The suspension assembly of your vehicle ensures that your drive is as smooth as possible, literally. It works with your vehicle's backbone (the chassis) to support the car's weight while helping absorb shocks caused by uneven road surfaces. Additionally, it maximizes the amount of friction between the tires and the road. All these functions help to increase your vehicle's overall performance, handling, safety, and comfort. Keep reading to learn more about suspension assemblies, including what to do if you have a faulty set on your hands.

Suspension Assembly Types

There are four main types of suspension assemblies - the coil spring suspension, leaf spring suspension, torsion bar suspension, and air suspension.

Coil Spring Suspension

The coil spring suspension is an affordable suspension found commonly on passenger vehicles. Each wheel is connected to the vehicle frame or chassis with coil springs which support the vehicle's weight and absorb shock.

Leaf Spring Suspension

Found primarily on heavier-duty vehicles, the leaf spring suspension uses layers of spring steel, or "leaves," which are attached to the car at both ends. The leaf springs of such suspensions are durable and have higher load-bearing capability.

Torsion Bar Suspension

These utilize a torsion bar, which can allow for the ride height of the vehicle to be adjusted.

Air Suspension

Instead of springs, air suspensions make use of air-filled bags. These offer better ride comfort and adjustability but, because of their higher cost, are typically found in luxury vehicles.

Suspension Assembly Parts

Coil Spring

These absorb the shocks generated when driving over the road surface.

Shock Absorber

Shock absorbers convert kinetic energy into heat, which is then dissipated through hydraulic fluid. They contain a liquid and dampen up and down movements caused by the springs.

Ball Joint

Ball joints accept lateral and horizontal loads on the vehicle and act as a rotational axis when the car turns.

Stabilizer Bar

The stabilizer bar maintains the balance of the body when the vehicle is turning.

Lateral Control Rod

The lateral control rod supports the axle when there is a load from the side. They are metal links that connect different parts of the suspension system.

Upper and Lower Arm

These connect the knuckle arm with the vehicle body.

Struts

Struts hold the lower arm to allow the front wheels to function correctly. They support the vehicle's weight, house the spring and shock absorber, and help maintain wheel alignment.

Knuckle Arm

The knuckle arm contains a spindle shaft on which the vehicle's wheels rotate.

How to Choose Suspension Assemblies

Vehicle Compatibility

To guarantee a proper fit and the original level of performance, ensure that you're getting a suspension assembly specific to your vehicle, as they can differ between models and even model years.

Aftermarket or OEM

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) suspension assemblies are typically made by authorized manufacturers or the automobile manufacturers themselves, whereas third-party manufacturers make aftermarket suspension assemblies.

We recommend investing in an OEM suspension assembly to return your vehicle to its original level of performance. Because of the more stringent levels of manufacturing, you'll likely get more use out of an OEM replacement. Not to mention, an aftermarket unit may void your vehicle's warranty.

Common Problems & When to Replace

Excessive Bouncing on Bumps & Dips

You might experience excessive bouncing on bumps and dips. This might be caused by worn-out shock absorbers that may need to be replaced.

Vehicle Pulling to One Side

If your vehicle drifts to one side while driving, your wheels might be out of alignment and need to be aligned, or the lower control arm bushings or ball joints might be damaged and need replacing.

Uneven Wear on Tires

If one or more of your tires are wearing down faster than the others, there could be misaligned wheels, worn shocks, or faulty springs.

One Side or Corner or the Entire Height of the Car Feels Lower

If your vehicle is drooping or sagging to one side, the springs in your suspension might be worn down and need replacing.

Difficulty Steering

You might be finding it hard to steer your vehicle. This could be due to one or more of several problems in the suspension.

Routine Suspension Assembly Maintenance

There are a couple of steps you can take to maintain the longevity of your vehicle's suspension assembly. The first is keeping your vehicle's tires well-inflated. Next, check the tread depth of the tires. Uneven tread depth could indicate a problematic suspension, which can cause more issues if left unaddressed.

Replacing Your Suspension Assembly's Shocks and/or Struts

Typically, you will need to replace the shocks or struts of your vehicle's suspension system more often than the entire suspension. Replacing these can be dangerous if you're not sure what you're doing and should be left to a trained professional. If you're confident enough to try it, the following are steps you can take to replace the shocks and struts.

1. Make sure you have a spring compressor.
2. Raise the vehicle to one side using a car jack. Ensure it's secure before loosening any part.
3. Remove the wheels.
4. Use the spring compressor to loosen the bolts holding the spring or struts in place. Remove the bolt on top of the shock or strut in the engine compartment, and finish removing the other bolts. The shocks or struts should be freed.
5. Install the new shocks or struts, tighten the bolts with a torque wrench, and reinstall the wheels.

Where to Buy Quality Used Suspension Assemblies

Buy top-quality used suspension assemblies at unbeatable prices with BE FORWARD Auto Parts, Japan's leading exporter of auto parts. We offer a wide selection of suspension assemblies that have been thoroughly inspected to ensure they meet strict quality standards. Whether you want to upgrade your vehicle's performance or replace worn-out parts, we have the right solution. Don't miss out on these hard-to-beat deals! Shop with BE FORWARD today and give your vehicle the care it deserves.