[VANDAL]

I am always concerned for my car's suspension - the roads here in Toronto , Canada are pretty poor in certain areas and I was wondering typically, which are the first suspension parts to go?

 

[Dean]

I'm thinking the owner's nerves is the first thing to go

 

[anchorman]

All cars are a bit different. I wouldn't like to predict that.

 

[Snoogie]

its really hard to say as the entirety of the suspension system (shocks, springs, control arms, ball joints, etc) will be under a lot of stress and any number of them can fail at any given order. From what i've experienced and learned through schooling is at the very top it would be the shocks themselves if nething as they are what is absorbing the blows of the road. next would probably be ball joints or tire rod ends as constant rough roads may damage them quicker (loosen them or cause tears in their boots). again its really hard to say what will go first as there are many variables that come to play. the car is roughly high enough to check some of these components yourself like if one wheel arch is sagging unevenly or you notice torn rubber boots in your tie rod ends or balljoints. or just have a dealership look over it as when you go in for service they usually do a quick inspection. now the quality of the inspection will vary as some may just look at it with a flashlight and go meh, while some actually test and inspect them thoroughly.

if nething when you are on rough roads going slower will definitely help as it will be less harsh on those components and on your back. And avoid/maneuver potholes and roadkill as a means of being self aware of your surroundings.

 

[Trixstar]

On my previous mazda, the bushings went first and then the shock mounts. This was around 120k

 

[rokkuchan]

Hi all,
i'm from australia. Just been on a road trip into the country and into the salt lakes of 'Coorong'. All dirt, rocks and everything... Even managed to turn off the TCS and test out the AWD system! I wouldn't worry too much on the suspension unless you are well over 100,000 kms.

So i did some drift and skids to see how the AWD responds... It's amazing how the steering eventually auto-corrects back into a straight. - No handbrakes was done, i simply did a powerslide - turn at a corner really fast and then counter steer. The car did go really side ways then accelerate and the car simply just turns back into a straight. Just awesome fun this car.

 

[anchorman]

Hi all,
i'm from australia. Just been on a road trip into the country and into the salt lakes of 'Coorong'. All dirt, rocks and everything... Even managed to turn off the TCS and test out the AWD system! I wouldn't worry too much on the suspension unless you are well over 100,000 kms.

So i did some drift and skids to see how the AWD responds... It's amazing how the steering eventually auto-corrects back into a straight. - No handbrakes was done, i simply did a powerslide - turn at a corner really fast and then counter steer. The car did go really side ways then accelerate and the car simply just turns back into a straight. Just awesome fun this car.

Welcome to the club.

Got any photos of that little salt lake test?

 

[rokkuchan]

Welcome to the club.

Got any photos of that little salt lake test?

Should have some but not sure. I was kinda busy steering and worrying hitting big rocks. My girlfriend may have taken some on her phone and the SLR. I'll have to go through some of it.

I do have aftermath of how dirty it was (sort of) but i've got ceramic coating applied so nothing really sticks. I'll keep you posted for more photos.

 

[SonicBoy]

Hey Vandal, I'm from Toronto as well.

Some of the roads are terrible especially with the street car tracks in the downtown core.

If you keep up with frequent inspections and alignments, hopefully any failing components can be caught early.

 

[anchorman]

Should have some but not sure. I was kinda busy steering and worrying hitting big rocks. My girlfriend may have taken some on her phone and the SLR. I'll have jto go through some of it.

I do have aftermath of how dirty it was (sort of) but i've got ceramic coating applied so nothing really sticks. I'll keep you posted for more photos.

Haha. Mine looks like that when I get home from work. It seems our CX-3s don't like to show off their colours.