Car suspension breakdowns - which ones are most common and how much we repair
A damaged suspension in a car makes itself felt by a deterioration in handling and knocks from under the wheels. We advise on how to recognize malfunctions of suspension elements and how much it costs to fix them.
A car's suspension is a mechanism made up of many parts that work together. Its task is to connect the wheels with the rest of the vehicle. In winter, when the roads are more potholed than usual, the dampening components are more susceptible to damage.
“Their wear is further aggravated by low temperatures and salt, which is sprinkled on the road. Many suspension elements are made of rubber and Teflon, which harden and break under such conditions, explains Stanisław Plonka, an auto mechanic from Rzeszów.
Regardless of the component, the most common symptoms of suspension failure are rattles near the wheels. The exception is shock absorbers, the wear of which is manifested by the rocking of the car on bumps. Postponing a visit to a car mechanic is not worth it. You should always go to the garage when the car is not behaving normally. Changes in handling, rattling, or the feeling of floating on uneven ground should be a concern.
- Usually for diagnostics it is enough to raise the car on a jack. With access to the suspension, a mechanic can quickly pinpoint the source of the problem, Plonck says.
breaks most of the time
Pin - element connecting the rocker to the steering knuckle. He works all the time behind the wheel. What worries him the most is bumps on a long stretch of road, whether the car is going straight or turning. Price in the store: about 40-60 zł. The replacement cost is about PLN 30-60.
Tie rod end - responsible for connecting the steering knuckle to the steering gear. What he dislikes the most is getting over potholes when turning. Price in the store: about 40-50 zł. The replacement cost is about PLN 40.
Stabilizer Link - located between the McPherson strut and anti-roll bar. The worst thing is to drive through pits during turns and U-turns. Price in the store: about 50-100 zł. Exchange - about 40-60 zł.
pendulum - this is the main part in which the bushings and pins are mounted. Some manufacturers press them constantly, so in case of failure, the entire rocker should be replaced. However, individual components can often be replaced individually. Price in the store: about 100-200 zł. The replacement cost is about PLN 80-100.
shock absorber - an element responsible for the stable overcoming of bumps by cars. The most common shock absorber failure is a breakthrough of oil or gas filling its center. Shock absorber wear is most often manifested by the car floating on bumps. Usually the shock absorber can easily withstand about 80 thousand. km. The price in the store is about 200-300 zł per piece. The replacement cost is about PLN 100 per piece.
