Caring for your car suspension is crucial to have a well-running vehicle. What do you need to lubricate and maintain it? Tools and materials! Let’s check them out.
Gather the necessary tools and materials
Before you start, check you have these tools and materials to oil your car suspension:
- Jack with axle stands
- Flat head screwdriver
- Different sized open face spanners
- WD40 lubricant spray
- Grease the gun with the right grade of grease
- Soft rag and hammer
- Nonmetallic brush or stiff bristle broom
Clear any dirt, dust, or debris with a nonmetallic brush or stiff bristle broom. Then spray WD40 Lubricant to lightly cover all parts with oil. This reduces friction and helps it last longer. Next, use the grease gun.
Preparation
Want car suspension in the best condition? Be sure to prepare!
- Gather all the supplies and tools needed.
- Get a lubricant specified by your car’s producer, like grease or oil.
- Have the right tools to apply the lubricant with accuracy.
Preparing beforehand guarantees efficient car suspension lubrication.
Raise the car and secure it
Raise the car and secure it in a safe and secure area. This could either be pavement or a hydraulic lift with locks. Ensure there is enough room to move around and get underneath the vehicle. Evaluate any safety needs, like wearing gloves and protective eyewear. Take all necessary precautions.
Jack up the car using a floor jack lift device that fits snugly. Alternatively, you can use ramps beneath the tires.
Remove the wheels
To lube your car suspension, the wheels must be taken off. Look for the lug nuts on each wheel. Unscrew them using a lug wrench. Put them away for later. Once all nuts are out, grab both sides of the wheel and pull it off its hub. Do this with all four wheels.
Now you can grease up the suspension parts that need it:
Lubrication
Lubing your car suspension? Essential! Do it regularly for nice, secure driving. The lubrication reduces wear and tear on the suspension parts. This helps your car’s suspension work better and last longer.
So, what type of lube to use? And, how to apply it? Let’s take a peek.
Apply lubricant to the suspension components
Lubricating car suspension components is a must for a smooth ride. Shock absorbers, struts, and other components should be checked regularly and lubricated. Depending on the part, a metal protectant or a high-quality lubricant may be needed.
Before lubricating, clean off all dirt and grime from the application area. Use a clean cloth or brush to apply the lubricant to each part. Special care may be needed for certain metal surfaces.
Inspect each component afterward for any wear or damage. If pieces are too worn or damaged, replace them instead of attempting repairs or adding more parts. O-rings should also be installed if the design needs them for long-term lubrication.
Reinstall the wheels
Time to reinstall the wheels! Lubricate each shock absorber. Use a torque wrench and a quality lug nut socket. Tighten the nuts in a criss-cross pattern. Torque ’em to the vehicle’s recommended spec. Double-check with a calibrated wrench. Don’t over-tighten. That could damage wheels or studs.
Voila! Your suspension is lubricated. Your car will drive much smoother.
Finishing Touches
Once you’ve cleaned your car suspension, lubricate it! This will protect the moving parts, giving you a smooth ride. Here’s how to do it for a better driving experience:
- Lubricate car suspension!
- Enjoy the results!
Lower the car and test the suspension
Once the suspension has been lubed and put back together, it’s time to get the car off the trolley jack or hydraulic lift and see if the job was successful. Turn the steering wheel. If it sticks or won’t move, the work wasn’t successful.
Put weight in the driver’s seat. Press down on each corner. If it bounces more than twice, the shocks need more attention. They’re either worn out or not adjusted.
Drive around a residential area at low speed. Check for excessive vibrations or looseness when you turn corners. If it feels smooth and controlled, the repair job was successful!
Perform a thorough visual inspection
Before applying any lubricant, it’s essential to inspect the suspension system. Check the springs, shocks, ball joints, and tie rods. Ensure they’re rust-free and strongly attached. Also, look for any visible damage like cracks or bends. Replace loose or damaged parts ASAP to avoid issues.
Check for any contamination besides rust. Grease or dirt can reduce effectiveness if not removed. To make sure it’s safe to apply lubricant, use an air compressor with a high-pressure nozzle. This will blow away cracks or grease-covered surfaces. This will make the lubrication oil or grease more effective.
Maintenance
Maintaining a car is a must to keep it running well! Specifically, lubricating the suspension system is important. This helps reduce wear and tear on parts.
Let’s look at why it’s necessary to lube up and how to do it right:
Schedule regular maintenance
Regularly inspect & maintain your car’s suspension system. Check it at least twice a year, or more if you drive long distances or on rough roads. Lubricate bushings, ball joints, springs & shocks. This will keep your car running smoothly. Also, it provides a quieter ride without unwanted noise and vibration.
Here are tips on how to properly lubricate the components:
- Bushings: Use silicone-based spray lubricant.
- Ball Joints: Spray silicone-based spray lubricant every 12 months, or 6 if you drive often. Remove debris before applying.
- Springs: Grease annually with chassis grease or white lithium grease.
- Shocks: Fill with shock oil or gas depending on the type. This maintains optimal performance.
Monitor the suspension components for wear and tear
Inspect your car’s suspension for any signs of wear and tear. Pay attention to the ball joints and bushings, as they are typically made of rubber and metal and can become worn over time. Grease all moving parts with liquid grease so they move freely without drag or resistance.
Check for cracked or deteriorated bushings, as they need to be replaced rather than lubricated. Apply a light coating of grease according to the service manual’s guidelines. Too much grease can attract dirt or dust and contaminate the system.
It is important to inspect the shock absorbers regularly, as they will eventually wear out. If your vehicle is riding more roughly than usual, the shocks need replacing or further attention from a mechanic.
After checking for all signs of wear, you can ensure your car’s suspension is properly lubricated and running smoothly on the roads!
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I lubricate my car suspension?
You should lubricate your car suspension every 6-12 months or every 10,000-15,000 miles.
What type of lubricant should I use for my car suspension?
It’s recommended to use a lubricant specifically designed for car suspensions such as a silicone-based lubricant or synthetic grease.
What is the best way to lubricate my car suspension?
The best way to lubricate your car suspension is by spraying the lubricant directly onto the suspension components and then wiping off any excess.
