GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

My Vibe rides a little bumpier in the back probably due to the fact that Vibes have torsion beam for rear suspension.What exactly is torsion bean ? How does it differ from other kinds of suspension, pros and cons ?thanks

Just outta curiosity...If you don't know what a torsion beam is, why do you say that is the reason the car rides bumpy?That aside, torsion beams, AFAIK, have to do with minimizing twisting of the body...I know torsion involves twisting, so I kinda assume that's their purpose...Though I wasn't aware it was part of the suspension, I thought it was simply some sorta frame rail or something...

im pretty sure the torsion beam is the anti roll bar, since thats the only one that goes across the frame (that i could see). I put in a progressive one and it really tightened up the rear around turns.

actualy the torsion beam is what the antiroll bar sits in for lack of a better term the rear axle looking thingy.its not independent rear suspension like the celicas which handles better.im not sure of any pros i am inclined to believe its just the cheapest basic rear suspension of fwd cars. though i could be wrong.

I have no idea what torsion beam is... I just thought it was a type of suspension that rides harder.Apparently I am wrong. What does Vibe have for rear suspension ?

quote:its just the cheapest basic rear suspension of fwd cars.Bingo!

quote:My Vibe rides a little bumpier in the back ...Bumpier than what? It's a lot smoother than my pick up

Ford used to use a 'Torsion Beam Suspension' on the front end of their pickups many years ago. It was a bad idea and impossible to keep in alignment.