Tips to DIY Your Car’s Suspension

These components support the weight of the vehicle while absorbing shocks from the road. Four main types of springs can be found across different suspension systems:

• Coil springs are most common. The compressing and expanding metal coils absorb the force of road impacts. They can be installed on the front and rear axles.
• Leaf springs are layered ribbons of metal usually found in pickup trucks and large cars. They are installed on the rear axle.
• Torsion bars are used on the frontend of SUVs and pickup trucks. A long, spring-steel bar and lever arm work together to provide cushioning.
• Air springs similarly support heavy-duty vehicles and can also be found in luxury vehicles, promising a softer ride using pressurized air. A vehicle has two sets of air springs: one for the front axle and one for the rear.

A broken or weak spring can be indicated by your car sitting lopsided, or wandering and unstable while driving.

Replacing coil and leaf springs begins with raising the vehicle and removing the tires on both ends of the affected spring(s).

For coil springs:

1. Remove the bolts attaching the springs to the shocks, then the bolt connecting the sway bar and the springs.
2. Attach two spring compressors to the spring to safely keep the spring compressed, tightening until the spring separates.
3. Pull the compressed spring from the vehicle.
4. Slowly and evenly remove the two spring compressors, alternating between them.
5. Attach spring compressors to the new spring and tighten them slowly and evenly.
6. Slide the new compressed spring onto the vehicle until it clicks into place.
7. Reattach the sway bar and shocks, replacing the bolts.
8. Remove the spring compressors with a wrench or drill.
9. Reattach the tire.
10. Repeat on the other side of the vehicle.

For leaf springs:

1. Loosen and remove U-bolts and washers.
2. Loosen and remove bolts and spring pins.
3. Remove and replace the old leaf spring by unscrewing the eyelet bolts.
4. Install the new leaf spring by positioning it under the mounting brackets at both ends. Ensure the lowest point of the U shape is touching the ground.
5. Reattach the wheels and secure the leaf springs to the tires

For air springs:

Removal of air springs can be incredibly dangerous. You must shut off air suspension and ensure no pressurized air remains in the air spring. Disconnecting a pressurized airline connected to the air spring can cause personal injury and damage to your vehicle. To chat about the options for replacement of air springs, visit your local NAPA Auto Parts store to speak with an expert.

Shock absorbers prevent undue bouncing by working with the springs to control motion. Though springs handle the initial impact, shock absorbers, also referred to as “dampers” control and reduce excessive bouncing.

While replacing shock absorbers is recommended every 80,000 to 100,000 km, not many drivers stick to the standard. If your car rides include rough handling or shows excessive bouncing, replacing shocks or struts may significantly improve the comfort and handling on your vehicle.

While in some cases you will need to visit a professional, many vehicles have bolt-on shocks that are relatively simple to replace with basic tools. It’s always best to refer to your owner’s manual every step of the way, but the following steps apply to most vehicles:

1. Ensure your new shock absorbers fit your vehicle specifications.
2. Jack your vehicle.
3. Remove bolts from the shock tower using a ratchet and socket.
4. Disconnect the shock from the suspension.
5. Remove the shock absorber from the top and bottom bolts.
6. Fit the new shocks back onto the suspension.
7. Replace the bolts.
8. Repeat the steps on the other three shock absorbers.

Control arms or struts connect the wheels to the frame of the car to help guide wheel movement. They reduce vibrations and noise and allow the parts to move freely.

The most common issue with control arms is worn bushings and ball joints, which you’ll hear as loud clunking noises when driving over uneven terrain.

The stabilizer or “sway” bar is responsible for ensuring both sides of the car’s suspension network stay balanced, preventing the car from excessive leaning.

The most common fix in sway bars is a full replacement in cases of worn or deteriorated sway bar bushings or worn sway bar links.

Ball joints keep your tires at the correct angles as the suspension cushions your vehicle’s movements.

For repairs to these components, we recommend speaking to an automotive expert.

1. Inspect your vehicle’s suspension regularly: Look for signs of damage, such as oil leakage near struts or ball joints that look worn. Any excessive wear is a signal to replace the defective part as quickly as possible.
2. Lubricate moving parts: Some components of a suspension system, such as control arms and their connected ball joints, require lubrication. Your owner’s manual will have information on whether your vehicle contains grease fittings that require consistent attention.
3. Tighten loose components: Listening to your vehicle can make all the difference when it comes to suspension. Any clunking or rattling noises heard while driving over bumps could indicate loose components. Inspect control arms, the sway bar, and the linkage between suspension and steering. A simple tightening can sometimes make all the difference in suspension issues.
4. Tire pressure and alignment: Keeping tires properly inflated and aligned reduces stress on your car suspension. Avoid uneven wear and handling issues by ensuring your tires are well maintained and inflated.

While keeping your suspension in good condition at home is possible, some repairs such as replacement of key components and complex strut assemblies may require professional expertise. Visit your local NAPA Auto Parts store to speak with an expert.