| A | B |
|---|
| Spring | Supports the weight of the vehicle; permits the control arm to move up and down. |
| Shock absorber or strut | Keeps the tires in contact with the road over bumps and keeps the suspension from continuing to bounce after spring compression and extension. |
| Control arm | Movable lever that fastens the steering knuckle to the vehicle's body or frame. |
| Steering knuckle | Provides a spindle or bearing support for the wheel hub, bearings, and wheel assembly. |
| Ball joint | Moveable connection that allows the control arm to move up and down while allowing the steering knuckle to swivel from side to side. |
| Control arm bushing | Sleeve that allows the control arm to swing up and down on the frame. |
| Independent suspension | Allows one wheel to move up and down with minimal effect on the other wheels. |
| Nonindependent suspension | Has both the left and right wheels attached to the same solid axle. |
| Understeer | The vehicle is slow to respond to steering changes in a turn. The rear tires retain traction, but the front tires may slip on the road surface due to lack of downforce or other factors. |
| Oversteer | When the rear tires loose traction during a hard turn. |
