This is a guide to understanding how your car's suspension works. If you think you have a suspension or tire problem and want to find out what causes it, this guide will help you identify and fix some of the most common issues.
Steps
Step 1. Try to rely on your feelings
If you feel a vibration in the steering wheel, you may have a problem in the front of the car (probably in the alignment of the wheels or in the steering mechanism). It could be a problem with the tie rod or a bushing in the control arms. A vibration in the seat suggests a problem in the rear of the car. It could be a problem with the rear wheel bearings or a problem with excessive wear on a tire.
Step 2. Once you think you have identified the problem, park the car and let it cool down
Get gloves and safety glasses. If you need to lift the car, park it on a level surface and use an appropriate stand. Don't just rely on the jack and don't use bricks or pieces of wood to lift the vehicle. Use a good jack block and lock the wheels. Check the stability of the car before you step under it. Push it and make sure it is firm and does not move as you push it. At this point you can go under the car in the area of the suspected fault and start working.
Step 3. Make sure you know where to look
Many suspensions can be controlled by grasping or twisting their parts. This applies to tie rods, pitman arm, power steering pulley and other parts of the steering system. To check the bearings and bushings of the screen or the tires, you will need to lift the wheels.
Step 4. Usually these vibrations are caused by problems with the tires, due to different wear of the different tires (which often occurs after hitting the pavement during parking maneuvers)
Raise the wheels, turn the steering wheel and take a good look at the tire. Usually these problems are very noticeable, but sometimes they cannot be seen with the naked eye. With the wheels raised, grab the top and bottom of the tire, then pull up and down. If you feel any play, it could be a bearing or tie rod problem. Also check that the bolts holding the wheel have not come off.
Step 5. If you cannot find the source of the problem, you may need to take the car to the mechanic, who can use appropriate diagnostic tools
Advice
- Press using your body weight on one corner of the vehicle. If it bounces more than once, the shock absorbers are probably too worn and will need to be replaced soon.
- None of the parts of the suspension system must have play. If not, there is a problem.
- Most cars equipped with air suspension can be converted to spring suspension. While this option can be expensive at first and driving will not be as comfortable, the savings in repairs can make replacement cost effective.
- In cars without a rack, grease must be applied to the suspension every time the tires are changed or reversed, or every 15,000 - 20,000 kilometers.
- If your car is equipped with the Automatic Leveling System and the car does not appear to be level (the rear is sinking), there is usually an air leak. Air leaks are usually caused by the wear of rubber parts. Couplings can also cause leaks, causing the rear of the machine to fail. In other cases, the problem may be the compressor or sensors.
Warnings
- Any suspected tire or suspension problems should be addressed immediately. It could render the vehicle uncontrollable or inoperable.
- Suspension parts are usually very dirty and can also be very hot. Always let the vehicle cool down for at least 4 hours before checking.
