Every truck owner should be aware that one of their responsibilities is performing regular preventive maintenance to extend the useful life of their truck and performing routine mechanical safety checks which help prevent accidents. This involves items such as: oil & filter changes, checking all fluid levels, tire tread condition, and more. Two primary systems that should be checked regularly are the steering and suspension systems.
What do these systems do? Why is it important to have them checked for damage regularly?
The steering and suspension systems of a truck are vital to ensure safety along with accurate and precise control when driving. They are both directly related to each other which are why they should be checked together.
A suspension system mainly functions to keep the wheels and tires firmly on the ground to provide appropriate vehicle handling and traction for safe driving. It also functions to smooth out poor road surfaces to provide the driver and passengers a comfortable ride. The steering system allows the truck driver to properly steer the truck. Both these systems require precise geometry of parts working together to operate correctly. Any loose fasteners, excessive parts wear, or missing parts can be extremely dangerous. According to research by Monash University, vehicle defects are a contributing factor in over 6% of vehicle crashes.
It is important to schedule regular maintenance and inspection of your steering and suspension systems in a truck repair shop to prevent any problems.
Have the steering and suspension condition checked:
- Every PM (Preventative Maintenance check), service center should use appropriate list of checks performed.
- When brakes are serviced
- When tires are replaced
- When engine oil & filter are changed.
- When any noise is heard such as a squeak, banging, grinding, or metal to metal sounds are noticed.
- If an accident occurred where the suspension or front wheels were damaged.
- If you notice some of these symptoms of faulty steering or suspension systems.
- Bumpy ride
- Front end Nosedives
- Repeated Bouncing over bumps, truck doesn’t settle back to normal ride immediately.
- Over steer or Under steer
- Power steering doesn’t work
- Loose steering
- Steering wheel jerks, wobbles, or vibrates
- Noises coming from the power steering pump
- One corner of the truck is lower than the others even though it is parked on even ground
If you see any of the mentioned symptoms in your truck, you can perform a few visual inspections to have a general idea of what is going in your truck.
Here are a few basic check-ups you can do.
- Inspect your shocks to see any damage, leaks, or cracks
- Inspect if any leakage or broken parts are noticed from any of the steering components.
However, it is highly recommended that you look for a truck repair technician or mechanic near you to properly diagnose any troubles you are experiencing with your truck.
Correct repairs performed to your truck’s steering and suspension requires specific tools, equipment, and advanced technical knowledge. Since these systems are critical to your comfort and safety, working with reliable truck repair shop is important. Find a truck repair Oklahoma City technician who has the tools and experience to assist you with any concerns regarding your steering and suspension systems.
Contact Truck N Trailer, in Oklahoma City (405) 912-5800
