Common Peterbilt Truck Suspension Problems & How to Avoid Them

The suspension system of your Peterbilt truck consists of springs, shock absorbers, tires, and other components. It controls the truck body's moving action. Whether you feel the bouncing on the road or seem to float over pothole is determined by the sort of suspension you have and the condition it’s in. Even though suspension components are built to last for thousands of miles, the abuse of everyday driving ultimately wears them down. What are the telltale symptoms that your suspension isn't working correctly? Here's a brief rundown of the issues and what to do about them.

When you come to a halt, your Peterbilt truck nosedives

If the front end of your Peterbilt truck dips as you come to a stop (also known as a nosedive), it may be time to repair your shock absorbers. You can check this by performing a bounce test on your Peterbilt. Push down and release a front corner of the hood when the vehicle is parked on level ground. Ideally, it should only take one bounce for the Peterbilt truck to settle. If the Peterbilt truck bounces more than once before settling, it may be time to replace the shock absorbers. Shocks should never be changed singly but as a set.

One of your Peterbilt truck’s corners is lower than the others

If you have a drooping corner, ensure your tires are adequately filled and evenly distributed. If it doesn't help, it's possible that a suspension component, such as a control arm, bushing, spring, or strut, has failed. If this is the case, the vehicle is most likely unsafe. Have a competent technician check it thoroughly.

The Peterbilt truck sways while on the road

A swaying ride might indicate that a brake pad is dragging on the rotor or that suspension components such as ball joints or control arms are worn out. Parking the Peterbilt truck on a level place and then pushing and pulling on each of the front tires is a simple technique to verify. Examine if the wheel and tire move independently from the rest of the vehicle. If this is the case, you may have an issue with one of the suspension components. This might, once again, have significant safety ramifications. Get your vehicle inspected as soon as possible to prevent a breakdown or an accident on the road.

Your Peterbilt truck rides very rough or creates rattling sounds 

Is your Peterbilt truck suddenly riding a lot rougher than before? Do you notice strange noises coming from the front or back wheels? Is your steering wheel jerking and vibrating? These symptoms indicate that you may have damage to your tire or rim. Examine all four tires and wheels for any damage and decide whether to repair or replace them.

Your tires are worn unevenly

Vehicle suspensions may be adjusted to ensure that the vehicle travels straight along the road. If your Peterbilt truck's suspension alignment is out of specification, it may cause the tires to wear out quickly and unevenly, affecting the handling and braking of your vehicle. Consider obtaining a suspension adjustment if your tires aren't wearing evenly. Tire wear that isn't even might indicate worn suspension components.

You experience a bumpy ride

When your Peterbilt Truck is not riding smoothly, this is one of the most apparent indicators of a suspension issue. Your suspension is responsible for keeping your tires in touch with the road; if anything goes wrong with your suspension, you'll notice a significant change in how your vehicle handles and feels.

You have difficulties with steering 

When you accelerate, does your steering wheel vibrate? Is it difficult to move your steering wheel at low speeds? These are red flags that something is wrong with your suspension. The steering and suspension are inextricably connected, and they depend on each other to drive correctly.

Your truck is pulling to one side 

There might be a lot of reasons why your Peterbilt Truck pulls to one side when driving along a straight road. This is a complex problem to diagnose since the fault might be with your tires, steering system, alignment, brakes, or suspension.

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If it's a suspension issue, it's most likely due to a broken tie rod, spring, or control arm. It's critical to have a professional check on what's causing the problem since it will damage your ability to handle your vehicle while driving.

Excess grease on your shocks

Do you inspect your suspension system visually frequently? Greasy shocks or struts may signal a hydraulic fluid leak, which, if neglected, might lead to more significant issues and damage. Examine the shock or strut to check whether it's wholly soaked or just a little puddle on an otherwise dry component. If it's the complete shock or strut, give us a call to set up a time for us to look at it.

Final words

Check your Peterbilt’s owner's handbook to see how frequently your suspension should be inspected for wear. Plan to get your shock absorbers and suspension components examined every 60,000 miles, depending on your vehicle type and where you generally travel. Suspension components are available online in various styles to keep your vehicle or truck riding smooth and safe.

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