Kenworth Truck Repair: Signs Your Truck Needs Suspension Repair

We often take the shock absorbers or struts that make up our Kenworth truck’s suspension system for granted. These components play a vital role in ensuring a smooth ride and maintaining control of the vehicle while driving. However, like all mechanical parts, they will eventually wear out after bearing the weight of the truck and its load year after year. This is why suspension maintenance is crucial and should not be overlooked or ignored

The suspension system is responsible for absorbing the bumps and vibrations of the road, which helps to keep the tires in contact with the ground for better traction and stability. Without properly functioning shock absorbers and struts, the truck would bounce and sway excessively, making it difficult to control and increasing the risk of accidents. Additionally, worn suspension components can lead to uneven tire wear, which can result in premature tire failure and increased fuel consumption.

Some individuals may be under the impression that the suspension’s primary function is to provide a smooth ride and that these repairs are thus less crucial than other maintenance tasks like brake or oil changes. However, this is not the case. A poor suspension may significantly impair your ability to drive the Kenworth truck, particularly while stopping or turning. In addition to making the ride uncomfortable, a worn suspension can cause the truck to pull to one side or the other, which can make it difficult to keep the vehicle in a straight line. This can be dangerous, especially when driving at high speeds or in adverse weather conditions.

Suspension maintenance is a vital aspect of Kenworth truck maintenance and should not be ignored. Regular inspections and repairs will help to ensure that the shock absorbers and struts are functioning correctly, which will help to keep the truck stable and safe to drive. By not neglecting this aspect of maintenance, you can help to extend the life of your Kenworth truck and ensure that it continues to operate at its best.

WHAT IS THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM OF YOUR KENWORTH TRUCK ALL ABOUT?

We can all agree that it would be ideal if all roads were level, straight, and smooth. But in reality, there are several imperfections on roads, like potholes, cracks, debris and steep turns. The goal of a typical suspension system is to increase tire-to-road friction, which makes it easier and more comfortable for the driver to steer and control the Kenworth truck.

Consider the combination of ride and handling pressures on a moving Kenworth truck to put this into context better. While handling refers to a Kenworth truck’s ability to accelerate properly, stop, and negotiate corners, ride refers to how well it can absorb the bumps of a rough road. The components necessary for your Kenworth truck to function properly are all directly related to a functioning suspension system. Without these components, your truck would not perform as well and may not be able to travel very far. However, it’s important to note that for optimal driving experience, a functioning suspension system should also be accompanied by a functional frame, steering system, and tires and wheels.

SIGNS INDICATING YOUR KENWORTH TRUCK SUSPENSION NEEDS REPAIR

BOUNCY RIDES

When every bump causes the Kenworth truck’s body to “bounce,” it’s a clear sign that the vehicle’s shocks or struts are worn out. A problematic ride indicates that your Kenworth truck’s suspension needs to be serviced.

DISTORTING OR TUGGING WHILE TURNING

When turning, a vehicle with a damaged suspension system will often “drift” or “pull.” The danger of a rollover increases since the shocks are essentially no longer stabilizing the vehicle body against the centrifugal force of a turn. This is especially concerning if the truck is carrying a heavy or perhaps unbalanced load. It’s time to bring the vehicle to a reputable repair shop for maintenance if you get this feeling when turning.

“NOSE DIVES” OR DIPS WHILE STOPPING

If you use the brakes strongly, you can feel the Kenworth truck body lurch forward and downward nose-first when the shocks are worn out. You may be less able to rapidly stop the Kenworth truck because of this (a bad suspension can increase stop time by up to 20 percent).

UNEVEN TIRE WEAR

Check out your tires. If the tread on your tires seems to be wearing down unevenly or if you see balding places, this is sometimes a sign that the suspension isn’t supporting the vehicle uniformly, placing unequal pressure on the tires and causing patchy wear patterns.

DAMAGED AND GREASY SHOCKS

Look directly at the shocks or struts if you have access to the underneath of the Kenworth truck. There’s a significant likelihood that they are leaking fluid and are thus not performing as they should if they seem greasy or oily. Most likely, the shocks need to be replaced.

PROBLEMATIC STEERING

Nearly every component of the suspension that we have already covered had a role in turning the steering, maintaining the truck in the proper position, or simply bringing the wheels and steering column back to the center.

A stiffer steering wheel or poor steering response might be signs of worn-out suspension components, alerting you to the need for inspection. This will enable you to decide if the suspension system needs to be completely replaced or whether the wheel needs to be realigned.

HIGH MILEAGE

Sometimes it’s wise to follow the herd. According to several trucking experts and manufacturers, most Kenworth trucks need their suspension replaced after 50,000 miles.

To avoid waiting until something breaks to get service, think about being a little more proactive. You could replace your suspension when it hits that 50,000 mark or a little bit past it, or at the very least, get it carefully inspected.

FINAL WORDS

Each driver has unique factors that can affect their vehicle’s suspension, such as the type of vehicle, driving style, payload type and weight, and commonly traveled routes. Rough roads and aggressive driving can lead to faster wear and tear on suspension components. If you experience any issues, it is best to consult a truck repair company for assistance.