I've always imagined with use, time and weather effects that suspension components change properties. Am I crazy or does this actually happen, how severe is it? I wanted to get the community's thoughts on this! Hopefully its an educational discussion

Springs
-rates decrease with repetitive use and thermal cycling
-car settles with age (i.e. sits lower?)

Shocks
-shock and rebound rates are reduced with repetitive use and thermal cycling

Bushings
-soften and deform with use (all rubber, polyurethane, etc. except for metal)
-lose elasticity with weather, unrecoverable (rubber)
-dry out (rubber)

Sways
-Reduced torsion with use

 

Yes. It is usually not noticeable at all because the performance degrades very gradually over the miles and years. Typically it gets noticed when there's a complete failure (blown strut etc.). But yes that is completely correct. Maintenance, mileage, driving habits, climate, and other factors play a part.

 

Absolutely. Mechanical parts going through repetitive cycling? There will definitely be some fatigue, though the only one I feel would be noticeable are struts since the car will bounce more. The others you might not see unless you're looking specifically for the degradation.

 

Which are the most severe? I feel as if bushings would change the most and affect the ride the most.

In addition to general education, the reason I ask is that my car (08 sport coupe) generally doesn't feel as tight around town as the 12/13 G37x sedans I get as loaners. I win in body roll despite the age. The feel and noise over bumps is a lot "looser" in my car. Wondering what I can do to improve my car's ride.

 

Coil overs, sway bars, rear and Front supports "Cusco" and enjoy...

Cars are like humans... we all go South at some point...

Cars on the other hand are cheaper to fix. Lol