The suspension is a part of the vehicle’s chassis, the undercarriage of the car. The systems in the chassis include the frame, suspension system, steering system, and the tires and wheels. All of these systems together support the car’s engine, body, and weight, absorb the shocks that may come from driving over bumps and uneven roads. They also provide the mechanism by which the vehicle is steered.

The degradation or malfunctioning of any of these systems can lead to very serious complications with your vehicle and potentially a dangerous driving experience for you. It is essential that you have your Porsche serviced as soon as possible if you suspect any issues with its performance or are concerned about the general wear and tear due to your Porsche’s age.

What is the suspension of a vehicle?

Your vehicle’s suspension supports the weight of the Porsche’s body and absorbs shocks that may come from driving on uneven roads, over speed bumps, and other such instances. The suspension system also aids the tires in maintaining contact with the road.

The suspension is comprised of the following components:

Springs

There are four main designs of the springs of the suspension system: coil springs, leaf springs, torsion bars, and air springs. The coil springs are the most common type of spring, and they function by compressing and expanding to absorb shock. Leaf springs are composed of several layers of metal (the “leaves”) that all work together as a single unit. These are most popular on trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles. Torsion bars are steel bars that twist in a manner mimic the performance of a coil spring in order to dampen shocks. Lastly, air springs work by using the compressive qualities of air to absorb vibrations.

Dampers

These are a necessary component of the suspension system since the system with springs along would make for quite the bouncy ride. Shock absorbers control excessive spring motion using dampening, which slows down and reduces the magnitude of vibrations that come from driving.

Anti-sway bars

Another portion of the dampening process is taken care of by the strut, which is essentially a shock absorber mounted within a coil spring. In addition to dampening, these struts also provide structural support.

All of these components are critical to the handling and overall safety of your vehicle, as they ensure the proper support of the Porsche’s body and protect the vehicle from excessive vibrations which can damage components of the engine and undercarriage.

How to Detect Problems With Your Vehicle Suspension

Suspension problems can be quite difficult to detect, especially since the suspension is so intertwined with many other vehicle systems and works closely with numerous components. Because of the critical functions of the suspension, as soon as you begin to become concerned with the performance of your vehicle or notice any of the following signs, it is essential that you call an expert mechanic right away.

Car Pulling to One Side While Driving

This is one of the most common signs of a problem with your suspension, but also one of the most difficult symptoms to attribute to the suspension, as it may also be an issue with tire pressure, uneven tire wear, or misalignment. Having this symptom looked at by a professional will help you in being sure where exactly the issue is stemming from.

Car Sagging or Sitting Too Low

The springs, no matter what type, are essential to supporting the weight of your Porsche’s body. A part of this responsibility is keeping the body of the vehicle at an appropriate height from the ground. When the springs are failing, you will notice the car beginning to sit too low to the ground. This will be especially evident with air springs.

Trouble Steering

Of course, since the struts are a part of the suspension system, if there are problems arising with the suspension, you will start to notice these issues manifest by reducing the ease of steering. You may struggle with loose, imprecise steering.

Get Your Suspension Repaired by the Experts in Spring, TX

If you are experiencing any of these issues with your suspension, you need to be sure that your mechanic can accurately diagnose and solve your Porsche’s problems. At Das European Autohaus, our knowledgeable mechanics will provide quick, high-quality maintenance specific to the model of your Porsche. We specialize in European vehicles and use the latest tools and equipment for our detailed work and can guarantee that your vehicle will leave our shop in top quality. Schedule an appointment with us today at either of our locations in Spring and Houston, TX.