The suspension is the system of tires, springs, shock
absorbers and connections that connects a vehicle to its wheels and allows a
relative movement between the two. The suspension systems must be compatible
with road stability / handling and handling quality, which are at odds with
each other. The set-up of suspensions implies finding the right commitment.
The suspension system of our vehicle (shock absorbers or struts) is often taken for granted. However, after having supported several tons of metal, year after year, shocks will wear out and repair of the suspension will be necessary. Some people mistakenly believe that the suspension is primarily related to the proper functioning of the vehicle. As a result, these repairs are less important than other maintenance issues, such as oil changes or brakes. However, a poor suspension can significantly affect your ability to control the vehicle, especially when stopping or turning, so it is in your best interest not to ignore this part of the automatic maintenance.
How do you know that the time has come to repair the suspension? Your vehicle will usually tell you.
The suspension system of our vehicle (shock absorbers or struts) is often taken for granted. However, after having supported several tons of metal, year after year, shocks will wear out and repair of the suspension will be necessary. Some people mistakenly believe that the suspension is primarily related to the proper functioning of the vehicle. As a result, these repairs are less important than other maintenance issues, such as oil changes or brakes. However, a poor suspension can significantly affect your ability to control the vehicle, especially when stopping or turning, so it is in your best interest not to ignore this part of the automatic maintenance.
How do you know that the time has come to repair the suspension? Your vehicle will usually tell you.
Here are six things
to watch for:
1. Car drives roughly
Most people can recognize their
shocks or struggles as they
begin to feel every bump on the road, or when every bump bounces off the
vehicle body. A rough ride is an obvious sign that the suspension of your
vehicle needs repair.
2. Drifting or
pulling in curves
With a faulty suspension system, you often feel the vehicle
"drifting" or "pulling" when turning. This essentially
means that the shocks no longer keep the vehicle body stable against the
centrifugal force of a curve, which increases the risk of a rollover. If you
feel that turning around, it's time to get the car to a trusted mechanic.
3. Dips or "nose
dives" when stopping
If the shocks are worn, you will likely feel the vehicle
body jerk forwards and downwards when you press the brakes firmly. This can
affect your ability to stop the car quickly (poor suspension can increase
stopping time by up to 20 percent).
4. Uneven tire treads
Look at your tires. If you notice that the tread on the tire
wears unevenly, or if you notice bald spots, this is often a symptom that the
suspension does not hold the vehicle evenly and the tires are therefore
unevenly loaded.
5. Damaged
"oily" shocks
If you can look under the vehicle, look directly at the
dampers or struts. If they look greasy or oily there is a good chance that they
will leak and therefore not work properly. It's probably time to replace these
shocks.
6. Try the bounce
test.
If you suspect that your suspension is going badly (possibly
due to one or more of the above symptoms), try this simple test. With the
vehicle parked, push the front of the vehicle down with your full weight,
"hop" a few times, and then release. Repeat the process at the rear
of the vehicle. If the car swings or bounces more than 2-3 times after
releasing, the suspension wears out.
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