How Do Electronic Suspension Systems Work

The basic idea behind simpler electronic suspensions is to use electronically adjustable shocks and/or struts so suspension ride control characteristics can be adjusted or adapted to changing driving conditions, resulting in improved ride and handling.

Electronic shocks and struts have a small electric actuator motor mounted either atop the unit or inside to rotate a control rod or selector valve that opens or closes metering orifices in the piston valve.

This changes the relative stiffness of the shock as it travels through compression and rebound. The next generation of electronic shocks will use solenoids rather than motors because solenoids allow faster response times.

The position of the control rod or selector valve inside the shock or strut is determined by a dash-mounted switch in manually controlled systems and/or a microprocessor in systems with more sophisticated automatic controls.

Electronic shocks are nothing new. The Japanese introduced them to the U.S. market back in 1983 on the Mazda LX626 and the Nissan 300ZX. Since then, they have been offered on a variety of Japanese sports coupes and luxury sedans.