Fixing Suspension Woes

It's a common scenario for any car owner: that niggling suspicion that something isn't quite right with your vehicle's handling. Often, this can be traced back to issues within the suspension system. In particular, the front suspension arms and the handbrake mechanism can be prone to wear and tear, leading to a range of performance problems. This article delves into some of the most frequent culprits, offering practical advice on diagnosis and repair, with a focus on potential solutions and replacement parts.

Understanding Front Suspension Arm Issues

The front suspension arms are crucial components, connecting the wheel hub to the vehicle's chassis and allowing for steering and absorption of road imperfections. When these arms, or more specifically their associated bushes, begin to fail, the consequences can range from a vague steering feel to more serious alignment issues.

Worn Bushes: The Usual Suspect

One of the most prevalent problems with suspension arms is the degradation of the bushes. These are typically made of rubber and act as a pivot point, absorbing vibrations and allowing for controlled movement. Over time, due to constant stress, exposure to the elements, and age, these bushes can become worn, perished, or cracked. This wear results in increased play within the suspension, which can manifest as:

• A knocking or clunking sound when going over bumps.
• Vague or imprecise steering.
• Uneven tyre wear.
• A general feeling of looseness in the front end of the car.

On many vehicles, particularly those from manufacturers like Volkswagen (T5s are often cited in this regard), the original equipment (OEM) bushes are designed to be pressed into the suspension arms. Replacing these often requires specialized equipment, such as a hydraulic press. However, a popular alternative for DIY mechanics is to opt for aftermarket polybushes. These are typically easier to install as they can be fitted without the need for pressing, often through drilling or cutting out the old rubber components.

Replacement Arms: A Complete Solution

If the wear on the suspension arms is significant, or if you suspect other issues like alignment problems with the arm itself, it might be more practical to replace the entire suspension arm rather than just the bushes. When opting for replacement arms, it's advisable to stick to OEM equivalent parts. Brands like Lemforder are often recommended for their quality and durability, providing a good balance between cost and performance. While genuine manufacturer parts can be prohibitively expensive, aftermarket options from reputable brands can offer substantial savings without a significant compromise on quality. For example, a pair of Lemforder arms might cost considerably less than their VW counterparts.

Associated Components: A Holistic Approach

When undertaking suspension work on the front arms, it's a wise strategy to consider replacing other wear-prone components at the same time. This can save you time and labour costs in the long run and ensure a more complete and effective repair. Common recommendations include:

• Bottom Ball Joints: These are critical for steering and suspension. Brands like Meyle HD are known for their robustness and longevity.
• Front Top Mounts/Bearings: While this adds to the complexity of the job, worn top mounts can contribute to noise and handling issues, so it's worth considering if they are nearing the end of their life.

Investigating Handbrake Arm Problems

Moving to the rear of the vehicle, the handbrake system is another area that can cause concern. A sticking or ineffective handbrake can be a serious safety issue. Often, the problem lies not with the main braking system but with the handbrake mechanism itself, particularly the cable and the arm on the caliper.

The Handbrake Cable: A Common Failure Point

The handbrake cable, which transmits the force from the handbrake lever to the braking mechanism, is a frequent culprit for a malfunctioning handbrake. Cables can stretch over time, but more commonly, the outer casing can suffer from internal degradation. This can prevent the inner cable from moving freely, leading to a stiff or seized handbrake.

Diagnosis: Checking the Cable

To diagnose a potential cable issue, you can follow these steps:

1. Safely jack up the rear of the vehicle and release the handbrake.
2. Locate the handbrake cable where it connects to the handbrake arm on the rear caliper.
3. Detach the cable from the arm.
4. With the cable detached, manually move the handbrake arm on the caliper back and forth. It should move freely and, crucially, spring back to its resting position against a stopper when released. If it doesn't return fully without assistance, the caliper mechanism itself might be the problem.

If the arm moves freely, the issue is likely with the cable. To test the cable itself:

1. Once removed from the caliper, grip the outer casing of the cable firmly with one hand.
2. With the other hand, pull and push the inner cable back and forth through the casing.
3. If you feel any resistance or binding, the cable is likely compromised. The outer casing's protective layer may have broken down, allowing dirt and moisture in, which impedes the cable's movement.

Repairing or Replacing the Cable

If the cable is found to be faulty, you have a couple of options. The most straightforward is to replace the cable, which is often a relatively inexpensive part (around £12 is a commonly cited figure for the cable itself). Alternatively, as a temporary or emergency fix, you can try to free up the existing cable. This involves carefully pulling back the rubber gaiter at the end of the cable and flushing the interior with oil. While this can sometimes provide a temporary reprieve, it's not a long-term solution, and the cable will likely seize up again.

The Caliper Mechanism: A Deeper Issue

As mentioned in the diagnosis steps, if the handbrake arm on the caliper doesn't return freely to its stopper, the problem might lie within the caliper itself. This could be due to internal corrosion or a seized mechanism. In such cases, the caliper may need to be rebuilt or replaced. A temporary fix that some owners have employed is to use liberal amounts of WD40 to free up a seized arm, but this is often short-lived, with the mechanism seizing again within a day.

Choosing Replacement Parts: Quality Matters

When it comes to replacing suspension components or brake parts, the quality of the replacement part is paramount. While it's tempting to opt for the cheapest option, this can often lead to premature failure and further costs down the line. Sticking with reputable brands like Lemforder for suspension arms and considering options like Meyle HD for ball joints ensures that you are fitting parts designed to last. Always aim for OEM equivalents where possible, especially for critical components like suspension arms and ball joints.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: My steering feels loose, what could be wrong?
Loose steering is often a symptom of worn suspension bushes, particularly in the control arms, or potentially worn track rod ends or ball joints.

Q2: How often should suspension arms be replaced?
Suspension arms themselves are generally durable, but the bushes within them wear out. The lifespan of bushes depends heavily on driving conditions, but it's not uncommon for them to need attention between 50,000 and 100,000 miles.

Q3: Is it worth replacing just the bushes or the whole arm?
If the arm itself is not damaged or heavily corroded, and only the bushes are worn, replacing the bushes can be a more cost-effective solution, provided you have the means to press them in or use non-press-fit polybushes. If the arm is bent, damaged, or the bush housings are significantly corroded, replacing the complete arm is usually the better choice.

Q4: My handbrake is stiff, what's the most likely cause?
The most common causes for a stiff handbrake are a seized or degraded handbrake cable, or a sticking handbrake mechanism within the rear caliper. Checking the free movement of the caliper's handbrake arm is a good starting point for diagnosis.

Q5: Are Lemforder parts good quality?
Yes, Lemforder is a well-regarded brand in the automotive aftermarket, often supplying parts to vehicle manufacturers. They are generally considered to be of high quality and a good alternative to genuine manufacturer parts.

In conclusion, maintaining your vehicle's suspension and braking systems is vital for safety and performance. By understanding the common failure points and opting for quality replacement parts, you can keep your car running smoothly and reliably.