Keeping steering and suspension systems performing at their best

A vehicle’s steering and suspension systems are essential to both safety and driving comfort.
While components such as control arms, tie rods, suspension joints, struts and stabilisers can often go unnoticed, they play a critical role in maintaining vehicle stability, handling and ride quality.
However, these components can be continually exposed to harsh road conditions, impacts, and environmental factors which can accelerate wear, leading to costly repairs if left unchecked.
ZF says LEMFÖRDER, one of the world’s leading brands in steering and suspension technology, understands the importance of maintaining these critical systems.
Trusted by more than 50 vehicle manufacturers worldwide, LEMFÖRDER combines German engineering expertise with original equipment quality to deliver reliable steering and suspension components to the aftermarket.
Recognising the early warning signs of component wear is vital. Unsteady cornering, imprecise steering and excessive body roll can indicate worn control arms, stabiliser links or suspension joints.
Uneven tyre wear can often point to alignment issues or deteriorating chassis components, while knocking, squeaking or rumbling noises could be signs that steering or suspension parts require attention.
According to ZF Aftermarket, regular inspections are one of the most effective ways to prevent minor issues from developing into major repairs.
Workshops should pay particular attention to rubber bellows, boots and clamping rings. If these protective components become damaged, water and dirt can enter the joints, washing away grease and accelerating internal wear.
Strut mounts are another commonly overlooked component. A worn strut mount may cause squeaking during suspension movement, crackling noises when turning the steering wheel, poor cornering behaviour or knocking sounds over uneven surfaces. If a defect is identified, the mounts should always be replaced in pairs.
Control arms should also be checked for signs of wear, with damage commonly manifesting through symptoms such as noise (squeaking, creaking or rumbling), deteriorating drivability, increasingly woolly and imprecise steering, or uneven tyre wear.
While individual bearings and joints can sometimes be replaced, fitting a complete control arm assembly is often the most practical and cost-effective solution.
Likewise, rattling noises on rough roads or excessive vehicle lean during cornering may indicate a worn stabiliser link, while bumps or clicking felt through the steering can point to defective tie rod ends.
Regular inspections should also include rubber-to-metal components, which play a crucial role in absorbing vibrations and reducing noise. Cracks, metal flaking or fluid leakage from hydraulic mounts can all signal the need for replacement.
Ultimately, preventative maintenance and the timely replacement of worn steering and suspension components are essential to preserving vehicle safety, ride comfort and handling performance.
ZF says by using high-quality OE components such as those from LEMFÖRDER and maintaining a proactive inspection routine, workshops can help keep vehicles performing safely and reliably for the long term.

For more information, visit www.zf.com/au or contact the ZF Customer Solutions Team on 02 9679 5555.