Steering & Suspension in Palmerston, ON
What is Steering & Suspension?
Every vehicle is not complete without an appropriate suspension system. Typically, the steering system of your car or truck is everything from the steering wheel to the steering shaft, rack and pinion, better known as a gearbox, all the way to the linkage which connects to the wheels themselves.
Worn or loose components impair control of the toe angle, resulting in a loss of directional stability and accelerated tire wear.
Main components of the steering system:
- Steering Gear Box
- Centre Link
- Pitman Arm
- Idler Arm
- Tie Rods
Main components of a Rack and Pinion steering system are:
- Rack and Pinion Assembly
- Bellows Boots
- Tie Rods
Different Components of Your Vehicle Suspension
A suspension system consists of mechanical components, such as springs and dampers, that connect the wheels to the chassis. Typically, it serves two purposes: managing the vehicle’s handling and braking for safety and keeping passengers comfortable from bumps, vibrations, and other factors. It is a mechanical system of springs or shock absorbers that connects the wheels and axles of a vehicle to the chassis.
Components of the Vehicle Suspension System
- Knuckle or Upright
- Linkages
- Shock absorbers and springs
Types of the Suspension Systems
- Independent suspension system
- Dependent suspension system
- Semi-independent suspension system
Importance of Steering & Suspension System
Your suspension system is critical to your vehicle’s proper operation, especially regarding how much control you have over Steering while driving.
The steering wheel often pulls to one side when the suspension is damaged. As a result, maintaining your lane will become more difficult as you adjust your reaction time when turning the steering wheel. This can be dangerous because your reaction times will be slower, and your lack of control may result in a collision.
A failing suspension will, at the very least, make your ride less comfortable over time. You will feel the impact more strongly every time you drive over a speed bump, hit something in your path, or drive on rougher terrain.
In summary, the suspension system regulates your steering abilities, provides a smooth ride, and protects the rest of your vehicle from damage. When this system begins to fail, your driving experience will become significantly more dangerous and costly due to the repairs that will be required.
How Do You Know if Your Suspension is Damaged?
No doubt, steering and suspension systems play a vital role in enhancing the efficiency of a vehicle. But if it gets damaged or something goes wrong, it reduces the overall power and performance of a vehicle. Here are some of the most common telltale signs that indicate your vehicle’s suspension system needs repair or replacement.
1. When driving, the car pulls to one side of the road
If you notice your car drifting on either side of the road while driving in a straight line, there could be a couple of issues. For starters, we recommend that you inspect your tires for low pressure. Next, have your wheels aligned; if this does not solve the problem, you may have a suspension issue.
Get your vehicle checked right away to avoid a bigger problem that might be too much for your wallet. However, if it is the former, your suspension, outer tie rod, or inner tie rod may be broken.
2. One corner sits lower than the others.
To determine this, your vehicle should be on level ground. If one corner of the vehicle is lower than the other, you may have a broken spring. The damper or the entire suspension could also be faulty.
To clarify, if your car has a damaged spring, you may hear a clunking noise when driving over a bad section of the road. This could also be seen when pushing the car down from the hood of the truck, depending on which side is lower.
What is the average life of a car suspension?
A high-quality shock absorber can last for five years or more. However, the life expectancy of a shock absorber is also affected by factors such as driving style and mileage.
Schedule Your Visit to True Auto Care for Steering & Suspension Services in Palmerston, ON
If you want to keep your steering and suspension system hassle-free, simply bring your vehicle to True Auto Care in Palmerston, ON. We take complete care of your vehicle and ensure your vehicle is functioning properly. For more information, call us at 519-843-1240.