Suspension & Steering

Suspension

The suspension of a vehicle plays an essential role for both comfort and safety. As an integral part in the chassis, the suspension system works in tandem with the frame, steering, and wheels to efficiently support the vehicle's weight, minimize shock forces and maintain proper wheel alignment. Its duty is critical to ensure smooth operation when steering, stopping and maintaining stability while driving. Without a properly functioning suspension, drivers can experience uncomfortable rides or even hazardous situations while on the road.

Most suspension systems are made up of multiple parts – springs, shock absorbers, struts, torsion bars, leaf springs, pull rods, air springs, etc. – that connect the vehicle to its wheels.

The suspension of a vehicle is built to absorb shocks and minimize vibrations while driving, but with time the various joints and pivot points that make this possible become worn out. As these critical components of your suspension start to degrade in performance, you'll begin to feel erratic movement from the wheels or hear unfamiliar noises when turning as the parts don't fit together as tightly anymore. The shock absorption is also affected so that even small bumps in the road can impact tire wear, leading to an uneven wear across its surface. If left unchecked, worn suspension joints can stress other components and lead to a faster wear than expected. Taking care of the suspension will help ensure an enjoyable and safe ride for years to come.

Common signs of suspension problems:

• Uneven and premature tire wear
• Excessive play in the steering
• Front of vehicle slumps when braking, bottoms out when accelerating
• Visible damage

Proper maintenance means having your suspension inspected regularly and repairing or replacing when needed.

Address a small problem before it becomes a major repair and avoid additional costs by having parts replaced or the wheel geometry checked to ensure it respects manufacture specifications. Manufacturers also recommend replacing the shock absorbers at pre-established intervals.
If you suspect a problem, ask us to run a diagnosis and make the necessary adjustments to the front and back suspension.