2004 Mitsubishi Outlander - Suspension

The Mitsubishi Outlander's dual nature as an urban cruising and gravel road SUV required engineers to design a suspension to cope effectively with both environments. Though similar to the Lancer's suspension design, the Outlander's suspension design is revised, upgraded and reinforced in numerous ways to achieve the optimum balance between ride quality, car-like handling, and ruggedness in both urban and light-off road environments.

Front Suspension

2-1. The Outlander's front wheels rely on a proven, rugged MacPherson strut arrangement to provide superior all-terrain performance with outstanding handling stability. The struts dampen road harshness with the help of a gas charged insert. By optimizing certain characteristics such as toe, camber and other alignment parameters, engineers are able to produce a flexible, responsive vehicle that is fun to drive. The Outlander chassis boasts a significantly reinforced steel front suspension cross member that helps increase suspension mounting point stiffness by 30 percent. Rugged, enlarged, lower control arms pivot from these reinforced mounting positions. The front suspension sway bar which attaches to the suspension using ball joints and rubber stabilizer links, has been stiffened and, its mounting points optimized to suppress body roll. Engineers lent careful attention to the selection of tuned coil springs that could help strike a balance between stable, sporty handling and a compliant ride.

Rear Suspension

2-2. Outlander's rear suspension utilizes a sophisticated multi-link, trailing-arm design. This suspension design includes extended-length trailing arms, an elongated lower control arm, a stiff upper link and additional links that attach to the trailing arm to the unibody for improved lateral stability. Suspension component mounting points have been repositioned and alignment changes made to give this Outlander its unique handling characteristics and superior all-around performance. The Outlander's rear trailing arms are positioned wide to match the increased width of the front track. A reinforced rear suspension cross member spans the mounting points, and helps inhibit rear deck flex. On AWD models, the rear differential is mounted to this cross member with vibration canceling mounts for a smoother ride.

2-3. Most of the rear suspension's mounting points rely on stable, friction-free pillow-ball style bushings for movement. This compact, long travel rear suspension system helps Outlander to offer superior all-weather handling, and comfort, while maximizing the useful interior space.

Outlanders come equipped with either a leather or urethane-covered 4-spoke, tilt steering wheel to help accommodate various shapes and sizes of driver. The steering column shaft is designed as a collapsible mechanism that helps to absorb impact energy in the event of a collision.

2-4. All Outlanders are equipped with power rack and pinion steering system.

2-5. This power steering system is designed and tuned to necessitate a light touch, and a responsiveness to slight inputs on the steering wheel making the vehicle a snap to maneuver in parking situations. In addition to the light effort gearing of the steering rack, the output and flow characteristics of the pump were also improved to meet more stringent driving demands with higher and more consistent fluid pressure. This easier, more car-like handling nature was a virtue designers sought to include in the Outlander.

Outlander Braking System

All Outlanders are equipped with hydraulic, ventilated front disc brakes and rear drum brakes that are aided by a tandem brake booster system, which helps reduce pedal effort. This system is designed to help ensure ample, stable braking power for the Outlander in all conditions, including deceleration from high speeds. The security of ABS is available as an option on Outlander, and also includes an EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution) system that increases control and safety under heavy braking.

Outlander Wheels and Tires

A total of three different wheels are available on the 2003 Outlander. The base LS arrives with a 16 in. x 6 jj. steel wheel with an attractive wheel cover. All Outlander wheels are the same dimension at 16 in. x 6 jj., and are wrapped in a P225 / 60R16 all season, radial tire. The optional LS wheel is an attractive cast aluminum multi-spoke design. The high-line Outlander XLS receives its very own, unique, sporty cast aluminum wheel that only adds to the appeal of this well-equipped entry-level S.U.V.

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