Enter the weight of the wheels, tires, brakes, and suspension components into the calculator to determine the unsprung weight of a vehicle. This calculator helps in understanding the impact of unsprung weight on vehicle dynamics.
Unsprung Weight Formula
The following formula is used to calculate the unsprung weight of a vehicle:
UW = WW + TW + BW + SW
Variables:
- UW is the unsprung weight (lbs)
- WW is the weight of the wheels (lbs)
- TW is the weight of the tires (lbs)
- BW is the weight of the brakes (lbs)
- SW is the weight of the suspension components (lbs)
To calculate the unsprung weight, add the weight of the wheels, tires, brakes, and suspension components together.
What is Unsprung Weight?
Unsprung weight refers to the mass of the vehicle that is not supported by the suspension system. This includes components such as the wheels, tires, brakes, and parts of the suspension itself. Unsprung weight affects the vehicle’s handling and ride quality, as it can influence the suspension’s ability to isolate the vehicle’s body from road irregularities. Reducing unsprung weight can lead to improved handling and faster suspension response.
How to Calculate Unsprung Weight?
The following steps outline how to calculate the Unsprung Weight.
- First, determine the weight of the wheels (WW) in pounds.
- Next, determine the weight of the tires (TW) in pounds.
- Next, determine the weight of the brakes (BW) in pounds.
- Next, determine the weight of the suspension components (SW) in pounds.
- Next, gather the formula from above = UW = WW + TW + BW + SW.
- Finally, calculate the Unsprung Weight (UW) in pounds.
- After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.
Example Problem:
Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.
Wheel Weight (WW) = 20 lbs
Tire Weight (TW) = 25 lbs
Brake Weight (BW) = 15 lbs
Suspension Weight (SW) = 10 lbs