Understanding the Role of Suspension in Heavy Duty Trucks
April 2025
Often overlooked, yet vital, your suspension plays a key role in your fleet performance, safety, and longevity. Understanding how suspension works and why it matters is crucial in keeping your trucks on the road and out of the shop.
What Does a Suspension System Do?
The suspension holds up your vehicle's weight. It absorbs shocks from bad roads and keeps tires in contact with the ground. What this means for your truck:
- Stabilizes heavy loads during transport
- Reduces wear and tear on truck components
- Improves driver comfort and control
- Safeguards your cargo from excessive vibration
Suspension systems are critical for both operational performance and compliance with safety regulations. Regularly maintaining and inspecting your suspension for faults and issues will help you avoid unnecessary downtime.
Key Suspension Components in Heavy Duty Trucks
Heavy duty suspension consists of several pivotal parts. Having a base understanding of the importance of each is critical:
Leaf Springs
Common in many trucks, these help absorb shocks and support large amounts of weight.
Find Leaf Springs
Air Springs
Used for smoother rides and load leveling, especially in long-haul or refrigerated units.
Find Air Springs
Shock Absorbers
Reduce bounce and help control motion after hitting bumps, potholes, or other road issues.
Find Shock Absorbers
A failure in any of these parts can lead to uneven tire wear, decreased braking ability, or even axle misalignment.
Suspension Types: Leaf Springs vs Air Ride
There are two main types of suspension systems used in heavy duty trucks:
- Leaf Spring: Known for its simplicity and durability, leaf spring setups are cost-effective and ideal for heavier payloads and rugged conditions.
- Air Suspension: Designed for a smoother ride and better cargo protection, air ride systems are common in long-haul applications. They often come with adjustable ride heights, making them ideal for loading docks.
Each has its benefits depending on your trucking needs, but regular inspection and maintenance are crucial no matter which you prefer.
Why Suspension Health Matters
Suspension issues may start small, like a rougher feeling ride, but can quickly lead to:
- Decreased fuel efficiency
- Damaged tires, premature worn tire tread, or issues with other driveline components
- Safety violations and/or failed inspections
- Expensive roadside breakdowns
Routine maintenance and early detection can save your fleet thousands in repairs and prevent delays in delivery schedules. Have your rig regularly inspected at one of our FleetPride Service Centers to find and address potential issues before they become bigger problems. To find a location near you, click here.
Suspension Maintenance Tips
To keep your suspension system Ready for the Road Ahead™:
- Inspect bushings, shocks, and control arms regularly
- Look for signs of air leaks or sagging
- Check for uneven tire wear or ride height differences
- Replace worn parts promptly
Final Thoughts
The suspension system may not be the flashiest part of your fleet, but it’s one of the most important. Understanding how it functions and knowing when it needs your attention can help you avoid unnecessary downtime.
Need replacement suspension parts? From leaf springs to torque rods and bushings, we’re stocked with the most trusted brands that meet the demands of the road.
* The foregoing is provided for informational purposes only. Please consult your local FleetPride Heavy Duty Experts to verify the suitability of a part for the intended application.