How does suspension work on a car?
Springs let wheels bounce over bumps while the body stays calm. Shock absorbers are springs. When a wheel hits a bump the spring squishes, then pushes back. Each wheel can move by itself, so the truck stays steady on rough ground.
Try Bouncy Monster Truck for freeComplete MightyCog booklet collection: 82 PDF booklets for $12.99. Instructions only; individual booklets remain free.
Explore the printable packTry it yourself
Push down on one corner of the truck. What do the other wheels do?
Build it: 2 builds that teach suspension & springs
- 🛻 Bouncy Monster Truck: Four big wheels on four springy shock absorbers. Boing, boing! (level 4 of 5, about 45 minutes, 29 steps)
- 🏆 Independent Rally Car: Every wheel on its own springy arm, a differential, universal joints and Ackermann steering. (level 5 of 5, about 90 minutes, 47 steps)
In the classroom
- M6 Space Machines (Engineers, Advanced)
- M10 Capstone: Rescue Rover (Engineers, Advanced)
Common engineering questions
How can I try suspension & springs at home?
Push down on one corner of the truck. What do the other wheels do?
Which builds teach suspension & springs?
2 MightyCog builds teach it: Bouncy Monster Truck and Independent Rally Car. Start with Bouncy Monster Truck: 29 steps, about 45 minutes.