Abstract: In one aspect, the suspension testing apparatus uses air bearings (96) which have a low coefficient of friction. In a second aspect, the suspension testing apparatus ensures accurate measurement of suspension characteristics since the apparatus applies forces directly below the center of the vehicle wheel hub (12) (or forwardly or rearwardly therefrom at a distance equivalent to the pneumatic trail of the tire in the wheel (12)) to ensure that the point of application of force remains constant despite rotation of the support means (10) for the wheel (12) during deflection of the vehicle wheel (12). In a third aspect, the suspension testing apparatus provides new sensor means (22) for measuring the vehicle wheel deflection which uses a minimum number of transducers (162, 163, 164) to accurately monitor tire and wheel deflection during use.