What shock absorbers do

Rear suspensions

A great variety of rear suspension systems exists. Some manufacturers still use a rigid rear axle, either in association with semi-elliptical leaf springs or mounted with coil springs and longitudinal rods, plus a "Panhard bar" for lateral guidance.

Some front wheel drive systems which retain the rigid rear axle use a simple tube with two semi-elliptical leaf springs, or an axle supported on coil springs and guide rods. On rear wheel drive vehicles, some manufacturers use the "De Dion axle". In this elegant system, the driving wheels are mounted on properly guided rigid triangles, while the "suspended" differential is fixed to the chassis.

Different types of rear suspension.