Double Wishbone Suspension
A suspension system utilizing two wishbone-shaped arms to allow vertical movement while maintaining alignment precision.
Double Wishbone Suspension is an independent suspension design named for the two wishbone-shaped control arms (upper and lower) that secure the wheel hub. It is widely used on performance cars, luxury sedans, and heavy-duty trucks.
The two control arms pivot at the chassis and connect to the outer steering knuckle. A coil spring and shock absorber assembly is mounted through the wishbones to damp suspension travel. This design allows the wheel to travel vertically independent of the opposite wheel.
The primary advantage of double wishbone suspension is its superior control over wheel camber. As the suspension compresses during cornering, the geometry keeps the tire's tread flatter against the road, maximizing grip and improving handling compared to MacPherson strut systems.
Because it uses more components (bushings, ball joints, and control arms), double wishbone suspension is more expensive to build and maintain, and takes up more space in the wheel well. Worn bushings or ball joints in either arm will cause alignment issues.