Who doesn’t want their commute to be smooth and seamless? Many factors affect how smoothly your car drives, such as wheel alignment, tire tread and pressure, brakes, wheel bearing, and axles. However, your suspension system will sit at the top of the list of being the most influential.
What Are the Components of My Suspension System?
There are three primary parts you need to understand when talking about your car’s suspension system.
- Springs – Most vehicles nowadays will use coil springs, while older cars use leaf spring layouts. Your springs are designed to help absorb the force of bumps on the road and maintain vehicle height to balance against rough roads.
- Shocks – Most vehicles will have shocks or struts. Shock absorbers are simply in place to absorb shock for a steady ride – shocker!
- Struts – Struts have the same function as shocks. They also perform an additional support function.
Like other parts of your car, your suspension components can wear out with usage over time. It helps to know whether your vehicle has shocks or struts and what issues you can look out for. These are the most common symptoms of suspension problems:
- Bumpy Ride
- Car Pulls When Turning the Steering Wheel
- Uneven Tire Treads
- Front End of Your Vehicle Dips During Stops
- Greasy Shocks or Struts
If you are still unsure whether you have a suspension problem on your hands, you can try the Bounce Test. Your car will need to be parked to begin the test. You will then need to push down the front end of your car with your body weight and bounce on it several times. If your vehicle continues to spring after you lift yourself up, then it’s an indication that your suspension system is growing weak.
Our certified mechanics at Barney Brothers Off Road & Repair can handle your suspension repair and maintenance needs. Give us a call or visit our shop in Grand Junction, CO.
