Modern cars are sophisticated technology. Countless different systems work together to provide a stable and comfortable ride while maintaining controlled handling. But it is the suspension that helps to make the steering precise and is responsible for absorbing and reducing impacts from the road so that you do not feel every bump while driving, prevents shaking and destruction of our vehicles to pieces. Without it, you cannot keep the wheels flat on the ground, maneuver at speed, and control body roll. This detail is just as important as, for example, the engine, since it not only provides a comfortable ride, but also contributes to safety on the road.
As with most other vehicle components, manufacturers take a different approach to suspension design depending on their intended use. Luxurious cars need to be as comfortable as possible, sports cars need to bend around corners at high speed, trucks need to carry heavy loads, and SUVs need to drive off the sidewalk.
Suspension system functions
The frame and body of cars are not installed directly on the front and rear axles, but by means of springs and shock absorbers of one form or another. This is necessary in order to:
- absorb transmitted road shocks and reduce vibration;
- ensure the stability of the vehicle when rolling while driving;
- maintain correct steering geometry;
- create good traction when driving, maneuvering and braking, increasing the overall safety and performance of the vehicle.
While suspension components and their mountings are generally reliable, they are not without drawbacks and problems can arise over time. The complex system includes springs, shock absorbers, struts, control levers and more. Under the vehicle's underbody, these parts are constantly exposed to debris, stones, speed bumps, potholes and other road factors that could potentially damage components.
Suspension system requirements:
- minimum deviation from the required stability;
- compatibility with other components such as frame, wheelbase, drive, steering gear;
- reliability, wear resistance and durability;
- minimum weight;
- low initial cost;
- low maintenance and operating costs.
Common suspension problems
Poorly designed suspension systems cause a lot of trouble, as well as malfunctions of individual components. Shock absorbers are not effective enough to absorb shocks from irregularities, and the springs are unable to expand in time to keep the wheels on the ground on bumpy surfaces. We will not go into details, but here the most common problems and symptomsindicating that the system may require repair:
- Poor wheel alignment can cause damage to tires, suspension and other elements, making it difficult or impossible to drive a vehicle. A typical symptom is that the car pulls to the side while driving.
- Bad shocks and struts will wear out and fail over time, reducing the efficiency of the entire system. Consideration should be given to replacing if the vehicle's movement becomes much less smooth than usual.
- Damaged Springs: These keep the car in the correct position but can break over time. When the car is on a level surface and one side seems lower than the other, this is a reason to check them.
- Defective ball joints: These are important for shock absorption and smooth handling. If a grinding and squeaking sound is heard when turning, this is a sign of a malfunction of the ball joints.
- Poor control levers: These components keep the wheels on the frame. The front suspension is more complex than the rear, as the front wheels not only move up and down in relation to the frame, but also turn at different angles. Lower arm bushings on front-wheel drive vehicles are particularly prone to damage and deform over time. If, when turning, you hear a clang or knock from below, when inspecting, you will surely find a bent lever or an orderly worn bushing.
These are just a few general examples; in fact, the list of faults can be stretched into dozens of points. It is clear that everything depends on the quality of the entire structure, and on its variety, plus there are many variables that affect the setting of each specific structure.
There are a great many options, and, as a rule, the more complex the system, the more potential weak links it has. You do not have to understand all the technical subtleties, there are professional auto mechanics for this. But before making a purchase, you need to know which models enjoy a good reputation for undercarriage reliability.
10 vehicles with reliable suspension
Suspension systems are subjective and endlessly debated. They cannot be assessed simply by examining the car, so hundreds of models are tested almost daily by experts and car enthusiasts (thanks to which there is a regular influx of fresh videos on YouTube).
While compiling the top list of cars with the most reliable suspension, we physically could not cover the entire range of cars worthy of praise, but tried to give examples from different classes. So, here are ten mass-market vehicles with durable suspension systems.
Renault Logan
A family car with a nice price, high quality and durable. Logan's appearance may not impress your neighbors, but it is practical, economical and comfortable, and under its "skin" there are reliable mechanical elements, including an exemplary sturdy chassis.
Suspension is focused more on comfort than sharp handling, but rarely gets a complaint. The compact Logan always feels stable and balanced, delivering good traction and decent ride quality on the roughest roads.
It handles smooth highways and chipped city streets perfectly. When driving fast on country roads, it can feel a little unstable - a trait that is compounded by heavy rear loads, which makes the front too light.
On the other hand, the side rolls of the body are well controlled, and every small bump does not cause shaking in the cab. In addition to the good performance of its direct duties, Logan's suspension is famous for its endurance and long service life, and if damaged does not require expensive repairs. This is one of the main reasons for the popularity of this model among taxi drivers.
