Suspension Common Faults and Repairs

What is it?

Suspension is the term given to the system of components, springs, shock absorbers and linkages that connects a vehicle to the road surface via the wheels and tyres.

Where is it?

The suspension is located across all 4 wheels of car.

Indicators of faults:

Badly cupped tires and/or noticeable tire shaking.
Wheel shimmy or vibration after hitting a bump.
Suspension bottoming on rough roads or when backing out of a driveway.
A bouncy ride.
Body sway or rocking when cornering or ­driving in strong crosswinds.
Nose dive when braking hard.
Fluid leaking from a strut or shock.

Common faults:

Poor wheel alignment.
Damage to shock absorbers.
Damage to springs.
Damage to ball joints.
Damage to control arms.