Suspension Shocks & Struts
The job of a car suspension is to:
- maximise the contact between the tires and the road surface,
- provide steering stability with good handling, and
- ensure the passengers a comfortable ride.
Here is a detailed article on how a passenger vehicle suspension system works.
A passenger vehicle suspension system contains many intricate parts including shock absorbers, strut assembly, coil springs, ball joints, steering linkage, stabiliser bar (sway bar), tie rods and C.V. joints.
Typical Cause Of Suspension Problems
While each suspension system may vary, all suspension system components will weaken/wear over time through stress applied during normal driving conditions. However, off-road driving and erratic driving can cause suspension components to wear more quickly. Also, a major impact with a road hazard such as a pothole or curb may cause significant damage to the suspension with no visible indications.
If you notice any symptoms of suspension problems give us a call, we’ll set you up an appointment and get your car in the shop ASAP.
Automotive Suspension Services
These are the typical suspension services offered at Hyack Excel Tire:
- Suspension System Inspection
- Ball Joint Replacement
- Tie Rod Replacement
- Shock Replacement
- Strut Replacement
- Sway Bar Replacement
Preventative checkups are the key to sidestepping the effects of worn shocks/struts. Suspension system maintenance is essential for the safe operation of your car.
At Hyack Excel Tire, we only recommend the repairs and products that you need.
See our Guiding Principles.
Automotive Suspension Warning Signs
If the roads you travel have many bumps (potholes) or if you are an aggressive driver, your vehicle may require repairs sooner rather than later.
Watch for these warning signs that your vehicle may need steering and suspension services:
- vehicle pulls to the left or right;
- vehicle rolls or sways on turns;
- constantly adjust the steering wheel to maintain a direction;
- steering wheel vibrates or jerks around;
- brakes don’t stop the vehicle efficiently;
- tires are wearing unevenly (cupping) or more than normal (cupping);
- strange noise or loud knocks, clunks, or squeaks whenever you drive over a bump in the road;
- vehicle bounces (continues to move up and down), after passing over a bump in the road;
- front end dives when braking or rear end squats when accelerating; or
- fluid leaks.
If you notice any of these symptoms be sure to call Hyack Excel Tire so we can inspect your car's suspension. Your steering and suspension system is made up of many components with complex interactions. Hyack Excel Tire's experienced mechanics understand your vehicle and can diagnose the problem quickly.
Importance of Suspension Maintenance
These are the types of problems that may occur if your suspension system is not maintained regularly.
- Shaky, unsteady, off-center, and stiff steering makes driving your car unsafe and are all indications of a steering system problem
- Excessive bouncing or swaying during bumps and intermittent control while driving and braking are cause for a suspension system inspection
- Worn suspension components will reduce the stability of the vehicle and the control of the driver
- Uneven tire wear is also a potential sign of a suspension problem, though this may also point to alignment issues
Suspension issues that go untreated have the potential to increase the wear on other suspension components, which may result in more extensive repairs down the road. Call Hyack Excel Tire to book a Suspension System Inspection during your next vehicle service.
Suspension System Main Components
Shocks and Struts
Not all vehicles have both shocks and struts. Some have just struts, and some vehicles have only shocks. Shocks are part of the overall suspension, and a strut is a complete suspension assembly.
The shock absorbers in your car aid in ride control by keeping the car manageable during regular driving. They do this by keeping the tires down on the road and not allowing them to bounce after hitting a bump.
The symptoms of worn shock or struts:
- Vehicle rolls or sways on turns
- Front end dives when braking or Rear end squats when accelerating
- Vehicle bounces or slides sideways on a winding, rough road
- Vehicle "bottoms out" (with a thump) on bumps
In addition, worn shocks and/or struts can accelerate the wear of your tires and suspension parts -- the ball joints, steering linkage, springs and C.V. joints.
Preventative checkups are the key to sidestepping the effects of worn shocks and/or struts.