The suspension of a vehicleis a series of shock-absorbing parts and springs that keep your car driving straight and not bouncing too hard when you drive over bumps. It also aids in the braking process and holds the body of your vehicle to the wheels.
There are two basic types of vehicle suspension: independent and solid axle. The main difference between these two is that both the right and left wheels are attached to the same beam, i.e. solid axle, while the independent suspension allows one wheel to be raised or lowered without affecting the other wheel.
Some of the most important parts of a car's suspension system are tires, shock absorbers or struts, arms and bushings, ball joints, coil springs and stabilizer bar links.
Like most car parts, shock absorbers and/or struts should be checked regularly as part of the car's maintenance schedule.
The shock absorbers and/or struts in your car perform two functions. They dampen spring fluctuations and secondly, they help with ride control. The springs in your car actually absorb the shocks of the road surface (not the shock absorbers). Struts are normally found on most modern passenger cars, as the shock absorber is located within the coil spring, which saves space as it also acts as the control arm and support of the steering wheel. This arrangement can make it expensive to replace when necessary. Although the typical lifespan of these components is several years, it is significantly shortened by regular driving on rough roads. A quick check you can do to see if your shock absorbers are OK is to press the front of your car several times. If it flattens out and comes back into place after a jump when you relieve it of your body weight, the shocks are fine. The suspension system should be checked regularly for wear, as all parts will eventually need to be replaced. No maintenance is required per se, but the system should be checked at least once a year and you should also have your wheels aligned at that time.
Factors that influence wear include:
• Driving behavior
• Operating conditions
• Vehicle type
• Type of hanging system
• Frequency of regular maintenance, such as chassis lubrication and wheel alignment
Symptoms that will tell you when your suspension components may need to be looked at sooner include:
• Uneven wear patterns on the tires
• Car pulls to one side while driving
• There is noise and/or vibration during bends
• Steering wheel vibrates/vibrates
• Any cracks or leaks
• The vehicle sinks after going over bumps
• The front end dives during braking
• Leans too much towards the corners
The job of the suspension system is to prevent you from rocking and rolling while driving. Although replacing these parts can be expensive, they are essential to the stability, safety and driving comfort of your vehicle and should not be overlooked.
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FAQs
Feeling every bump
Is it normal to feel every bump on the road? ›
If you are suddenly feeling every bump in the road and your car, truck, or utility vehicle keeps bouncing after you have driven over the bump, Willoughby Hills Auto Repair advises that it's time for new struts and shocks. A bouncing car is one that has worn struts and shocks on the front and back wheels.
Should your suspension be bouncy? ›
After you release the pressure, you shouldn't notice more than two bounces. If your vehicle bounces more than that, the suspension could be wearing out.
Why does my car feel bumpy on a smooth road? ›
A rough and bumpy ride is typically down to problems with the suspension. If it's not the suspension, then it's likely to be either an issue with your wheels or tyres, your transmission or the engine. To get your car back to its smooth and stable engine idling, first, you'll have to pinpoint the problem.
What are the three common suspension noises? ›
Common suspension-related noises include clunking, squeaking, rattling, or knocking sounds. Try to identify when the noise occurs, such as during acceleration, braking, or when going over bumps.
What is the most common problem in a suspension system? ›
Uneven tire wear is one of the most common signs of suspension issues. Check your tires regularly for unusual wear patterns, such as bald spots or flat ones on one side. This can indicate worn-out ball joints, tie rods, or wheel bearings, which can cause misalignment and affect your car's handling.
How do you check if your suspension is OK? ›
Simply push your entire weight down on your car's bonnet. Release and count the number of times the car bounces. If it bounces more than three times, then there is a problem with your shock absorbers or struts. An alternative test depends on whether your car has shock absorbers or struts.
How do I test my shocks? ›
You can check the shock absorbers when your vehicle is still too. To perform the “bounce test”, choose one corner of your vehicle and push down on the car with your body weight. When you let go of the vehicle, examine what it does. Your vehicle should settle back to its at-rest position after one bounce.
How can you tell the difference between shocks and struts? ›
Shock absorbers are located behind the tires and work alongside a separately mounted spring. The sole job of car shock absorbers is to stop the car from bouncing. Car struts combine a shock and spring assembly in one unit that is part of the structural make-up of the vehicle.
Should suspension be hard or soft? ›
Stiffer springs contribute to enhanced handling and load capacity, effectively minimising vehicle body roll and maintaining stability. On the contrary, softer springs, with their increased spring material flexibility, are favoured for their ability to dampen road irregularities and offer a plusher ride.
Swapping the shock absorbers built for firmness with ones that are made for comfort is an easy way to soften the suspension. Depending on what suspension system is on your vehicle, you can also opt to install Air Suspension.
How do I stop my suspension from bouncing? ›
Check the car suspension system and look out for worn-out or damaged components. Check the upper and lower camber bushings and the ball joints. Replace the damaged parts to effectively decrease car suspension bounce.
Why does my car feel bouncy over bumps? ›
To summarize, the four main reasons for your car bouncing or swaying are wheels that are not aligned, excessive or uneven wear on the tires, damaged struts and worn shock absorbers, or a loose steering linkage. If you suspect that you need suspension repair, we invite you to bring your car into our shop today!
Why is my car bumpy at 60 mph? ›
When your car vibrates every time you drive at 50-70 mph, it is most likely that your wheels are out of balance. The vibrations will emanate from the steering wheel across the seat and through the vehicle's floor.
How to feel less bumps when driving? ›
Avoid bigger wheels if you want a smoother ride.
As a general rule, bigger wheels result in a rougher ride. Switching to a smaller wheel and a thicker tire can give you a smoother ride without any major modifications to your car.
Why are there so many bumps in the road? ›
By slowing down vehicles, speed bumps reduce the risk of accidents and provide a safer environment for pedestrians to cross roads or navigate campus. Low cars, also known as sports cars or vehicles with a low ride-height, have a lower distance between the bottom of the vehicle and the ground.
Is it bad to drive on bumpy roads? ›
The first to bear the damage from abuse on bumpy roads are the shock absorbers and then your suspension springs. Metal fatigue may result in a lower car ride because of the suspension springs not returning to their correct position after a series of hard bumps.
What are the bumps humps on the road? ›
Humps are often used on streets, while bumps are used more in parking lots. While speed bumps generally slow cars to 10–15 km/h (5–10 mph), humps slow cars to 25–30 km/h (15–20 mph).
