Car Suspension, Dorking, Surrey

When you think about the performance of a car, the first thought would be about engine power or torque. But it is vital to remember the importance of the vehicles suspension.

Consisting of a huge variety of components, it could not be more important to ensure the condition of the suspension is regularly checked and maintained.

What parts make up the car’s suspension?

There is a huge list of parts when it comes to what makes up a vehicle’s suspension. Here are just a few:

  • Tyres and Wheels
  • Shock Absorbers
  • Anti-Roll Bar
  • Coil Springs
  • Subframe
  • Lower Arms (Wishbone)
  • Bushes and Inserts

All components on the suspension are as important as each other. Any defects within the suspension can put both the vehicle and any passengers at risk of an accident, or worse, injury.

How does my suspension work?

Mainly, suspension items are connected to the framework of the vehicle. This framework is called the chassis. The chassis creates a strong base for all suspension components as there no free movement within the chassis. Meaning it is the job of the suspension components to allow and restrict movement where necessary.

It is important that this movement is well balanced, as too much movement creates a soft, bouncy ride. And too little movement can create a firm, harsh ride.

How does my suspension go wrong?

As the suspension is designed to take abuse from the road and deflect it away from the body of the car, over time it can start to wear and tire. Possible things to look and listen for could be:

  • Creaks, squeaks and knocks whilst driving
  • Vehicle appears to be lower on one side
  • Uneven tyre wear
  • Vehicle pulling to one side
  • Bouncing/rocking whilst driving

Possible causes of these faults could be:

  • Leaking/Collapsed shock absorbers
  • Snapped coil springs
  • Worn/Perished bushes and inserts
  • Broken Anti-roll bar drop links
  • Excessive movement in ball joints

Ensuring the suspension is well maintained is very important. Even the smallest fault can have huge consequences.

At Tutts, our technicians are fully trained in identifying and rectifying any faults that may arise with your vehicle’s suspension. We also have the huge advantage in having a state of the art 3D scanning wheel alignment ramp, allowing us to ensure when all work is complete, we are able to realign the suspension and wheels so the vehicle runs straight and true.

 

Please do not hesitate to contact us today. We are always ready to help.

Contact Tutts of Dorking Today