What characterizes a MacPherson suspension system?

A MacPherson suspension system is characterized by its use of a single lower control arm combined with a strut assembly. This design is known for its simplicity and compactness, making it particularly popular in modern vehicles, especially in the front suspension setup.

The lower control arm connects the wheel hub to the vehicle's frame or chassis, while the strut assembly serves multiple purposes. It acts as both a shock absorber and a structural component that helps to support the vehicle's weight, providing stability during turns, and allowing for vertical movement of the wheel. The integration of these two components into a single assembly helps to save space and reduce overall vehicle weight.

In contrast, other suspension setups like those involving an upper control arm, solid axles, or multiple link configurations typically exhibit additional components that serve different roles in handling, weight distribution, and articulation, differing significantly in design philosophy and applications compared to the MacPherson system.