Mac Pherson Strut 1st page:

The MacPherson strut is an independent type of car Suspension system commonly used in many modern motor vehicles. This includes both front and rear suspensions, but usually located at the front of the car. It provides a steering pivot (known as a kingpin) as well as a suspension mountings for the wheel. 1 page:

The steering gear is either connected directly to the lower shock absorber housing, or to an arm from the front or back of the spindle (in this case). When you steer, it physically twists the strut and shock absorber housing (and consequently the spring) to turn the wheel. Simple. The spring is seated in a special plate at the top of the assembly which allows this twisting to take place. If the spring or this plate are worn, you'll get a loud 'clonk' on full lock as the spring frees up and jumps into place. This is sometimes confused for CV joint knock. 2nd page : monocoque with macpherson

Rear positioned struts are also used but these are less common. In 1957 Colin Chapman of Lotus applied the design to the rear suspension of the Lotus Elite. As a result, MacPherson strut suspension at the rear of an automobile are now commonly called Chapman struts.To be really successful, the MacPherson strut required the introduction of unibody (or monocoque) construction. This is because it needs a substantial vertical space and a strong top mount, which unibodies can provide and also by distributing stresses greatly increases the set up's results in the handling stakes. 3rd page : maintenance picture

The McPherson strut normally also has a steering arm built into the lower inner portion. This assembly is extremely simple and can be pre manufactured into a unit at the assembly line. By removing the upper control arm, it allows for more width in the engine bay, aiding in any maintenance work or engine design requirements. 4th page Cost effective with anti roll bars: Picture of anti roll with mac person strut

This is useful for smaller cars, particularly with transverse-mounted engines such as FF drive designed vehicles. Further simplification is possible by substituting an anti-roll bar (torsion bar) for the radius arm. Also it offers an easy method to set suspension geometry. Ultimately making the production overheads more cost effective and making this a very common design set up in today's marketplace.

6th Page: Disadvantages: Picture comparing mac pherson to double wishbone

Although the MacPherson Strutt is a simple design and has low manufacturing cost, there are always compromises and a few disadvantages. The quality of ride it produces and the handling of the car may suffer or be less effective then other set ups with more Suspension geometry adjustments.

Geometric analysis has shown that MacPherson Strutt design can not allow vertical movement of the wheel without some degree of either camber angle change, sideways movement (or both). So double wishbone suspension is favoured for Motorsport applications, due to this fact. 7th page: Continuation With the MacPherson Strutt set up, the wheel tends to lean with the body, leading to understeer under extreme cornering. In a FF designed car, adding to the already natural tendency for understeer is far from ideal. The ideal situation would be neutral handling, so this might benifit other drivechain set ups. 8th Page: Continuation Another disadvantage of the design is that it tends to transmit noise and vibration from the road directly into the body shell of the car. This results in higher road noise levels and sometimes a harsh feeling to the handling compared to a double wishbones set up. This results in manufacturer's adding extra noise insulation in a bid to reduce the negative effects, which can lead to some weight gains as expected. Conclusion: Thus depending on the application this type of suspension is used. Wherever more space is required for service and maintenance mac pherson shall be used.