Editing Multi-link suspension (section)

{{Short description|A type of vehicle suspension}}
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A '''multi-link suspension''' is a type of independent [[suspension (vehicle)|vehicle suspension]] having three or more [[suspension link|control links]] per wheel.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://help.altair.com/hwdesktop/hwx/topics/motionview/rear_multi_link_r.htm | title=Rear Multi-link }}</ref> These arms do not have to be of equal length, and may be angled away from their "obvious" direction.  It was first introduced in the late 1960s on the [[Mercedes-Benz C111]]<ref>Bastow, D. (1970) Suspension ad Steering, Automobile Engineer, 8 May 1970, 217–231.</ref> and later on their [[Mercedes-Benz W201|W201]] and [[Mercedes-Benz W124|W124]] series.<ref>von der Ohe, M. (1984) Independent Wheel Suspension, US Pat. 4,444,415, Filed Dec. 23, 1981</ref><ref>von der Ohe, M. (1983) Front and Rear Suspension of the New Model W201, SAE technical Paper 831045.</ref>

Typically each arm has a spherical joint (ball joint) or rubber bushing at each end. Consequently, they react to loads along their own length, in tension and compression, but not in bending. Some multi-links do use a [[trailing arm]],  [[control arm]] or [[Double wishbone suspension|wishbone]], which has two bushings at one end.

On a front suspension one of the lateral arms is replaced by the [[Tie rod|tie-rod]], which connects the rack or steering box to the wheel hub.