Know How Car Suspension System works with Picture Chart. Car Suspension Problems with Estimated Life for Suspension Upgrade with Prices of Shocker, Mount, Lower Arm, Link Rod, Steering Rack
Car Suspension - Importance, Problems and Replacement
Suspension Problem is quiet often heard in Indian cars.
Basically, Suspension is like a Shock Absorber System which through its frame not only provides a support to the car chassis but also saves body from bumps and provide drive comfort. Technically, its a combined effort from shock absorbers, coil springs, shafts, joints, link unit and many other parts to provide stability to the car. Suspension system of a car is connected to the wheels and follows underneath the surface of car body
With Roads been bad in upcountry locations in India or high height speed-breakers been built in city - a good suspension helps to drive with ease from these road hiccup barriers. A Car with Weak Suspension will tend to have
» Coarse Ride Quality,
» Bumpness on Driving even on Small Speed Breakers
» Increased Vibrations Level in Driving Car
» Sound from Underneath the Body Surface
» Steering Vibrations on Starting to Driving Car
Front Suspension
As you see in the below chart - there are coil springs, link unit, shock absorbers, arm bushes, ball joints, arm shafts which makes up the suspension
Rear Suspension
Suspension Problems
Suspension of the Car Weaken Due to Some Common Reasons :-
» Driving on Speed Breakers with Speed making the Car almost Jump
» High Speed Drive on Bad Patch Roads
» Abnormal Alignment Causing Pressure on Suspension
» Long Usage of Vehicle causing Wear & Tear of Bushes etc
makes the Suspension System of the Vehicle Weaken. So - whether - its Audi to Alto - Suspension system of Car if Weakenes beyond a level due to Wear & Tear may require an overhaul
In terms of Kms - on an Average in Indian Roads - Depending on Usage and Type - a Car Suspension Overhaul could take place anywhere from 50000 to 80000 Kms
Suspension Problems can well be there if there starts :-
- Sound from underneath the body surface
- The drive of car suddenly starts becomes hard at slight high speeds
- Car starts bumping into low base speed breakers where it indicates the shockers have gone
- Any other problem impacting the drive quality, steering control and on sharp turns
Suspension Overhaul Parts with Prices
Suspension Overhaul is generally done on Front - unless the car has Independent Rear Suspension and Costing is dependent on Parts getting Replaced :-
Minor Suspension Upgrade
» Front Both Lower Arm (aka Lower Control Arm or चिमटे in Hindi if you speak to local workshop) - Major Costing Component in Minor Suspension Overhaul. Rs 4000 to 6000 in Hatch, Rs 7000 to 10000 in Mid Sedan Cars
» Front Both Link Rod (aka Stabilizer Link) - Costing is in range of Rs 1800 - 3500
» Front Shocker Mount or Shocker need replacement - A Play in (aka Loosened) Shocker and Mount only needs replacement - Both Front Shocker Mount can cost in range of Rs 2000 - 4000. While Front Shocker Set can cost in around Rs 7000 to 10000
» Ball Joints - Costing Rs 2000 to 3500 (Add on - Jumping Rod Bush - Rs 200 to 300)
» Labor Charges for Suspension Overhaul - Rs 2000 to 5000
Note: Above is Indicative Costing wherein Suspension Overhaul Cost would range in from 20000 to Rs 25000 (in most of Hatchback, Compact Sedan Cars), while around Rs 30000 to 35000 in Mid Sedan, Mid SUV Range. Do not miss to get Alignment done post Suspension Overhaul
Major Suspension Upgrade Items
Apart from Minor Overhaul - Additional Costs for Replacement of Shockers and Steering Rack Assembly - as part of Suspension Upgrade :-
» Front Both Shockers - In case Shockers (aka Dampeners) are at end of Life - Replacement of Each Shocker will cost in Rs 3500 to 6000. There are 2 Shockers in Front - So Total costing can go in range of Rs 7000 to 12000 (basis Manufacturer and Model Type)
» Engine Mounting (if Broken) - Rs 3500 to 6000 - else no need to replace
» Steering Rack Assembly - a Major Change. In most Likely cases - does not need replacement. Unless the Steering Vibrates a lot and has much play - then only consider for replacement. Cost goes as high as Rs 25000 in case of Maruti Hatch to Rs 40000 for Honda Sedan Cars.
For same Suspension Upgrade in Luxury Range like BMW, Audi - Retrofit Kit (as Package) with Stabilizer Link will cost in range of Rs 1.5 to 2 Lakh
After-Market Brands for Suspension
Look out for Original TRW Products for Suspension - they are Internationally Reclaimed in After Market Suspension Products
» TRW is a Reputed Name Globally for Suspension Components. Check out for Original Lower Control Arm, Link Rod, Ball Joints and Mountings.
Another Reputed and Probably Expensive is Bilstein Suspension Kit - which will transform your Car into Top Notch Performance for long lasting Drive.
If your Car Suspension requires Overhaul (within first 4 yrs) and looking for Lifetime Warranty for 10 yrs or more with Top Notch Handling - check out Bilstein Suspension Kit (will cost 50000+)
In terms of Domestic Brands - Talbros would tend to be economical - as prices are almost at 60% of what prices of TRW.
» Reputed After Market Shocker Brands - Gabriel, Delphi, Monroe, TRW. They are Good and availability ranges for almost all cars been sold.
