A vehicle’s frame and a chassis are both essential vehicle components. They are part of the vehicle’s body structure and keep it in form either when stationary or moving. However, most people cannot tell the difference between the two.
Many a time, it won’t be weird finding someone who wrecked their care asking for a chassis yet they are looking for a frame. At the same time, most people will be heard interchanging them and referring to a chassis as a frame. So, if you have no idea what is what among the two, this post seeks to discuss the two components and give out their differences.
What is a Frame?
A vehicle frame is the key part of that car. It is also a part of the chassis. All of the other motor vehicle components are attached to the frame in one way or the other. The chassis and the frame are also fastened together.
Almost every vehicle type including small cars, medium, and even buses have a frame. However, sometimes back some of the vehicles got switched in the way they are created and fitted with a unibody design. This sought to decrease the amount of the different parts needed to make the frame and chassis.
Functions of a Frame
A vehicle frame is fitted to serve the same functions as an organism’s skeleton. It serves among other services the following:
- Supporting the vehicle’s body and mechanical components.
- Dealing with dynamic and static loads without undue distortion or deflection.
- Supporting the weight of the vehicle passengers, cargo loads, and the weight of the vehicle’s body.
- A frame also deals with the torsional and vertical twisting that is transmitted when the vehicle goes over uneven surfaces.
- Transversing lateral forces that are caused by road conditions, steering of the vehicle, and side wind.
- Dealing with the torque from the engine and transmission.
- Dealing with sudden impacts from collisions and longitudinal tensile forces that are caused by starting, acceleration, and compression from braking.
Types of Vehicle Frames
The types of frames available depend on the construction. They include:
- Perimeter frame
- Ladder type frame.
- Off set frame
- X-type frame.
- Off set with cross member frame.
What is a Chassis?
A chassis is a part of all vehicles. When it accommodates all the other components of the vehicle including the gearbox, exhaust pipe, brakes, tires, engine, steering, and axles, it then becomes a chassis. It is regarded as the backbone of a vehicle as it supports all the other parts and components of the vehicle.
Functions of a Vehicle Chassis
A vehicle chassis is used to support different components including the:
- Steering system
- Fuel tank
- Radiator
- Engine
- Suspension system
- Brakes
- Wheels
- Fuel tank
- Brakes
- Transmission system which includes the gearbox, propeller shaft, clutch, and the rear axle.
Types of Vehicle Chassis
The different types of car chassis are:
- The ladder
- Monocoque
- Backbone
- Space or tubular chassis.
- Combined chassis
Differences Between Frame and Chassis
The key differences between the two components are as listed below:
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Meaning of Frame and Chassis
A chassis is the skeletal framework of a vehicle on which most of the mechanical parts like tires, axle assemblies, steering, brakes, and the engine are fastened. It is the most significant part of any vehicle as it is the source of strength and stability for the car under any conditions.
A vehicle frame, on the other hand, is the main structure of the chassis. All the other components, including the chassis, are fastened to the frame.
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Design of Frame Vs. Chassis
A chassis is designed as the minimum requirement for any vehicle to move while a frame is basically the vehicle’s body as everything else is fitted on it.
Frame Vs. Chassis: Comparison Table
Summary of Frame Vs. Chassis
Hopefully, the few points explained above set the differences between a frame and a chassis. While they serve almost similar purposes, it is clear they have differentiating characteristics. They are designed differently, have different components, and serve varied purposes, all needed by the vehicle for stability and strength while moving or static.