Suspension Shake: The Basics Of Lifted Suspension Shaking
Posted on: 30 June 2020
For people who buy sport utility vehicles and trucks, sometimes the ultimate goal is to lift that vehicle for improved ground clearance and better train maneuverability. If you've decided to do just that, your hopes are probably that the lift will enhance the appearance and functionality of your truck. Unfortunately, sometimes having a lift installed creates more problems than it solves. Here's a look at a few things that you need to know about suspension lifts and the most common yet misunderstood problem.
What's That Shake?
Sometimes, following a suspension lift installation, vehicle owners find that they feel a shake in the truck at certain speeds. In some cases, that shake is subtle but, in other cases, it can feel like a shake that passes through the entire truck body and moves heavily. In most cases, this develops at higher speeds, with no shake felt below about 50 miles per hour or so. Once your truck reaches higher speeds, the shaking starts.
Does The Shake Stop?
In most situations, when your lifted truck develops this suspension shake, it persists even when you slow down. You will have to bring the truck to a complete stop to eliminate it. This can be hazardous on the road because your handling of the vehicle is threatened when the truck is shaking, and you also need to be able to safely move out of the road to bring the truck to a stop.
What Causes The Shake?
The shake following lift installation is a somewhat mystifying condition. The cause can be different from one truck to another, but the general consensus is that it stems from the suspension components and the change in the suspension geometry from the lift.
How Do You Eliminate The Shake?
Whether it's the stabilizer bars, tie rods, control arms, or even the springs, this shake is typically pronounced and difficult to manage. In most cases, eliminating the problem starts with examining each suspension component to ensure that everything is tight and there are no signs of wear.
If there were any suspension components that were not replaced as part of the lift installation, that's the next part that your auto repair technician will likely target. Any original suspension components can weaken the integrity of the entire suspension structure and sometimes lead to the shake or vibration that you are left with.
When your auto repair technician is unable to identify any obviously worn, weakened, or loose parts, the next step is to study the suspension's movements and response to try to narrow down the source of the problem. Sometimes solving this vibration means having to replace suspension components one-by-one to see where the problem is. Contact a reputable auto repair shop near you.
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