Enhance your driving experience and maximize the longevity of your suspension with this valuable list of maintenance don'ts.
Given the various components involved in balancing today’s suspension systems – including geometry, dampers, springs, camber, toe, direct integration with tire pressures, and various other mechanical bits – it’s a wonder that the average driver ever experiences solid control of their vehicle, let alone driving comfort. That said, engineers do get the job done more times than not.
However, many DIYers still like to tweak their suspensions and sometimes they get it wrong. To minimize the chances of you joining their ranks, let’s take a look at how suspensions operate and then unpack the various mistakes you can make when trying to make the system ‘just a bit better.’
Smooth Rides, Safer Journeys
To begin, let’s look at the various benefits offered by a well-maintained suspension and how neglect or improper tuning can negatively affect each one.
Safety.
Your vehicle’s suspension system plays a critical role in stability and control. Since the system’s goal is to maintain tire contact with the road, it effectively establishes overall grip, particularly when braking and cornering. Perhaps unsurprisingly, an improperly-tuned suspension can result in poor stability, bad handling, excess body roll, and decreased control. This, in turn, increased the chance of an accident, especially during emergency situations or when faced with uneven or slippery roadways.
Comfort.
A well-tuned suspension helps absorb bumps, vibrations, and other kinds of road irregularities, thereby improving your comfort. Poorly-tuned or poorly cared-for suspensions can’t deal with these issues properly, causing a rough and uncomfortable ride for everyone inside the vehicle.
Tire Life.
Your vehicle’s suspension system also distributes vehicle weight across each tire, ensuring even tire wear. As a result, if the suspension is properly maintained, overall tire life is lengthened. And if not, well, tires fail to make optimal contact with the road, potentially leading to cupping or balding across the tread. This increases the chances of skidding or losing control.
Vehicle Handling.
A proper suspension delivers optimal handling and responsiveness, including effective steering control, precise cornering, and predictable characteristics. By comparison, a badly tuned suspension will exhibit unusual or unexpected behavior, specifically when executing hard braking and/or cornering. You may notice extended stopping distances or difficulty controlling the vehicle.
Systems Insulation.
Your vehicle’s suspension system also insulates damage to affiliated components such as the frame, steering system, and exhaust system. It reduces stress and impacts, thereby preventing wear, damage, and costly repairs. Treat that suspension poorly, and these components become more susceptible to dynamic stresses, which can lead to failure.
Enhanced Resale.
It probably goes without saying, but a properly maintained suspension helps preserve the overall condition and value of your vehicle. Think about it… if any of the negative symptoms detailed above were present in a car you were looking to buy, would you actually put any money down?
Suspension Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid
Clearly, smooth and safe driving experiences are crucial when hitting the road, and a well-maintained and optimized suspension system plays a pivotal role in achieving that. That’s why it's so important to know about common suspension maintenance mistakes that could lead to costly repairs or worse, compromise the overall performance of your vehicle. By avoiding these pitfalls, you can ensure your suspension system remains in top shape.
Improper/Unsafe Jacking Techniques.
Using the wrong jacking points or lifting a vehicle too quickly can damage suspension components – not to mention, seriously injure you. Always consult your vehicle's manual to locate the correct jacking points and use a quality, stable jack to lift the vehicle gradually and safely. Use jack stands for stability you can rely on.
Neglecting Regular Inspections.
Skipping routine inspections is a common suspension mistake, and one that can have serious consequences. Ignoring your suspension system means you might fail to catch early signs of wear or damage in the components. Over time, these unnoticed issues can lead to a significant decrease in performance, compromising your vehicle's handling, stability, and overall safety.
Ignoring Suspension Symptoms.
Much like avoiding inspections, ignoring clear signs of a problem is both common and dangerous. Pay attention to unusual sounds, such as squeaks or clunks, as these might indicate underlying suspension problems that need attention. Similarly, pay attention to any sudden leaks, vibration issues while driving, or signs of misalignment. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent them from escalating into more significant and costly repairs down the road.
Overloading the Vehicle.
Whether it's packing too much cargo, carrying heavy equipment, or exceeding the vehicle's maximum weight capacity, overloading a vehicle can have seriously detrimental effects on suspension components. The added weight places increased stress on springs, shocks, and other components, causing them to work beyond their intended limits. Over time, this can lead to sagging springs, worn-out shocks, and other issues. It can also do a number on your tires and brakes. Always adhere to OEM’s weight limits and guidelines, and take care to properly distribute weight in your vehicle.
Incorrect Torque Values.
When installing or tightening suspension components, it's crucial to use the manufacturer's specified torque values. Using too much or too little torque can cause problems like loose components, stripped threads, or even failure of critical suspension parts. Investing in a quality torque wrench will also ensure that you achieve the right torque during installations or adjustments.
Choosing the Wrong Shocks.
Shocks play a crucial role in absorbing road impacts and maintaining tire contact with the road surface. If they are worn down or you don’t choose wisely when upgrading, it can lead to poor handling, excessive bouncing, and reduced braking efficiency. Select shocks based on your vehicle specifications and driving preferences. Otherwise, you may end up with stiff performance shocks when your vehicle requires a more comfortable ride, or squishy marshmallows on off-road adventures.
Mix-Matched Suspension Parts.
Mixing and matching suspension parts from different manufacturers or models can lead to significant handling and safety issues. Remember, each vehicle's suspension system is engineered as a complete package, with all components working together to provide optimal performance. When you mess with this formula, it can cause uneven weight distribution, poor handling, and potential mechanical failures.
Working on suspension systems requires a degree of patience, science, and a fair amount of art. Unlike some other mechanical systems, suspension systems exist properly when a host of elements are constantly balanced and maintained on a service level. That means, if you have a mind to work on or upgrade your own system, you should learn everything you can before you pull out your tool kit.