Flexible new ZF modular rear axle to cut costs
Highly adaptable ZF rear suspension design a boon for car-makersGerman transmission and suspension specialist ZF has developed a new modular rear axle that can be easily adapted to incorporate active rear-wheel steering, or a conventional or electric drive module without adding hugely to the cost of drivetrain development.
According to Uwe Cosmann, who heads up ZF's car chassis technology division "With the new rear axle system, we are offering our customers wide-ranging applications in disparate vehicle segments. The solution can be used in hybrid, fuel-cell, and battery-powered vehicles and can be combined with conventional all-wheel modules or with our active rear axle steering."
The basic axle comprises a development of a regular semi-trailing arm arrangement with modifications including a new link replacing the usual lower control arms, plus the addition of a toe link to provide for easy adjustability. The use of separate springs and dampers in a cheaper, more space-efficient assembly than a typical strut arrangement also means less wheel arch intrusion into the boot.
The modular rear axle has also been designed to enable the easy fitment of an electric drive positioned centrally on the axle in an integrated, compact unit.
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