ASE A4 Suspension and SteeringSuspension System Diagnosis and RepairMedium
A client complains their vehicle with MacPherson struts exhibits excessive body roll when cornering and feels overly soft over bumps, almost bottoming out occasionally. During a visual inspection, the technician notices no obvious leaks from the struts, but the vehicle's ride height appears lower than specifications on all four corners. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause of these symptoms?
- AWeakened coil springs
- BFailed strut bearings
- CWorn sway bar bushings
- DOver-inflated tires
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Weakened coil springs
Weakened coil springs are a common cause of reduced ride height. When springs lose their tension, they cannot properly support the vehicle's weight, leading to excessive body roll, a soft ride, and potential bottoming out, even if the struts themselves are not leaking.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Failed strut bearings primarily cause noise (e.g., 'boing') when turning and can affect steering, but do not directly cause a lowered ride height or overall soft ride.
- C. Worn sway bar bushings primarily cause clunking noises and reduced body roll control, but not typically a lowered ride height or overall soft ride.
- D. Over-inflated tires would result in a harsher ride and potentially reduce traction, not a soft ride, excessive body roll, or lowered ride height.
Weakened Coil Spring Symptoms
Weakened coil springs lead to reduced ride height, excessive body roll, a soft ride, and the potential for the suspension to bottom out.
- Springs lose their ability to support vehicle weight.
- Affects all four corners if all springs are weakened.
- Can be age or fatigue related.
Memory trick: Springs sag, the ride's a drag, low and wobbly, what a snag!