Repair 7

What Are Macpherson Struts

Invented in the post-WWII auto boom, the MacPherson strut independent front suspension system provided automakers with a low-cost, more compact suspension design. Since then, many high-end and popular cars have relied on MacPherson struts for their performance needs, especially in Europe where smaller cars have become the standard.

History

Tasked with designing a smaller, more cost-effective and lighter alternative to Chevrolets 1940s lineup of heavy body-on-frame cars, Earle MacPherson, chief design engineer of Chevys "Light Car" project, designed what would become known as the MacPherson strut, and filed for a patent in March, 1947. This revolutionary independent front suspension design became a standard on many of Fords European cars after MacPherson left Chevrolet for Ford in late 1947, but didnt make its way into domestic Ford products until the 1970s.

Design

MacPhersons simple design relied on a spring-loaded strut to provide vertical wheel travel while also serving as a link control. The steering gear attaches directly to the shock housing. Unlike the eras widely used double-wishbone independent suspension systems, which required upper and lower control arms for each wheel, MacPhersons design employed only a lower control arm -- saving weight and space in the engine compartment.

Disadvantages

While the lighter, cheaper MacPherson strut system has clear advantages, there are drawbacks as well. MacPherson struts require a lot of vertical shock tower space, can be expensive to replace and force wheels to lose camber as the car body leans -- negatively affecting performance.