Introduction to Chassis
In simple words, the basic framework of a car or any car or automobile is called the chassis. All the parts such as a radiator, engine, propeller shaft, etc. are attached to the chassis. The chassis and chassis components have to be made from strong materials like drop-forged steel.
Replacing and overhauling chassis components can be tricky sometimes. Each vehicle has a different chassis and for regular people, it is difficult to find the correct type and measurement of chassis components. Tabzone is a one-stop shop for all your chassis needs. They have brackets, tabs, exhaust flanges, off-road car parts, axle fabrication, linkage components, bolts, machined parts, and other chassis components that are needed regularly.
The chassis layout is almost the same across cars and small trucks. Below is a breakdown of the chassis components attached to the chassis starting from the front of the car:
- Chassis frame: It is the bottom frame of the car that supports parts such as wheels, steering, body, braking system, and suspension assembly.
- Radiator: A combustion engine requires cooling and a radiator is used for that purpose at the very front of the vehicle.
- Engine: The second component behind the radiator is the engine which is responsible for moving the car forward.
- Clutch: The job of the clutch is to engage and disengage power transmission particularly from the driving shaft to the driven shaft.
- Gearbox: Gearbox and clutch work together to transmit power to the engine.
- Universal joint: It connects two inclined rods.
- Propeller shaft: This mechanical component is used to connect other pieces of the drive train which cannot be connected to the frame directly and require some degree of movement. The propeller shaft is primarily used for torque and rotation.
- Differential: A differential is a gear train with three shafts that has the property of the rotational speed of one shaft is the average of the speeds of others.
How to maintain chassis properly
As you already know by now, the chassis is a crucial part of any car. The vehicle would be structurally compromised without it. The final body of the car is laid on the chassis. Maintenance of chassis is not very difficult provided you do it properly from time to time. When it comes to chassis maintenance, there are just two things to remember:
- Constant lubrication: Ideally, the chassis should be lubricated every six months. However, you should inspect it at least once every two months just to check if everything is lubricated. You can take a mechanic’s help or you can do this task yourself as well. A common sign of insufficient lubrication is squeaky suspension.
- Cleaning chassis regularly: Since the chassis is closest to the ground, dirt and mud can get stuck to the chassis. Cleaning the dirt will improve the vehicle’s life span and driving performance as well because all the parts will move a lot smoother. Again, this can be done at home with water and sponges.
However, since the chassis is closest to the ground, rocks and pebbles may often rub against chassis components. The damage caused may also require professional help. You can consult Tabzone for such instances as they have a wide range of replacement chassis components for various vehicle types.
Types of chassis
- Conventional chassis: This type of chassis is used in hatchback cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs. It is also called a non-load-carrying frame because the above-mentioned types of vehicles are not used for towing or picking heavy stuff.
- Non-conventional chassis: It is also called a unibody chassis. The ladder frame is missing as the body itself acts as a frame supporting all components such as transmission system, braking, suspension, etc. Non-conventional chassis is mostly used in modern sedans.
- Full-forward chassis: The cabin is far away from the engine of the vehicle. This was a very common chassis type in older trucks. This chassis arrangement pushed the driver far away from the front wheel.
- Semi-forward: The engine sits partially on the front wheels and partially under the cabin. Since the cabin is much in front as compared to the full-forward chassis, the driver gets a better look at the road ahead.
- Bus-chassis: In a bus, the engine is exactly under the driver’s cabin. The cabin is just over the front wheels which allows the driver to see the full road. Due to the positioning of the engine over the front wheels, the bus floor is elevated.
- The engine in front: Most vehicles have engines at the front of the chassis and front wheels carry the operation of pulling the car forward. Some vehicles also have their engines at the back. Both these arrangements eliminate the need for a long propeller shaft.
- The engine in the center: The engine can also be seated in the center of the chassis but it is not a very common choice. This arrangement is fit for some buses.
Conclusion
As we already know now the chassis is the backbone of any vehicle on which all other components rest. For regular people, it is difficult to know the specifics of chassis and therefore specialists like Tabzone are here to assist.
However, maintaining and servicing the chassis is one thing you can do on your own to give your vehicle a longer life and a better driving experience for yourself. If you require new or replacement chassis components, checkout Tabzone and find the parts that you need now.