Quote:
Originally Posted by jimfoz
Citroen did have a form of 4WS on the ZX. It wasn't a complex hydraulic system but a pretty clever nonetheless independent compliant system which allowed the wheels to pivot slightly when going round corners. I think it worked quite well. Not sure if they use a form of it on their new cars.
I don't think cars have it nowadays because conventional handling and suspension systems have just become sophisticated enough to negate the need for it. Also the complexity makes it very expensive to repair when it goes wrong.
It would be interesting to see what percentage of people actually tick the hydractive option for the new C5 these days.
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What you are describing is
passive rear wheel steering. The rear suspension reacts to the cornering forces being placed upon it. This is a reaction, a 'secondary action'. 4WS is also known as
active steering and for good reason because, being 'active', it
acts rather than
reacts. The rear does not fall into line with the front, instead the 4WS car steers as one; a
primary action, working all of its own accord, rather than on second hand information.
All modern cars use some system of passive rear wheel steering. Some even use CV joints in the rear suspension, even if there is no drive to the rear wheels. And yes, it seems that the majority of manufacturers are satisfied enough with passive rear wheel steering to forego 4WS.