absorbers. In view of the findings, it appears that benefits to the vehicle-in-use safety program deriving from additional research on this specific topic would be minimal.