Suspension assembly

A suspension assembly (10) is provided that includes a strut (14) connected between a lower control arm (18) and a portion of the vehicle frame or body (12). This strut includes a hydraulic cylinder (24) and rod (28) disposed therein. A first spring seat (30) is arranged on the hydraulic cylinder, and a second spring seat (32) is arranged on the rod spaced from the other spring seat. A spring (38) is arranged between the spring seats to provide a desired suspension load characteristic. At least one of the spring seats extends circumferentially about its connection to either the rod or hydraulic cylinder less than 360 DEG . Since the spring engages the spring seat less than 360 DEG , a non-uniform force (F3) is produced that generates a moment (M2) in a direction opposite the moment (M1) created by the suspension geometry. In this manner, the friction force at the bearing surface is minimized or eliminated.