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The primary function of your cars suspension and steering systems is to allow the wheels to move independently of the car, while keeping it "suspended" and stable. Any play or uncontrolled motion in these systems results in a deterioration of handling and accelerated tire wear. Vehicle alignment is closely tied to the condition of the suspension and steering systems.
Worn or loose components affect the ability to control the toe angle, and may result in a loss of directional stability and accelerated tire wear. The main components of a Conventional system are:
The main components of a Rack and Pinion steering system are:
Worn or loose components affect the suspension systems ability to control motion and alignment angles, resulting in a deterioration of vehicle handling and stability, and accelerated tire wear. The main components of the suspension system are:
Description:
Wheel alignment consists of a series of interrelated measurements and adjustments that bring a vehicle’s steering, suspension and on-road driving characteristics into manufacturer’s specifications.
Purpose:
Proper wheel alignment reduces tire wear, improves fuel economy and handling, while increasing driving enjoyment and safety.
Maintenance Tips/Suggestions:
Have your car’s alignment checked once a year. Normal wear and road conditions can take their toll on your car’s steering and suspension system, possibly throwing the alignment settings out of specifications. For best results, seek a reliable alignment shop and qualified technician who can perform a four-wheel alignment on your car.
Traditionally, alignments have always been associated with only the front wheels, but no longer. Consider this: The rear wheels set the direction of vehicle travel; the front wheels steer the vehicle. Having all four wheels checked ensures directional harmony as your car goes down the road. Some common symptoms of your car needing an alignment include uneven tire tread wear, pulling to one side, wandering, and an off-center steering wheel. Start an annual routine of alignment checks and you won’t have to experience reduced tread wear and a loss of vehicle performance. While having your car’s alignment set, it also serves as the perfect opportunity to balance your car’s wheels.
- Shocks & Struts (have video but no text, current text is only for "Steering & Suspension")
Shock absorbers or shocks are usually used on cars and light trucks with standard suspension systems. Shocks may also be used on the rear of some cars frontwheel- drive cars that use McPherson strut suspension in front. Shocks provide resistance by forcing hydraulic fluid (oil) through valves in the piston as it moves up and down. Because the oil cannot be compressed, only a certain amount of fluid can be forced through these valves, which creates resistance to vehicle movement. Premium shocks are superior to regular hydraulic shocks because air in the shock is replaced by pressurized nitrogen gas. This prevents bubbles from forming in the hydraulic fluid. These bubbles, called foaming, reduce the ability of shocks to provide resistance and prevent bounce. Gas shocks also quicken the response of a shock's movement, thereby increasing comfort and control.
Purpose: Shock absorbers dampen movement of the vehicle’s springs as they compress and rebound during vehicle travel. Without shocks, a vehicle would continually bounce, making control difficult. Shock absorbers have a strong influence on vehicle control and handling and hold the tires to the road.
Maintenance Tips/Suggestions:
Your vehicle’s shocks should be checked once a year, usually in conjunction with a wheel alignment. Under normal conditions, shocks wear out gradually and you may not notice incremental losses in ride quality, handling and control. Some signs that your vehicle may have worn shocks include excessive bouncing, rocking back and forth, drifting or nose-diving while braking, swaying, or cupping wear on the tires. For a complete check of your vehicle’s suspension system, have it thoroughly inspected by a qualified service technician. If an inspection reveals the need for new shocks, consider premium shocks made especially for your driving habits. If you’re a pick-up or SUV owner, upgrading your shocks can bring a big improvement in overall ride quality and handling.
Description: Struts are used on the front end of almost all front-wheel-drive vehicles. Technically known as MacPherson struts, they’re much more than a shock absorber with a different name. A strut integrates numerous suspension parts into one compact assembly, including the coil spring, spring seats, shock absorber, strut bearing, and steering knuckle. The shock absorber portion of the strut is the most commonly serviced portion of the strut assembly.
Purpose: Because it integrates different components into one assembly, a strut serves multiple purposes. With its spring, it can support the weight of the vehicle, while moving to adapt to road irregularities. The internal shock absorber dampens movement of the spring as it compresses and rebounds during vehicle travel. The strut housing serves as a structural part of the suspension system and connects the upper strut bearing to the lower ball joint so that the entire assembly can pivot when the steering wheel is turned.
Maintenance Tips/Suggestions:
Your vehicle’s struts should be checked once a year, usually in conjunction with a wheel alignment. Under normal conditions, the shock absorber portion the strut cartridge wears out gradually and you may not notice incremental losses in ride quality, handling and control. Some signs that your vehicle may have worn struts include bottoming out, excessive bouncing, rocking back and forth, drifting or nose-diving while braking, swaying, or cupping wear on the tires. If your car needs MacPherson strut service, it may also be a good time to replace the coil springs. Since they usually need to be removed when changing struts, you can save labor costs by installing new springs at the same time. For a complete check of your vehicle’s suspension system, have it thoroughly inspected by a qualified service technician.
