Each part of your car performs a specific function that ensures your safety and comfort as you drive. The suspension system, for example, is composed of various components that provide stability when you accelerate, brake, and take corners. It’s also necessary for comfort, minimising bumps and jolts when you travel over rough terrain.
Because of these crucial roles, the suspension system is exposed to a lot of potential damage. Certain parts are also more prone to wear and tear, which is why you need to pay them extra attention so you can keep them in good shape. Here are just a few to take note of:
Wheels and Tyres
You may be surprised to know that your car’s tyres are part of the suspension system. They provide not just road traction, but also act as a kind of shock absorber for small bumps and dips on the road. Meanwhile, the wheels help keep your car balanced and provide leverage so you can move over obstacles with ease.
Due to their constant contact with the road, your tyres can get cut or punctured. Over time, your tyre’s treads will also wear down and provide less and less grip. Meanwhile, the wheels can get bent or deformed due to heavy impact.
Springs, Shocks, and Struts
Some of the most hard-working parts of your car’s suspension system are the springs, shocks, and struts. Springs are designed to bend or compress in response to force, which allows them to absorb the biggest bumps.
Shocks, on the other hand, dampen the motion of the springs to limit the bounce. Finally, struts provide structural support and provide a pivot point for the steering system. (Note that your car will either have a shock or a strut at each wheel. In addition, struts are also often placed in front and shocks in the back.)
Springs are built quite tough, so they can last a long time. However, if you often drive over rough roads and obstacles, the springs can sag and break much earlier. Meanwhile, excessive up-and-down movement can cause shocks and struts to leak oil. This can lead to damping failure.
Ball Joints
Ball joints are found in your car’s front suspension, connecting an assembly of links, bushings, and bearings. Just like the human body’s hip joints, your car’s ball joints help provide smooth pivoting movement. In particular, they allow the seamless action of the steering knuckles and control arms for precise control and a smooth ride.
The main issue with ball joints is that they need regular lubrication. If the protective boot fails, the ball joints can also get exposed to water, dirt, and other road debris that can cause premature wear and tear. Fortunately, these parts are easy enough to replace.
You can buy ball joints in Mauritius< through online stores, but make sure you find a reliable one. They may be small, but ball joints are crucial for safety and comfort so you need to get high-quality products.
Bushings and Bearings
Your car’s suspension system needs to be flexible, which is why its links, bars, and arms are connected using bushings and bearings. The former provides cushioning between parts, while the latter reduces friction for a smoother rotation.
Due to constant movement as well as exposure to heat and contaminants, your car’s suspension bushings and bearings are prone to deterioration. If they’re damaged or destroyed, your car’s suspension system will suffer. Make it a habit to check these small parts and replace them as needed.
Anti-Roll Bar Link Rods
An anti-roll bar is a metal rod that provides additional stability to your vehicle when you make turns. Meanwhile, anti-roll bar link rods connect the suspension components to either end of the anti-roll bar. Also called stabiliser links or drop links, link rods can get damaged when the vehicle bounces only on one side. A good example of this is when you’re driving over a narrow speed hump.
When this happens, one end of the link rod will rise and twist the bar. The uneven action can cause one side to deteriorate faster. Excessive strain, such as driving over large obstacles or deep potholes, can also lead to damage on either or both ends of the link rods.
Many off-road enthusiasts will find that they need to check up on their anti-roll bar link rods more often. However, this doesn’t mean that your link rods won’t get damaged if you don’t drive on rough terrain. In fact, two of the most common reasons that link rods fail are speed humps and poor road quality. Be aware of your surroundings and drive carefully over obstacles.
Many of your car parts won’t last forever, especially those that perform heavy-duty roles like suspension components. All you can do is practice safe driving habits and be aware of each part’s function. This way, you can ensure that every component is in good shape and that you can drive with peace of mind.
