Car Suspension Repair and Service
Keeping your Mazda running just as it did when you first drove it off the showroom floor requires regular maintenance and necessary repairs when things go wrong.
Your car's suspension system is subjected to all kinds of forces, such as braking, acceleration, the weight of passengers and cargo, lateral forces from cornering, plus the constant up-and-down movement of the suspension system that eventually takes its toll on the suspension's components.
You may be wondering, "Is there suspension repair near me?" Read on as our article looks at car suspension repair and service, and all that is required to help keep you and your passengers safe on the roads.
Components of a Car Suspension
Automotive suspension systems have come a long way from the rigid axles and simple leaf spring setups first used at the advent of the automobile. Pneumatic tires also provided some comfort as they absorbed bumps and shocks from the road.
Fast forward to today, and most modern automakers make use of the widely accepted MacPherson strut suspension system, particularly so in FWD vehicle design. High-end vehicles and sports cars are generally equipped with more complicated suspension systems but utilize many of the same suspension components.
Shock Absorbers and Struts
Shock absorbers can be likened to hydraulic pumps that dampen the up-and-down movement of your suspension system to provide a smooth and comfortable ride as your car tackles varying road surfaces.
A shock absorber employs a piston that moves through hydraulic oil and small passages to dissipate the energy from the suspension's up-and-down movements that would otherwise be transmitted into the car, making for truly uncomfortable travel.
Often confused with a shock absorber, a strut in a car takes the shock absorber design one step further and incorporates it into its design that effectively replaces the top control arm, plus features top pivot and bottom wheel carrier mounting points. The most well-known strut type is the above-mentioned MacPherson strut.
Control Arms and Ball Joints
The control arms and ball joints in your car's suspension are both major components that work together to connect the wheels to your vehicle's chassis, facilitating the necessary up-and-down damping movement to absorb the jolts and bumps that would otherwise cause your car to be unstable and unbearable to sit in.
The control arms, also referred to as wishbones, are the steel or aluminum suspension links located at either the top or bottom or both that are designed to attach the wheel carrier hub to your car's chassis. The control arms provide both structural support and guide the wheel movement through a set plane of movement.
The ball joints in a car's suspension are multidirectional spherical bearings used to connect the control arms to the wheel carrier and also used to connect the steering tie rod ends.
The ball joints' pivoting design allows the wheel carrier to move up and down smoothly and allows the steering rack ends to pivot.
Importance of Suspension Repair in Plainfield, CT
Your Mazda's suspension system is tasked with taking care of safety, comfort, and handling-meaning suspension repair in Plainfield, CT, is critical.
The correct maintenance and repairs are important to ensure continued optimal steering control, effective braking, and tire contact with the road, along with providing the necessary shock absorption from shocks and vibrations to enjoy a smoother ride.
Not adhering to the manufacturer's recommended service and maintenance schedules and neglecting any suspension problem can lead to potentially dangerous driving conditions, unsafe longer stopping distances, along with uneven tire wear.
Signs Your Suspension Needs Repair
Caring for your Mazda means always keeping a lookout for problems and addressing them before they become safety-critical. We share some of the signs that your suspension needs repair.
Uneven Tire Wear
Keeping an eye on your car's tires regularly will help you spot problems. When functioning correctly, your suspension will allow tires to wear evenly, helping extend their lifespan for further cost savings without having to fork out hard-earned dollars for premature tire replacement.
Vibrations or Wobbling
Worn components can result in excessive vibrations or wobbling. The constant movement of the suspension components, such as the ball joints, will eventually lead to loose joints that result in bad vibrations when braking or cornering, along with a wobbly feeling drive.
Difficulty Steering
When you start experiencing difficulty in handling, it's time for some repairs. A correctly functioning suspension system allows your car to respond predictably to your steering inputs, whereas worn or damaged components can result in loss of control, especially in an emergency situation.
Suspension Repair Services in Plainfield, CT
Like many vehicle repairs, any necessary suspension repairs are beyond the skills of the home DIYer and best left to the professionals, ensuring your vehicle is repaired to OEM standards.
Mazda-trained technicians at Central Mazda, are your best bet when it comes to suspension repair in Plainfield, CT.
Frequently Asked Questions
We share answers to some frequently asked questions on car suspension service and repairs.
How Often Should I Have My Suspension Checked?
Your vehicle's suspension system should generally be checked annually or every 12,000 miles at the time of its regular scheduled service.
If your Mazda is driven in harsher conditions, such as rough roads, it's recommended to have the suspension checked out more frequently.
Can I Drive With a Damaged Suspension?
Driving with a damaged suspension system is both unsafe and can lead to further damage to the parts, along with expensive repairs. It is advisable to get the repair done as soon as possible.
How Long Does a Suspension Repair Take?
Depending on the damaged or worn components and parts availability, suspension repair times will vary.
Typically, minor repairs such as front strut replacement or a ball joint replacement will take a few hours, whereas more extensive repair work like replacement of control arms and more may take up to a day to complete.
Get Suspension Repair and Service at Central Mazda
At Central Mazda in Plainfield, CT, our service center will ensure that you enjoy many great years of driving your Mazda.
Our Mazda-trained technicians are perfectionists who know your Mazda better than anyone else so that you can enjoy the most convenient service experience possible. Contact us today to get suspension repair in Plainfield, CT.
