6 Tips To Keep Your Heavy Truck Suspension Last Longer

A truck's suspension is designed to withstand rough terrain and thousands of pounds of weight on its back. Without proper suspension maintenance, your truck’s suspension can—and will—experience wear and tear or even complete failure. And trust us, a broken suspension system is the last thing you want to deal with. 

As a truck owner or operator, it is paramount to take proper care of your truck's suspension system to ensure everything is working as intended. A small problem like a cracked shock absorber or worn-out bearing could lead to expensive repairs down the line. If you want to keep your suspension running at peak performance, follow our tips below.

1. Regular Maintenance

The most effective way to maximize the lifespan of your suspension is to keep up with a regular preventive maintenance schedule. A good rule of thumb is to get your suspension system checked by a trusted mechanic every six months or 10,000 miles, depending on whichever comes first. By doing this, you will be able to catch and prevent small issues before they become major ones. 

When you get your suspension system serviced, ask if the repair shop inspects all components, including shocks, springs, and struts. For the most part, mechanics will follow these steps when they inspect the suspension on your heavy-duty truck:

• Check suspension components for signs of wear or damage, such as leaks, cracks, or loose bolts.
• Check the alignment of the wheels and adjust as needed to ensure proper tire wear and handling.
• Check and adjust the air pressure in the air suspension bags, as per the manufacturer's recommendations.
• Check the shocks and struts for signs of wear or damage and replace them as needed.
• Check the bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends for wear or damage, and replace them as needed.
• Check the steering components, such as the steering box, idler arm, and pitman arm, for wear or damage, and replace them as needed.
• Check the drive shafts and u-joints for wear or damage and replace them as needed.
• Check the leaf springs, coil springs and torsion bars for signs of wear or damage and replace them as needed.
• Check for proper lubrication on all moving components such as control arms, bushings, and ball joints.

By regularly inspecting and maintaining your suspension, you can help ensure that your heavy-duty truck's suspension is in good working condition, which can help improve the vehicle's handling and prolong the life of the suspension components.

2. Inspect for damage

During your regular preventive maintenance appointments, it’s important to get your suspension checked for any signs of damage. Ask your mechanic to look for rust or corrosion and to check for any loose or worn parts. If you notice any signs of damage, make sure to get it repaired by a professional immediately.

When mechanics inspect suspension components for damage, they tend to stick to these pointers:

• Visually inspect all suspension components for signs of wear or damage, such as leaks, cracks, or loose bolts. Pay attention to the shocks, struts, bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, steering components, drive shafts, and u-joints.
• Check the alignment of the wheels. Uneven tire wear or a vehicle that pulls to one side may indicate an alignment issue.
• Check the air pressure in the air suspension bags and make sure it's at the proper level.
• Check the shocks and struts for signs of oil leakage or damage. If they are leaking or appear damaged, they should be replaced.
• Check the bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends for play or looseness. If they are worn, they should be replaced.
• Check the steering components, such as the steering box, idler arm, and pitman arm, for play or looseness. If they are worn, they should be replaced.
• Check the drive shafts and u-joints for play or looseness. If they are worn, they should be replaced.
• Check the leaf springs, coil springs and torsion bars for signs of damage or sagging. If they are worn or damaged, they should be replaced.
• Check the frame and undercarriage for any signs of damage or rust.
• Check the suspension components for proper lubrication, and if needed, add lubricant as per the manufacturer's recommendations.

By thoroughly inspecting all of the suspension components, you can identify any damages and make the necessary repairs to keep everything working top-notch.

3. Proper loading

Heavy loads aren't a problem for your heavy-duty truck's suspension system. But if you turn this into a habit, a heavier-than-usual load can put too much strain on your suspension system, leading to premature tear and wear. To avoid this, make sure you always follow the manufacturer's recommended weight limits and use proper loading techniques.

4. Keep the tires inflated

Underinflated tires are one of the most prominent reasons for premature wear on your suspension system, as it puts excess strain on the struts, shocks, and bearings. 

Just as with proper loading, we suggest you keep your tires inflated according to the manufacturer’s recommendation. By reading your owner's manual, you’ll be able to understand at what air pressure your tires need to be inflated.

If you don’t want to get it wrong the first time around, head down to your local heavy-duty repair shop to get it done right.

5. Avoid potholes and bumps whenever possible

While it may seem obvious, avoiding potholes and bumps on the road can prolong the life of your suspension system in more ways than one. First, hitting a pothole or bump at high speed can cause significant shock and stress to your suspension system, resulting in damage to components such as shocks, struts, and springs. This damage can accumulate over time, eventually causing premature wear and failure of these parts. 

Second, regularly driving on rough roads can cause the suspension system to work harder than necessary, leading to faster wear and tear on its components even if you have a leaf spring system installed. 

By avoiding potholes and bumps whenever possible, you can reduce the stress on your suspension system, helping to extend its lifespan and saving you money on costly repairs.

6. Use quality parts

Using high-quality parts, such as Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts, can significantly increase the lifespan of the suspension system in your heavy-duty truck. These parts are specifically designed and manufactured to meet the exact specifications of the vehicle manufacturer, ensuring proper fit and function. Aftermarket parts may not provide the same level of durability and reliability, leading to premature wear and tear on the suspension system. 

Additionally, OEM parts often come with warranties and technical support, providing peace of mind and support for the longevity of the vehicle. Investing in high-quality parts can ultimately help you save money and time on costly repairs and replacements down the road.

Final words 

By taking care of your suspension system, you can help ensure that your heavy-duty suspension system lasts longer and performs better. Regular maintenance, inspections, proper loading, careful driving and quality parts are all essential for keeping your suspension in top condition. Make sure to follow these tips to keep everything running at peak performance.

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