What does your car's suspension system do?
The suspension system helps determine the ride and handling of your car by improving the friction between the tires and the pavement, delivering better ride quality, and enabling sharper turns. It provides a smooth ride for the driver and passengers, and helps control the car's movement. If a vehicle lacked a suspension system, the driver and passenger would bounce around a lot. Overall, the suspension system aids the safety and performance of your car.
How does car suspension work?
The suspension connects the wheels with the frame or unibody (a single unit that combines the chassis and body). This system communicates with the steering system to help a driver control a car. A vehicle suspension system that's operating normally absorbs the shock of potholes, speed bumps, debris, and other road hazards, and helps a driver navigate the car. INFINITI of Nashua recommends having your car's suspension and steering system inspected if you feel your vehicle pulling to one side or vibrating, or hear rubbing sounds.
"Just hitting a pothole or curb can throw things out of whack," writes INFINITI of Nashua. "Most common is your steering alignment which affects the tires traction on the ground and can lead to more issue[s] with your suspension down the road."
What affects the wear and tear of your car's suspension and steering systems?
According to the Car Care Council, factors that affect the performance and longevity of your car's suspension and steering systems include:
- Operating conditions, such as the types of roads you regularly drive on
- Vehicle type
- Frequency of maintenance
- Driving habits, such as whether you drive gently or roughly across speed bumps and potholes
Take into consideration that potholes do some seriously expensive damage to cars. Some reports estimate that potholes result in $3 billion in U.S. vehicle repairs each year. Problems include wheels being out of alignment or suspension parts being damaged, notes Competition INFINITI of Smithtown.
What's the difference between a dependent suspension and independent suspension?
A solid axle in a dependent suspension system connects the wheels on the right and left side of your car. This type of system is common in rear-wheel-drive vehicles and SUVs.
An independent suspension system lacks a solid axle linking the wheels. Instead, each wheel operates independently, meaning that if the right front tire hits a pothole, the left rear tire doesn't respond to the impact. This system delivers a smoother ride than a dependent suspension system does.
What are the various parts of your car's suspension system?
Dozens of parts in the suspension system work together to ensure a safer, smoother ride. However, several components form the foundation of this system.
Glossary of suspension system components
Frame: The frame, also called the chassis, is the skeleton of your car. It supports all of the car's other components. The frame works much like the skeleton of your body or the skeleton of a building.
Rods/linkages: Several metal rods, or linkages, weave together components of the suspension system.
Ball joints, wheel bearings, and bushings: These parts link the larger components of the suspension system.
- Front ball joints tie the suspension control arms to the steering knuckles. A knuckle keeps the front wheel on the car and allows you to switch direction.
- Some vehicles have rear ball joints. These serve as hinges to enable the wheels to move up and down as the car travels on the road.
- Wheel bearings are a set of steel balls that help the wheels rotate in a low-friction manner.
- Bushings are like pillows for the suspension system. They cushion the suspension system, allowing it to control noise and vibrations.
Anti-sway/roll bars: These metal rods stabilize your car when you're making a turn, preventing the vehicle from swaying to one side or the other.
Shock absorbers: These devices, also known as dampers, prevent your car from bouncing and work to provide good handling.
Springs: In tandem with the struts and shocks, the springs — usually coil springs — absorb road shocks, such as hitting a pothole. They also support the weight of your car and keep the tires on the pavement.
Struts: On a car with an independent suspension system, your car's struts consist mostly of a shock absorber and a coil spring. Keep in mind that shocks and struts aren't the same things, even though you might hear the two words used together or interchangeably. Shocks and struts typically should be replaced every 60,000 to 75,000 miles; check your INFINITI owner's manual to see what's recommended for your car.
Steering system: The steering system lets you control the direction of your car — forward, backward, right, and left.
Tires and wheels: The tires, wrapped around the wheels, enable your car to grip and feel the road. Well-made, well-installed, well-maintained wheels and tires vastly improve the quality of your ride. Literally and figuratively, a lot rides on your tires and wheels.
What are some common suspension problems?
Several things can go wrong with your car's intricate suspension system, and you might be able to correct some of them on your own if you're a DIY mechanic. Here are five of the most common problems.
- One sign of a suspension problem is the car pulling to one side when you're driving. Causes can include poor alignment, uneven tire wear, or uneven tire pressure. Fixing the problem could be as simple as rotating or properly inflating the tires. Or a mechanic might need to check your car and see whether an alignment or some other professional fix is needed.
- A bumpy ride also could signal that your suspension is out of whack. This could mean your shocks or struts are worn out and should be replaced. You might be able to replace your shocks or struts at home, depending on your skill level and tools.
- If one corner of your car is lower than the other corners, it might be time to repair a damaged spring.
- Trouble with steering can be a tipoff that your car's suspension system isn't working right. If that's the case, you might need, for example, to fill up the steering fluid, replace a steering belt, or repair the steering pump. While you might be able to tackle the steering fluid or steering belt without the help of a mechanic, always consult your owner's manual.
- A leaning car could translate into suspension problems. Your shocks or struts might need to be replaced — by you or a mechanic — if your car leans forward when you brake, leans side to side when you pull around a corner, or leans back when you put the pedal to the metal.
A healthy suspension is vital to a smooth ride — and it also can help protect your car's undercarriage and tires. For guaranteed compatibility and INFINITI quality standards, get genuine Infiniti shocks, struts, and more by shopping online or visiting your local INFINITI service center.