Influence of deteriorated suspension components on ABS braking

Vehicle ride control depends not only on vehicle design, but also on the condition of the vehicle components, and on suspension components in particular. Moreover, vehicles currently in use are equipped with many kinds of electronic devices that assist drivers in their daily and emergency situations. These devices focus on active safety, which increases vehicle-handling capabilities, e.g. by a targeted intervention of the brakes on the individual wheels. These systems require correctly functioning wheel suspension, which is not guaranteed by used vehicles, as worn dampers have fewer damping capabilities and worn bushings result in improper wheel alignment. This paper presents a simulation study of the influence of worn suspension components such as dampers and bushings on the braking capabilities of vehicles. The stopping distance of vehicles as well as lateral shift is compared for different levels of worn and defective suspension components.