Original equipment

Ride control products

A comprehensive range of services available worldwide and global presence have made us one of the world´s leading suppliers of ride control systems ­ from lightweight small shock absorbers to heavy duty and full suspension corners, to advanced technology.

Continuously Controlled Electronic Suspension (CES)

CES is a semi-active suspension system that achieves the optimal balance between comfort and handling.  It continuously adjusts damping levels according to road conditions, vehicle dynamics including speed and steering maneuvers and driver input. Developed by Tenneco engineers in Europe, in conjunction with Öhlins Racing, CES delivers comfort without sacrificing the safety of sure handling.

Volvo used the Tenneco CES to develop its continuously controlled chassis concept, standard on its S60 R and V70 R performance vehicles and offered as an option on its S60, V70, XC70 and S80 vehicles, as well as the Audi A6 and Audi A6 Avant.

KINETIC®

Tested under rigorous conditions on the winning vehicles in the 2003 and 2004 WRC and 2004 Dakar, Tenneco’s patented Kinetic suspension system delivers greater sway stiffness when needed for crisp handling response while, at the same time, providing greater comfort over bumpy surfaces.  In off-road driving, the system enhances a vehicle’s ability to cross obstacles and rough terrain with greater ease and comfort.  The  Kinetic system does not require power or sensors, which is a suspension approach and functionality entirely unique to the automotive market.

The Kinetic system was first commercialized with Toyota.  Lexus offers its Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, a version of the Kinetic Reversible Function Stabilizer technology, as an option on the 2004 Lexus GX 470 SUV.

Frequency Dependent Damping (FDD)

Frequency Dependency Damping is a next generation shock absorber.  This Tenneco innovation is environmentally friendly – it uses inert gas, not oil – and minimizes the compromise between ride, handling and comfort.  A frequency dependency damping shock absorber can be mounted in any position and has a more consistent damping performance over a wide range of temperatures.

Position Sensitive Twin System (PST)

The Position Sensitive Twin System (PST) is a multi-stage hydraulic shock absorber that responds to the OEMs’ desire for soft damping for straight line driving to provide maximum passenger comfort and higher damping values available during braking and cornering to improve ride handling and safety.

The PST system consists of two pistons, connected to a single rod, that provide different levels of damping based upon the position of the pistons within the shock absorber pressure tube, and a series of notches in the wall of the tube that allows the hydraulic fluid to flow around one of the pistons but not both. The system adjusts to various vehicle loads, making it particularly suitable for vehicles that have a large ratio between empty and fully loaded conditions. PST is particularly suited to vans wherein heavier loads require a higher damping value to deal with larger mass while avoiding a harsh ride at lower loads.

Almost any desired damping curve is attainable while avoiding a sudden transition in shock absorber performance between the soft and hard modes.  In the soft mode position, rebound and compression can be tuned independently with the rebound force defined by the main piston valve system and the compression force by the base valve. Depending on the notch pattern, the secondary piston will provide extra damping force.

The design allows damping differentiation according to velocity due to the valve system design on the rebound side of the secondary piston.  This high degree of tuneability is of key importance to OEMs who attribute a specific ride characteristic to a vehicle. 

An additional advantage of PST is the simplicity of its design.  This simplicity provides strength and allows it to reach higher damping values than other systems whose complexity makes them more fragile.

Tenneco’s PST system is in series production on the Volkswagen Stadlieferwagen, based on its PQ35 platform in Europe. The technology has also been validated on a number of prototypes.

Monotube Blow off Technology (MTBO)

The Monotube blow off is a monotube shock absorber with an innovative valve that offers improved tuneability, damping consistency and durability. Monotube shock absorbers are single tube high-pressure gas shocks, which offer enhanced vehicle stability and handling with design features that provide more mounting options and higher damping levels compared with similar twin tube shocks.  With the MTBO valve, low damping forces can be independently tuned in rebound and compression modes. The system also independently adjusts damping blow-off levels and damping progression rates in mid- to high-speed ranges. The MTBO valve differs from standard mono tube valve designs where damping force level and progression rate are mutually dependent. The MTBO system’s superior damping consistency, tuneability and durability are achieved not only by the sophisticated design of the valve, but also by using high precision process technology, including single piece force adjustment and laser welding. It was launched on the Ford Focus ST.