How to Check for Worn Suspension Parts
A suspension system's primary responsibility is to ensure that the vehicle can be driven safely by minimizing the risk that the vehicle's operator will lose control due to a sudden change in the road surface. The suspension system is also responsible for providing a smooth ride by minimizing the effect of the road surface from reaching the vehicle's occupants. Over time, the effectiveness of a vehicle's suspension components will decline. Thankfully, it's relatively easy to check the suspension parts for signs of wear.
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Instructions
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Inspect the front suspension's joints. Front suspension systems typically consist of coil springs, which rest on top of upper control arms and sit just beneath the shock tower inside the engine compartment. Within this assembly are several rubber or polyurethane seals. The seals can be visually inspected for signs of wear. Look for cracks in these seals, particularly where they meet their metal contact points.
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Inspect the front suspension's shocks. Shocks are used to minimize the effect of varying road surfaces by absorbing the vehicle's bounce when it passes over road imperfections. To test the shocks, press down firmly on the front fender, then quickly release the fender. The fender should quickly return to its original height. If the fender continues to bounce until it slowly stops, the shocks need replacement. Also, look for fluid leaks at the bottom of each shock which, if present, indicate the replacement is necessary.
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Inspect the rear suspension system. The vast majority of vehicles are equipped with a leaf-spring suspension. The leaf springs are large metal pieces several feet long that attach to the differential and run parallel to the vehicle. To inspect the leaf springs, park the vehicle on a level surface, then look at the side of the vehicle from a distance. If the rear of the vehicle sags, the leaf springs will need replacement. Also inspect the rubber or polyurethane joints of the rear suspension in the same manner as the front suspension was inspected. Test the rear shocks in the same manner used to test the front shocks.
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