Suspension Failures in Cars

The basic, key system of any transport is the chassis, and its important component is the suspension. Moreover, this term means two structurally isolated systems that are interconnected - front and rear suspension. This is a very significant design, consisting of several nodes and parts, providing a stable connection of the wheels (in a number of continuous axle schemes) with the bearing part (body or frame) of the car. In addition, it is the suspension that perceives, partially compensates, and partially transfers to the same bearing part the influence of multidirectional forces arising from the movement of the vehicle, ensuring its structural integrity. And it is the suspension that is responsible for the controlled movement of the wheels in a certain plane, thus ensuring the necessary smoothness of the car, which creates comfortable conditions for its operation.

Proceeding from this, in the event of a breakdown of the suspension elements for a number of reasons, which we will discuss below, the comfort and safety of the vehicle are violated, there is a possibility of mechanical deformation of the components of almost all systems associated with the action of multidirectional forces, components of interconnected systems may break down.

Modern automakers pay great attention to the reliability and comfort of the suspension. In addition to this, many cars imported and sold in our country are equipped with reinforced suspension (increased ground clearance, increased spring stiffness). But the quality of the roads negates these efforts, and the drivers periodically encounter suspension problems.

The following suspension malfunctions are distinguished:

• Misalignment of the front wheels ( alignments );
• deformation of the suspension arms;
• stiffness reduction ( weakening ) or spring breakage;
• leakage, wear or mechanical damage to the shock absorber;
• damage to the shock absorber support;
• bush wear or damage to the anti-roll bar ;
• wear of rubber or ball suspension mounts.

The main cause of these malfunctions, as indicated above, is the quality of the road surface. At the same time, the service life of the suspension elements can significantly reduce low-quality components, unskilled maintenance and repair work, as well as the driving style of the car.

Suspension malfunctions can occur unexpectedly (for example, when hitting an obstacle) or appear gradually. Some malfunctions, if they are not resolved in a timely manner, can cause other, more serious malfunctions.

Various indirect signs indicate a malfunction of the suspension :

• deviation of the car from straightforward movement ( pulling to the side );
• fluctuations ( swinging ) of the car when cornering and braking;
• vibration during movement;
• knocks in the suspension while driving;
• failure" of the suspension;
• increased or uneven tire wear.

When determining suspension malfunctions, it must be taken into account that these external signs also accompany steering malfunctions. The determination of a specific suspension malfunction is made, as a rule, during a detailed inspection, testing and troubleshooting of the suspension elements.

Before you start a conversation about suspension breakdowns, you need to briefly consider those parts, nodes that could potentially fail.

To begin with, in any suspension there are three groups of parts and assemblies. They differ not only in design features and installation location but also in functional purpose.

Several the listed external signs are manifested when the performance characteristics of the wheels of the car deviate (tire pressure, balancing, tire wear, wheel bearing wear). So, due to the low pressure in the tires, the car leads away, vibration is observed in motion. Imbalance of the wheels is also accompanied by vibration, and sometimes by knocks in the suspension. Therefore, when diagnosing suspension problems, issues related to the deviation of the characteristics of the wheels should be eliminated first of all.

Operation of a vehicle with a malfunctioning suspension is not recommended, as it may cause an accident.

External signs and corresponding malfunctions of the suspension

Signs

Malfunctions

sideways movement

• violation of the angle of installation of the front wheels;
• deformation of the suspension arm;
• reduction in spring stiffness;
• damage to the upper shock absorber support;
• damage to the anti-roll bar

swinging when cornering and braking

• shock absorber malfunctions;
• bush wear or damage to the anti-roll bar

vibration in motion

• violation of the angle of installation of the front wheels;
• shock absorber wear

knocks on the move

• spring breakage;
• shock absorber malfunctions;
• wear of rubber or ball suspension mountings

"Breakdown" of the suspension

• deformation of the suspension arm;
• reduction in spring stiffness;
• shock absorber malfunctions;
• wear of rubber or ball suspension mountings

increased or uneven tire wear

• violation of the angle of installation of the front wheels;
• deformation of the suspension arm;
• wear of rubber or ball suspension mountings

If you have a car with faulty suspension and looking to sell it, you can do so at Active Car Removal. At Active Car Removal, you will receive cash for your car.

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