Easy steps to clean car suspension parts.

When you decide to clean car suspension parts you may choose to start from either the front or rear suspension parts. If you want to do a thorough job, you will have to jack-up the car and dismantle the suspension system parts.

But before you undertake the entire process, you will need to assess the condition of the suspension system. This will help you to determine whether your car has some of the common suspension system problems.

Lets perform a small practical, shall we?

Park the car with the tires at their normal pressure. Additionally, ensure that there is no load in the vehicle. Then walk a small distance behind or in front of the car and crouch down to assess it’s sitting position.

Afterwards, assess each side of the vehicle. If the vehicle doesn’t sit at a level position. If this is not the case, there is a problem with the parts of the suspension system springs.

To clean car suspension parts.

To clean car suspension parts you have to know the type of suspension system and it’s constituent parts. This will help you to navigate around the areas that are very dirty without causing damage.

Secondly, you will need to have the right cleaning materials. Thirdly, you will have to suspend the car so that you do not strain with reaching the suspension system parts.

a] Gather your supplies.

You will notice that the suspension parts have some grease or oil that lubricates them. The purpose of this lubrication is to prevent excessive friction and heat during the up and down movement.

So, the grease will have to come off. Hence the reason why you will need warm soapy water to clean up. Secondly, you will need a hose, micro fiber towel and a scrubbing brush.

These go a long way in removing dirt particles.

b] Suspend the car.

Since the parts that you aim at cleaning are below the vehicle, you will have to lift it up. Hence making the lower parts more accessible to you for cleaning.

There are several types of machines that you can use to lift the car off the ground;

  • Jack stands.
  • Two post lifts and four post lifts.
  • Scissor lifts.
  • In ground lifts.
  • Mobile lifts.

Ensure that you apply proper safety guidelines when you lift the vehicle off the ground.

c] Removing the greases.

This is where the soapy warm water comes in. You will have to use it very carefully to ensure that it reaches the necessary parts that have grease.

Scrape the grease off with a scraper. Then soak the sponge with the hot soapy water and use it to clean off the remnant grease.

d] Remove the dirt particles.

Firstly, you will have to hose down the suspension parts with cold water. This will remove the soapy water that remains after removing the greases.

Further, this will help to run off the loose dirt particles that are stuck onto the suspension parts. Next soak the brush inside the warm soapy water and use it to start scrubbing the suspension parts.

Ensure that you are gentle in order to avoid any damage to the metallic material.

e] Rinse off the parts.

This involves running water. It’s a step that follows after the removal of dirt by hand. The step includes a hose that you use to splash water onto the suspension parts.

This will ensure that the soap, dirt and grease are completely removed. Hence leaving a clean surface of the suspension parts.

f] Drying the suspension parts.

You will need a micro fiber cloth for this step. It is an essential step because it helps to prevent rust which may lead to various suspension problems.

Ensure that you dry in between the metallic components of the suspension system. Additionally, this is an essential step that prepares the suspension parts for the next step in its cleaning process.

g] Lubricating.

This step in the suspension cleaning process is essential as it offers protection for the parts of the suspension system. Basically because lubricants ensures that the suspension system components do not get exposure to rust.

Further, it ensures that there is minimum friction among the moving parts of the suspension. Moving parts like the ball joints and bushings should be lubricated.

Use a silicone based lubricant because they tend to be resistant to friction and high temperatures. Additionally, Silicone does not attract dirt particles that stick onto the suspension parts.

Hence causing more friction and damage. Avoid using any oil based lubricants. Because they attract dirt and they do not withstand high friction temperatures.

h] Lower the vehicle.

Once you are done cleaning, lower the vehicle from the suspended position. As you follow the safety guidelines, you will minimize any damage. Your car sis ready to go.

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