What Are The Parts of Your Car’s Suspension System?

What are the parts of your car’s suspension system?

1. Springs
2. Wheels
3. Shock Absorbers
4. Rods/Linkages
5. Joints and Bearings
6. Steering System
7. Stabilizer Bar
8. Frame

The suspension system of your car is what supports it as it moves on the road. This system also gives your vehicle the ability to make turns, absorb shocks, and navigate over bumps and dips on the road without a problem.

That said, knowing what the parts of your car’s suspension system are is an important piece of knowledge for every car owner. 

Since several parts make up this system, and any one of them can malfunction or break at any time, knowing what each part’s function is could help you address the problem quickly.

To help you keep driving comfortably and safely, let’s go over the most important car suspension parts and their functions.

Springs

Springs are parts of your suspension system that absorb the impact when you run over bumps, holes, and other imperfections on the road. One example of a common spring is the leaf spring, which consists of layers of leaves laid on top of each other, and are much sturdier than other spring types. 

They bend upon impact, which helps mitigate the effect of driving over an uneven road. As a result, you and the passengers in your car do not feel that much of an impact as you drive. 

Springs are sometimes replaced by metal rods in some car models.

Wheels

The wheels are the outside components of your suspension system and are perhaps the most visible and well-known. They are very important to the system, too, as they are the only parts that touch the ground as your car moves.

Each time you drive over a pothole, speed bump, and other things on the road, the wheels are the parts that take most of the impact. This also happens when you brake, corner, or accelerate your car. 

If your wheels are leaking air, do not have enough firmness, or have worn down treads, then this would affect their ability to absorb impact on the road. 

Shock Absorbers

A shock absorber does as its name implies. It helps to dampen the up and down movements of your car and absorb various shocks or vibrations from the road surface.

This is possible because shock absorbers contain oil, which helps them take the movement of your suspension system and convert it to heat. This heat is then dissipated into the air. 

This way, your car won’t be bouncing up and down after driving over a pothole. However, if the oil inside the shock absorbers were to leak, it would cause problems with your suspension. 

Rods/Linkages

Several rods link the different components of your car’s suspension system together. These rods are very durable and typically last as long as your car does.

The one common reason why the rods in this system would break or fail is if you get into a car accident that damages your suspension. 

Joints and Bearings

The joints and bearings in a suspension system are what help link rods with other components. They also help your car accept lateral and horizontal loads, as well as enable sliding and twisting actions made by other components in your car.

These parts often need to be oiled, as lubrication helps prevent friction as these parts rub against each other. If there is no oil, or you forget an oil change, then this friction will build up — leading to these components not functioning optimally. 

Joints and bearings can also wear out quickly, depending on what material they’re made from. It is also common for joints to get loose over time. If you ever have a problem with your suspension, then the most likely culprit is one of your joints or bearings.

Steering System

The steering system is not technically a direct component of your suspension system, but it does work with it to make the wheels of your vehicle turn. The rods, joints, wheels, and other suspension components are controlled by your steering wheel, and in different ways. 

Whenever you turn your steering wheel, it travels through your suspension system and causes the wheels underneath to turn in sync. 

Stabilizer Bar

The stabilizer bar is one of those components that are connected to your steering wheel. It is an iron rod that is connected to the lower arm of your car’s wheels, and the car’s body. 

They generally have high elasticity, which is key to their main function: helping your car maintain balance as it turns. This is crucial as each time it does, it creates centrifugal force.

When your car is going at higher speeds and turns, then there will be a much greater centrifugal force — these are times that this component is crucial, as it helps keep your car steady and prevents it from turning over.

Frame

The frame is the biggest part of your suspension system. It is a skeletal structure that bears the entire weight and load of your vehicle — including the components of your suspension. 

Key Takeaway

Each component in your suspension plays an important role in your car. Knowing what the parts of your car’s suspension system are will help you understand how the system handles your vehicle. It will also give you insight into possible problems with your suspension — so that you can identify the issue immediately if it gets faulty.

If you’re experiencing problems with your suspension, or are looking for replacements or upgrades for your parts, contact Roberts today. We are the biggest and most reputable OEM auto parts supplier in the Philippines and can provide the right parts you are looking for.