Mazda X-5. Manual - part 51

REAR SUSPENSION 

02–14–1

02–14

02–14

REAR SUSPENSION

REAR SUSPENSION OUTLINE . . . . . . .  02–14–1
REAR SUSPENSION

STRUCTURAL VIEW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  02–14–1

MULTI-LINK REAR SUSPENSION

CONSTRUCTION  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  02–14–2

Optimized Link and Shock Absorber 

Layout. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  02–14–2

Improved Roadholding  . . . . . . . . . . . . . 02–14–2

REAR SHOCK ABSORBER 

CONSTRUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 02–14–2

REAR CROSSMEMBER

CONSTRUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 02–14–3

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REAR SUSPENSION OUTLINE

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• A multi-link suspension composed of five links has been adopted.

• The links have been lengthened and optimally positioned. Due to this, they constantly provide ideal geometry 

to respond to external forces applied during driving, improving handling stability and riding comfort, and 
reducing road noise.

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REAR SUSPENSION STRUCTURAL VIEW

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REAR SHOCK ABSORBER 
AND COIL SPRING

REAR SHOCK 
ABSORBER

REAR 
CROSSMEMBER

REAR LATERAL 
LINK (UPPER)

REAR 
STABILIZER

REAR STABILIZER 
CONTROL LINK

TOE CONTROL 
LINK

REAR LATERAL 
LINK (LOWER)

REAR TRAILING 
LINK (UPPER)

REAR TRAILING 
LINK (LOWER)

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REAR SUSPENSION 

02–14–2

MULTI-LINK REAR SUSPENSION CONSTRUCTION

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Optimized Link and Shock Absorber Layout
Compliance toe control

• The suspension system layout is such that the 

center axis line of the shock absorber intersects 
to the outside and rear of the virtual kingpin axis. 
This layout ensures that the toe-in moment is 
constantly produced around the virtual kingpin 
axis of the rear wheels. Due to this, the rear 
wheels constantly and securely provide a high 
level of gripping power.

Compliance camber control

• Initial load in the negative camber direction is 

applied to the rear lateral links (upper/lower). 
Because of this, the bushings anchoring the rear 
lateral links (upper/lower) to the rear 
crossmember are constantly pressed toward the 
rear lateral links. As a result, the central, non-
sensitive region of the bushing is not used, 
thereby minimizing delayed steering response 
and suppressing parasitic (unnecessary) wheel 
movement in response to external disturbances.

Elongated links

• Elongated upper and lower rear lateral links have 

been adopted. They reduce torsion applied to the 
bushings on the rear crossmember side during 
jounce and rebound of the rear wheels, providing smooth link behavior.

Improved Roadholding

• The damper lever ratio has been set at approx. 1 to improve the efficiency of shock absorber operation.

— Damper lever ratio: 

shock absorber stroke (B)/wheel vertical 
stroke (A)

— A layout with the damper lever ratio close to 1 

makes it possible to provide a damping force 
even during minute strokes. As result, 
excellent roadholding is exhibited in a variety 
of driving conditions.

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REAR SHOCK ABSORBER CONSTRUCTION

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• As with the front shock absorber, a high-pressure gas-filled monotube shock absorber has been adopted.

• Placement of the rear coil springs below floor level reduces lateral spring force on the damper rods and thereby 

minimizes friction.

• This layout also contributes to an enlarged trunk compartment space.

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CENTER AXIS OF 
SHOCK ABSORBER

TOE-IN MOMENT

VIRTUAL 
KINGPIN AXIS

INTERSECTS TO 
REAR OF VIRTUAL 
KINGPIN AXIS

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COIL SPRING 
REACTION FORCE

OFFSET 
MOMENT 
LENGTH

NEGATIVE 
CAMBER 
MOMENT

INITIAL LOAD TO 
LATERAL LINKS

VERTICAL LOAD

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A

B

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REAR SUSPENSION 

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02–14

REAR CROSSMEMBER CONSTRUCTION

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• Adoption of a six-point mounting system rear crossmember ensures link support stiffness and isolates vibration 

improving riding comfort and reducing road noise.

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