Keeping Your Ride Smooth: Understanding Your Vehicle's Suspension System

One of the most critical systems in any vehicle is the suspension system. For a smooth ride and reliable handling, the vehicle’s suspension keeps the tires on the road and absorbs impacts from bumps. 

The suspension system works quietly under the vehicle as a bridge between the tires and the chassis. Contrary to common misconceptions, It’s an intricate system that isn’t just about comfort but safety. Timely suspension maintenance and service at Jerry's Auto Repair is essential for the safety of the driver and passengers.

What Is a Suspension System in Vehicles?

A vehicle’s suspension system increases the friction between the tires and the road while absorbing any impact from uneven surfaces. It comprises springs, dampers, and other components under the vehicle's chassis.

Suspension geometry refers to the arrangement of the components based on lengths and angles to ensure ride quality on rough terrains. 

The suspension system works by absorbing energy from kinetic impact, preventing the tires from losing contact with the surface. Tires and suspension are vital for vehicle ride comfort, insulating the main cabin from shocks. 

Even newly paved roads are never perfect. Surface unevenness, especially bumps and potholes, can create vertical acceleration. This can cause the wheels to jump and slam back on the road, impacting the vehicle’s body. With a well-maintained suspension system, this impact is mostly absorbed. 

At Jerry's Auto Repair, we provide all suspension services, from maintenance to repairs. Our experts are familiar with suspension systems of both old and modern vehicles, ensuring your drives are smooth and safe. 

Key Suspension Components

The vehicle suspension components work together to absorb shocks from the road and make vehicle handling effortless. Here’s what a vehicle’s suspension system is made of:

• Springs help control the height and load between the suspension and the chassis, absorbing the wheels' movement. 
• Dampers, or shock absorbers, absorb and dampen the shocks generated from impact with bumps and dips on the road and ensure that the tires always stay in contact with the surface.
• Struts include the springs and shock absorbers. They are commonly used in front-wheel drive vehicles. 
• Control arms connect the vehicle’s frame with the front wheels. These arms move up and down as the wheels move to maintain the tire’s contact with the road surface. 
• Ball joints, bearings, and bushings allow the vehicle to turn and enable the control arms to move up and down. Bearings and bushings reduce friction between the moving parts of the suspension system

Common Suspension Problems

While suspension parts are built to last long, they’re not immune to wear or damage. Suspension service from Jerry's Auto Repair is essential if a component is worn out or the system isn’t working.

Here are some of the most common issues and the signs that a suspension repair is due. 

• Bouncing on Bumps and Dips: It’s normal to feel some impact from large bumps and dips, but if your vehicle bounces on every bump or dip, there’s likely some issue with the shock absorbers or struts. A suspension expert at Jerry's Auto Repair can find the exact problem, typically worn-out springs or dampers. 
• Pulling to One Side: If your vehicle doesn’t go straight and pulls to one side, it could be an issue with the suspension system or wheel alignment. The latter is a more common cause of this issue. However, checking for suspension issues is also recommended because wheel alignment is linked with suspension. 
• Lower Corner or Side: If a corner or side of the vehicle feels lower than the rest of the body, a damaged or weak spring or damper is likely the cause. The suspension system also supports the chassis and keeps the vehicle's body balanced. 
• Rolling to Side: Suspension problems can impact handling performance, sometimes making it feel like your vehicle is rolling to one side when turning. As a result, sharp turns can be challenging to handle. 
• Steering Difficulty: Tough steering, especially at low speeds, can be linked to problems with the suspension system. 
• Diving and Dipping on Brakes: If your vehicle dips or dives down when braking, it most likely has an issue with the suspension. The springs and shock absorbers fail to absorb the downward force on the front of the vehicle on braking. 

Try Jerry's Auto Repair for Suspension Service

Whether you need suspension tuning or suspension upgrades, the experts at Jerry's Auto Repair can provide expert diagnostics, maintenance, and services in Pullman, WA.

Your vehicle's suspension system can ensure a smooth ride even on rough roads and make handling bumps, dips, and turns easier. Jerry's Auto Repair can diagnose and fix any issues with your vehicle’s suspension components with transparency and fair prices. 

Contact us today at (509) 334-7215 to discuss our suspension services!