Nissan almera
It is a well-built, beautiful and elegant family sedan that is simple, inexpensive and durable. Durable suspension is one of the main charms of this model. Made of high quality components and well tuned, it is so reliable that it has earned the popular title of "indestructible".
Serving its owner reliably for many years, Almera provides smoothness and stability, calmness and stability when driving at any speed. The model deservedly enjoys steady demand in the European market and throughout the CIS.
Skoda Octavia
Another popular favorite that rarely causes problems with mechanics. The steering is light, the response is fast, the engine is high-torque, the chassis easily copes with the Russian roads (unless, of course, they are dotted with holes that make even SUVs nervous).
The car is popular for many reasons, including the durability of the components, the rich functionality, the cozy interior and the smooth ride. It is often chosen by family shoppers who love long journeys.
Acura MDX
Honda is one of the renowned quality manufacturers, and its premium car division Acura confirms this. The MDX comes without the heavy ladder chassis and rigid suspension found on a full-size truck or SUV. It's a regular crossover with the right technology and components, but it's still capable of driving hundreds of thousands of kilometers without major repair costs. This shows how important efficient design, quality materials and high build standards can be.
Toyota Tacoma
The midsize pickup quickly became popular for its compact size, powerful engine, solid mechanics and overall durability. The Tacoma is currently sold with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive in a variety of cab and body configurations. Buyers are also offered a long list of additional options.
The design includes a simple yet robust ladder chassis and well-designed suspension. There is not much to say about this pretty truck, other than the fact that it resignedly endures years of heavy use.
Honda accord
This familiar city car deserves its place on the list of the most durable cars. There is no need to introduce the Accord to motorists as it has been on the market since 1976. Having gone through many upgrades, with each new generation the model is getting better, tempting buyers with an affordable price, many options and reliable mechanics.
Toyota Sequoia
This full-size SUV built on the basis of pickup trucks and uses the Tundra chassis... Although the model is not as popular in Europe or Asia as it is in America, it is still in demand among Toyota fans.
With quality engineering and drivetrain, the Sequoia has proven itself well over the years and is the right choice if you are looking for a large, durable and reliable family transport. More than a third of all registered copies have traveled over 300,000 km and do not plan to stop.
Chevrolet tahoe
Most car enthusiasts know that the Chevrolet Tahoe is a mechanical clone of the GMC Yukon family SUV. Except for a few details, design and name, everything else is almost identical. It can be characterized in four words: large, spacious, powerful and high quality.
With a well thought-out concept and robust components, it's no surprise that many Yukons have survived to this day since the early 1990s without major overhauls and are still in operation.
GMC Sierra 2500HD
This heavy-duty pickup truck is one of the most popular models in the American market, but it is a success not only at home. It is renowned the world over for its rugged components, a high-torque gasoline or diesel V8, a powerful chassis and durable suspension, so it is able to work without fail for years, towing trailers and carrying heavy loads over long distances.
People who buy pickup trucks usually do not use them for entertainment, but make them work hard. This is one of the reasons why these machines and their parts are so durable. They are built for demanding tasks and are capable of withstanding high and long-term loads. Owners look after them like valuable workhorses, but they don't need to put in a lot of effort to keep their helpers in top working condition.
Land rover defender
Defender's history goes back several decades. The original Land Rover models, released in 1948, were some of the most capable field vehicles the world has ever known. Since then, they have undergone many changes and have become much more luxurious, but this does not prevent them from fulfilling the task for which their ancestors were designed - to pave the way over rough terrain.
Like many on this list, the Defender is a great workhorse thanks to its simple mechanical design and clean interior. Going on adventures far from civilization, don't worry about the suspension and the entire chassis, stock up on fuel and boldly throw your car into the most difficult conditions.
Defender is unpretentious and reliable, its only drawback is high fuel consumption. But from an unkillable all-terrain vehicle with military roots, it is hardly reasonable to expect efficiency.
Conclusion
This, of course, is not all vehicles, the suspension of which can withstand years of severe testing. In theory, any model can serve for decades if spared and properly cared for. For exemplary durability and reliability, explore the techniques used by the military, rescuers, police, trucking and taxi drivers. Typically, these people use the most reliable transport available at the moment.
|| list |
- Suspension system functions
- Common suspension problems
- 10 vehicles with reliable suspension
- Renault Logan
- Nissan almera
- Skoda Octavia
- Acura MDX
- Toyota Tacoma
- Honda accord
- Toyota Sequoia
- Chevrolet taho
- GMC Sierra 2500HD
- Land rover defender
