The Ugly Truth About Driving on Worn Suspension Parts

Although it is one of the most important systems in your vehicle, the suspension is one that you probably don't think much about until there is a problem. When the suspension is working well you have a smooth ride, and unless a major problem crops up, the suspension can be one of the furthest things from your mind. However, even with a worn suspension that is not yet broken, you can experience a variety of problems. To understand the dangers of driving on worn suspension parts, it is important to first know and understand how your suspension system functions.

What Does a Suspension System Do?

Your suspension is there to absorb the shocks that your car or truck encounters from uneven roads or bumps. By suspending the body of your vehicle above the axles on springs, your axles become free to move up and down without transferring the shock to the body or the passengers of your vehicle. This not only makes the ride smoother, but also prevents problems from happening to the body of your vehicle such as bolts becoming loose, or welds cracking under the stress of a heavy load.

What Can Happen if the Suspension is Worn?

Even if you are not feeling every bump or jar as you drive down the road, a worn suspension can still cause problems. If you’re carrying a heavy load you might experience the suspension bottoming out on bumps because you’re sitting lower than normal. Likewise, larger bumps or potholes will be more likely to cause your chassis to hit the wheels and axles on a worn suspension system than one that’s in good condition.

How Can You Tell if the Suspension is Worn?

One easy way to check for a worn suspension is to park your car or truck on a level surface and look under the vehicle from the front and back. If the body sits lower on one side or the other, then you may have worn or sagging leaf springs behind that tire. To know for sure, it’s best to remove the tire, clean the dirt and grime with a wire brush, and do a thorough inspection of the leaf springs for any cracks. If there is a problem, then replacing the leaf springs will likely be your best option.

Where Can You Find More Information About Suspension Repairs?

If you are fortunate enough to live near the New Century, KS area, the experts at General Spring are available at our full service shop to help with your suspension inspections. General Spring has been an automotive leaf spring and suspension authority since 1965, and we know what it takes to keep a vehicle suspension running properly.

If you happen to live outside the KS area, our experts are available to answer your questions over the phone, or online. You can call us locally at 913-829-0619, and national customers can reach us toll free at 1-888-829-0619. We are ready to answer all of your questions about suspension products!