- Struts inevitably wear out, and when they do, it becomes a danger to you and your passengers
- New struts enable your vehicle to stop as much swiftly, as much as 10 feet's worth
- The suspension system comprises of wheels, tires, shocks absorbers, springs, and every other part that forms a connection between the car body and the tires.
- it is necessary to maintain your suspension system
- some of the most important parts of the suspension system: springs, Dampers/Shock Absorbers, struts, Roll Bars/Anti-sway
- Springs - one of the most important parts of the suspensions system. In most cars the springs are usually made up of steel because of its incredible elasticity. A spring is the only part of the suspension designed to last a lifetime and is the only thing that needs little or no maintenance. However, it is better to get it checked after some time
- Dampers or shock absorbers - mechanical components that are designed to limit the oscillation of the springs. They absorb all the excess energy from the springs when the car is going over bumps. Hence, they play a major role in providing you with a comfortable ride.
- A strut - a mechanical equipment that is a used for joining both springs and dampers.
- Roll bars - long metal bars that are used to connect suspensions systems of two wheels through the axle.
- Replacing worn shocks or struts increase vehicle stability and provides better driver control
Shock and strut - most drivers don’t notice the signs because it happens gradually over time. The warning signs of worn shocks and struts include:
- Excessive Bouncing - Any car will bounce when driving over a bump. Shock absorbers or struts prevent the vehicle from continuing to bounce. Driving over a bump or rough road resulting in prolonged bounce indicates the need for shock or strut replacement.
- Reduced Stability - Shocks and struts maintain stability and driver control of the vehicle. If hard braking causes the front end of the vehicle to dive for the road, it’s an indication that the shocks and struts are in need of replacement. On the other hand, if the vehicle squats when you accelerate, or leans drastically to one side when making a turn, it’s further indication of the shocks or struts being in need of replacement.
- Tire Wear - When the struts or shocks on a vehicle are bad, the tires literally bounce up and down during driving. This causes rubber to be scraped off the tires, and is commonly termed cupping. It’s visible on the tires as a smooth patch, followed by a smooth area with this pattern repeated across the tread.
- Leaking Fluid - Shocks and struts contain a piston and hydraulic fluid. Driving over a rough road causes the shock or strut to compress, which creates pressure from the piston against the hydraulic fluid absorbing the majority of the impact. A wet and oily appearance to a shock or strut can indicate shock and/or strut failure, and the need for replacement.
- Other Signs of Worn Shocks or Struts Other potential signs of the need for shock or strut replacement include: l Steering wheel vibration l The failure to hold the road in curves l Damaged housing l Car leans to one side even when sitting still l Upper or lower mount broken l Broken dust jacket l Bent or dented
A shock and a strut are manufactured for the same purpose—they absorb shock and provide a smoother, safer ride with greater driver control. Despite the shock and strut both providing the same result, they aren’t interchangeable. Newer vehicles usually have either shocks or struts— and not typically both. However, some vehicles, especially older ones, may have struts on the front axle and shocks on the rear. Remember, the two aren’t interchangeable. That’s because a strut is a structural part of the vehicle’s suspension system, and a shock isn’t. A strut is also an essential part of the steering system and significantly affects alignment angles. It’s also essential to realize worn shocks and struts affect the safety of you and your passengers. If you suspect worn shocks and/or struts contact
6 WARNING SIGNS THAT MIGHT INDICATE A SUSPENSION SYSTEM PROBLEM IN YOUR CAR
- Car Dips Forward Whenever You Brake
A car will usually dip forward whenever you apply brakes because of inertia. But if you notice that it is dipping more than it usually does or if it feels like your car is “nose diving”, then it is an indication of worn out shock absorbers. Get your vehicle checked immediately after spotting this problem - Car Dips on One Corner
If you notice your car dipping more in one corner, then the first thing you need to do is check the tire on that side. Inspect the tire thoroughly to see if it has the right amount of air pressure. If the tire seems to be perfectly fine, then there must be something wrong with the suspension system on that corner. Get it repaired - When driving, the Car is Pulled to One Side
This problem becomes quite common as your car gets old. However, this doesn’t always indicate a suspension damage. The most common cause for this problem is worn out treads of the tires, which pulls the car to one side by losing the road grip. Another issue that causes this problem is poor wheel alignment.
However, another issue that can cause this pulling of the car to one side is the worn out suspension and steering component. It is better to bring your vehicle in to MINHS for a proper diagnosis. - Car is “Drifting” While Taking Corners
One of the main responsibilities of a suspension system is to provide you with a stable ride every time you hit the road. When making a turn, if you feel your car is drifting to one side then it is a clear indication of a problem inside the suspension system. This is a very dangerous sign as it means that your car can easily lose control at any situation in the future. So it is better to get it repaired - Constant Bouncing
It is pretty normal for a car to slightly bounce when going over a speed bump or a deeper pothole. But if you feel that your vehicle continues to bounce for a while after hitting the road obstruction, then it is a warning sign regarding a suspension system problem. This unusual bouncing of the vehicle is caused by worn out shocks or even by damaged leaf springs. Get it repaired - Oily Shocks and Struts
It is necessary to keep inspecting your car regularly in order to spot any damage. If you suspect that something is wrong with the suspension then visually examine the suspension system. If you notice that your dampers and struts are more oily than usual, then there might be an oil leak from the system. The best thing to do is to replace them.