As part of the so-called drivetrain, the suspension is an intricate assembly, comprising of shock absorbers, springs and linkages to the wheels. The suspension is responsible for the smoothness of the ride while it reduces the impact of shocks to the chassis. Although suspension systems are designed to take many bumps, they will eventually wear out.
Should a car start to become bouncy when driving it, being difficult to steer, the suspension may be worn out and requires replacement. Shock absorbers are typically made up of the strut and a spring. The shock absorbers for instance are oil-filled cylinders that dampen the impact when driving over potholes or bumps and uneven roads. Sealants within the shock absorbers may crack, leaking the oil, thus the performance will be reduced. The spring absorbs energy and releases it slowly again, ensuring good contact between the road and wheel. Over time, material fatigue may set in, and the spring may lose its tension.
A vehicle may experience one-sided wear of the suspension system with specific driving patterns. The car will end up pulling to one side and the wear of the tyres will be uneven between the two sides. When detecting uneven wear, it is advisable to have the root cause checked out thoroughly. German Motors notes that oftentimes uneven tyre wear may also be the result of tyres being misaligned. In either case, worn suspension or misalignment of the wheels, it is a safety-related issue as the vehicle may veer in an emergency situation.
Steering vibration and clunking noises are additional signs of a damaged or worn suspension system. Especially the steering vibrations should be taking seriously. What many drivers not realise is that vibrations from the steering column will fatigue drivers as the vibrations travel up into the arms and shoulders, requiring the body to constantly compensate against them. According to our technicians in German Motors, vibrations in the suspension system also severely impact other components, which may result in costly repairs needed beyond the suspension.
