Truck Accidents – The Hidden Danger of Failing Suspension Systems
Suspension System Failures: How Worn Shocks and Springs Create Dangerous Conditions
Published by J.A. Davis & Associates – San Antonio Truck Accident Attorneys
The Hidden Danger of Failing Suspension Systems
Most drivers never think about suspension systems until something goes wrong, but in commercial trucks weighing up to 80,000 pounds, suspension failures can create deadly situations on San Antonio’s busy highways. At J.A. Davis & Associates, we’ve seen how worn shocks, broken springs, and failed suspension components can transform routine trips into catastrophic accidents on roads like Loop 1604 and Interstate 35.
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Unlike passenger vehicles, where suspension problems typically cause uncomfortable rides, commercial truck suspension failures can result in loss of vehicle control, tire failures, and devastating multi-vehicle accidents.
Understanding Commercial Truck Suspension Systems
Commercial truck suspension systems are engineered to handle extreme loads and operating conditions far beyond passenger vehicle capabilities:
Air Suspension Systems: Many modern trucks use compressed air to support loads and provide ride control, with complex valves, lines, and air bags that can fail.
Leaf Spring Systems: Traditional leaf springs remain common on commercial vehicles, supporting enormous weights but are susceptible to breakage and wear.
Shock Absorbers: Heavy-duty shock absorbers control wheel movement and maintain tire contact with the road surface.
Anti-Roll Bars: Stabilizer bars reduce body roll during cornering but can break under stress.
Suspension Bushings: Rubber and polyurethane bushings isolate components but wear out from constant stress.
Height Control Valves: Automatic systems that maintain proper ride height regardless of load.
How Suspension Failures Lead to Accidents
Loss of Vehicle Stability
Failed suspension components can make trucks unstable and difficult to control:
– Worn shocks allow excessive wheel bounce, reducing tire contact with pavement
– Broken springs create uneven weight distribution, affecting handling
– Failed airbags cause sudden […]