The Double Wishbone and Suspension Repair
Wishing for a Double Wishbone Suspension System?
When it comes to vehicle suspension, a wishbone isn’t something you pull on to make dreams come true. Rather, it’s a means of absorbing the shock that occurs as you cross rough travel surfaces. That’s crucial to both your ability to handle/maneuver your vehicle as well as your comfort. A double wishbone suspension uses two of the iconic-shaped control arms so that each wheel can react independently as opposed to in unison as opposing ends of an axle. Regardless of which suspension your car employs, Brown Collision Center in Charlottesville, Virginia, can make suspension repairs if you’ve sustained collision damage.
Pros and Cons
As with most things in life, there are pros and cons to a double wishbone suspension. One big “plus” is that this setup provides a less chaotic ride across uneven surfaces. Technicians can adjust factors of wheel alignment (camber, caster, toe, and thrust) according to your needs. Another bonus is that the double wishbone doesn’t take an enormous amount of vertical space in the wheel area because there is no shock absorber protruding upward from the wheel hub. Therefore, the automobile can ride lower. This creates a lower center of gravity and better handling. On the other hand, this configuration is more complicated than its single counterpart. Thus, the initial cost is greater, and maintenance is more expensive. Also, if something goes wrong with one suspension system component, the entire system will need attention. Obviously, that may require more time in the shop. The extra parts also mean that your auto will weigh more (a performance and fuel economy consideration). Those pieces also use more width under the car. Furthermore, the specifics of the transportation you choose may determine whether or not a double wishbone suspension is suitable. Usually, this setup doesn’t configure well on front wheel drive automobiles. Once you weigh the advantages against the disadvantages, you can determine whether this suspension is right for you and your vehicle. As with any suspension discussion, decisions are products of a balancing act between fit, comfort of ride, and quality of handling.
Suspension Repair After a Collision
If your vehicle has been involved in a collision that impacted the suspension system, you’re definitely going to want to have the issues assessed and repaired. The I-CAR Gold certified technicians at Brown Collision Center have been helping repair wreck results since 1982. We’re glad to work with an insurance company or directly with you as applicable. Better yet, we back our work with an amazing lifetime warranty.