Pull Rod Suspension

Pull rod suspension is a specialized racing car suspension system where a rod connects the top of the wheel assembly to the lower part of the car's frame, and when the wheel hits a bump, this rod gets pulled downward to activate the shock absorbers and springs.

This system works differently from regular car suspensions because the spring and shock absorber components are mounted inside the car's body rather than near the wheels. When a racing car's wheel moves up and down on the track, the pull rod transfers this movement through a lever system called a rocker arm, which then operates the springs and dampers that control how the car handles bumps and corners.

The main advantage of pull rod suspension is that it allows engineers to mount the heavy suspension parts lower in the car, which lowers the center of gravity. Think of it like lowering the weight in a toy car - it becomes much more stable and less likely to tip over when cornering at high speeds. This makes the race car handle better and feel more planted during fast turns.

Pull rod systems also help with aerodynamics, which is crucial in open-wheel racing like Formula 1. By moving suspension components inboard and positioning the pull rod more horizontally, teams can design better airflow around the car. This improved airflow helps generate more downforce, which pushes the car down onto the track for better grip.

Famous examples include the Brabham BT49 from 1979, which was one of the first successful Formula 1 cars to use this system, and more recently, teams like Red Bull Racing and McLaren have used pull rod suspension on their front wheels. The system has become increasingly popular in modern Formula 1 because it offers teams more flexibility in designing the car's aerodynamic package.

The main drawbacks include more complex packaging within the tight confines of a race car and potentially more difficult access for mechanics during pit stops. However, many top racing teams consider these trade-offs worthwhile for the performance benefits that pull rod suspension provides.