Why do we need Suspension
The job of a car suspension is to maximize the friction between the tyres and the road surface, to provide steering stability with good handling and to ensure the comfort of the passengers.
If a road were perfectly flat, with no irregularities, suspension wouldn’t be necessary. But roads are far from flat. Even freshly paved highways have subtle imperfections that can interact with the wheels of a car. It’s these imperfections that apply forces to the wheels. A bump in the road causes the wheel to move up and down perpendicular to the road surface. The magnitude, of course, depends on whether the wheel is striking a giant bump or a tiny speck. Either way, the car wheel experiences vertical acceleration as it passes over an imperfection.
Without an intervening structure, all of wheel’s vertical energy is transferred to the frame, which moves in the same direction. In such a situation, the wheels can lose contact with the road completely. Then, under the downward force of gravity, the wheels can slam back into the road surface. Shock absorbers absorb the energy of the vertically accelerated wheel, allowing the frame and body to ride undisturbed while the wheels follow bumps in the road.
Suspension Repairs
Worn suspension, steering or drive line components can cause noise, vibration and premature tyre wear. AutoTech can perform a complete suspension and steering inspection. By identifying and replacing worn parts you will regain steering control and handling which will return your vehicle to its original operating performance.
Key parts we repair or replace include:
- ball joints
- bushings
- sway bar links
- tie rods
- idler arms/pitman arms
- rack and pinion units
- tie rod ends/sleeves
- cv joints/boots
- cv axle half shafts
- shock absorbers
- struts/cartridges
- coil springs
- universal joints and springs
- Shocks & Struts replacement
Warning Signs
Weak shocks may cause an uncomfortable ride and poor handling in addition to changes in vehicle ride height. This may lead to increased wear on other suspension components – including Tyres, ball joints and springs.
Shocks and struts do wear out and should be checked regular just to be safe. At AutoTech we a provide quality shocks and struts replacement service at an affordable price.
Due to the fact that shocks and struts wear out slowly over an extended period of time, it often is not obvious that the performance of the shocks and struts have diminished. Worn shocks or struts may allow the following:
- Excessive tyre bounce
- Poor tyre-to-road contact
- Reduced suspension control
- Premature tyre wear
- Increased wear on other suspension components
- Reduced handling and braking performance
- Noise and suspension vibration