Frequent malfunctions of the vehicle chassis

A vehicle's undercarriage periodically requires repair. Repairs to a car's suspension are usually inexpensive, unless you factor in the price of pneumatics or steerable shock absorbers. The rest of the costs are perceived by the driver as expected, so it's always surprising to see original suspension components on European used cars.

The need for chassis repairs is often blamed on poor road quality. But perhaps it's not just the roads that are to blame?

Causes of suspension failure

The suspension of all modern cars is made up of pretty much the same components. The suspension arms are attached by means of silent blocks and joints. To dampen vibrations – shock absorbers are used, to prevent roll – stabilisers, and springs are needed to maintain a given height. All suspension parts are subject to wear and tear in different ways and vary in cost.

Transverse stabilisers

The stabilisers provide a quiet ride, their job is to reduce roll during tight turns. The torsion bar and its mountings are the fastest to wear out. The assembly is mounted in rubber bushings. These simple parts with two joints are almost always made of plastic. It is understandable that the units fail quickly, especially when travelling on rough roads.

The cost of a new unit is low, but the next replacement will be required after about 20-40,000 kilometres.

The most affect the working life of the nodes uneven roads, sand, parking the car with a side slope. To increase the service life of stabilisers it is necessary to drive carefully and on clean highways.

The most influence on the service life of the nodes is uneven roads, sand, parking the car on a side slope.

Shock absorbers

The repair of the chassis of the car will be required if there is a breakdown of the shock absorber. This node is responsible for damping vibrations when driving on rough roads. Strong shocks can cause jamming and damage to the dampers. The greatest damage will be in the suspension of the car, where the shock absorber is part of the load-bearing system.

The piston valves are subject to minor wear and tear. Over time, the oil changes its characteristics, it becomes greasier, and the additives needed to seal and lubricate the piston rods evaporate.

Some of these additives have been removed.

The rate of wear on shock absorbers is very dependent on their temperature and the energy they need to dissipate. Shock absorbers suffer most from driving on bad roads in the heat when the car is extremely loaded. The shock absorbers are hampered by dirt buildup, which becomes an obstacle to natural heat dissipation. Dirt can get on the rod seals and damage them.

How can I prevent shock absorber problems? The biggest enemy of shock absorbers – road dirt and large potholes. Dirt ingress can be prevented by installing rod dust covers, which will significantly increase the life of this rather expensive chassis component. Potholes should be avoided carefully.

Silent block

The use of a node where there is no friction, and the movement of suspension elements is due to rubber, was once a revolutionary solution in the automotive industry. It doesn't need lubrication, and there is no play or noise. Only the rubber of the silent block is subject to wear and tear, and over time it becomes less elastic and delaminates.

Often the plastic element detaches from the base, the elasticity is lost and backlash increases. Wear depends on the initial installation of the node, the degree of constant loading of the car. The condition of the silent blocks is affected by road dust, moisture, corrosion, which leads to the destruction of contacts between the rubber and the metal base.

The condition of the suspension and the degree of constant loading of the car has a significant impact on the life of the silent blocks. Temperature fluctuations and chemical substances are very harmful to the rubber of the silent blocks.

Silent blocks' life is significantly affected by the condition of the suspension and the degree of constant loading of the car.

Silent blocks

The advantage of this node, compared to the silentblocks, is the rigidity in one or two directions. It's dirt-free, and the joints are lubricated for their full life. The grease is protected by a special cover. But the joints also have disadvantages, they are more sensitive to vibrations and strong shocks, compared to silentblocks. The protective cover can become damaged and the trouble-free service life is reduced.

Joints can be damaged by hard impacts. Improper condition of the shock absorbers also has a negative effect on their service life.

Springs

Springs of the auto are subject to wear and tear, like other nodes of the chassis. Their slow «subsidence» will further affect the service life of silentblocks and shock absorbers. Springs are designed for a long period of operation, their failure can occur due to corrosion or overloading.

The accident-free life of the springs can be increased by avoiding extreme loading of the car and driving on broken roads. It is important to keep the springs clean and in good condition.

What to do if your suspension breaks

The chassis provides a comfortable movement of the car on the roadway. Suspension problems appear suddenly or gradually accumulate. Malfunctions of the chassis can cause serious breakdowns and various accidents.

To prevent serious problems, it is important to have regular servicing. Professional workshop technicians will carry out diagnostics using special MSG Equipment diagnostic equipment, give recommendations on chassis care, and if necessary – repair or replace failed suspension components.

Accordingly, you'll be able to get the best out of your vehicle.