Car suspension - is it still ok?

[scottishpinz]

as Janne said - its normal if you've loaded the car heavily (unless you have self levelling suspension like air springs). As long as the wheels don't keep rubbing the arches you should be fine!

A car's tyres should NEVER touch the body work even at maximum load and under compression. If a tyre was to foul the body then it could quickly wear and fail catastrophically. Be aware that the maximum load of most cars is only something like 500 kg (I think 540 kg for you car depending on specification) and that includes passengers, roof rack, and luggage. You may have over loaded it!

 

[Tonyuk]

I had 3 springs break on a car once, you'll definitely feel if the springs have went, the ride will be rock hard and the wheels will (probably) rub.

Sagging under weight is fine, sagging or off level with an empty car means somethings wrong. Sometimes if a spring can come loose of its mounting causeing one side to sag a bit, easy to spot if you have a quick look.

Tonyuk

 

[Janne]

It depends on car, but some cars have a cushioning layer between the spring and the seat where the spring sits. If they perish you will lose a couple of mm in height.

 

[Janne]

Any result? What did the mechanic find?

 

[Paul_B]

It's ok, my partner's paranoia infected me with this. Family.member used to be a car mechanic among other occupations.

 

[Janne]

Good. Saved you some money there, money you deserve to invest in a new knife!

 

[Paul_B]

New bike, just not for me unfortunately. However my bike was in the shop last week for a fix. A tenner for Labour plus parts is a lot cheaper than car repair bills.