Torsion Beam Rear Axle (Twist Beam)

It is common on small and compact front-wheel-drive cars. It is compact, light and inexpensive. The beam acts partly as an anti-roll bar. It allows a flat boot floor and leaves room for a fuel tank or battery, which is why it is popular in small cars. Some versions use a Watt linkage or extra links to improve stability. If the beam is bent after hitting a kerb, the only fix is usually replacing the whole axle.

When one wheel moves, the beam twists and partly affects the other wheel.

Worn mounting bushings cause clunks and instability. Toe and camber are usually fixed and cannot be adjusted.