Does Changing the Dogbone Affect the Suspension?
3 Answers
Changing the dogbone does not affect the suspension. Lifting the Rear of the Vehicle: Use tools to lift the rear of the vehicle. If using a jack, place it under the engine's rear center of gravity to raise the rear wheels off the ground. Removing the OEM Fixing Plate: Remove the OEM fixing plate and install the DIMOTIV lowering kit fixing plate using the original screws and tighten the OEM nuts. Loosening the Triple Clamp: Loosen the left and right screws of the front fork's triple clamp to raise the fork legs by 30mm (the amount the vehicle is lowered, the fork must be adjusted accordingly). Adjust the damping knob to a softer setting. This method ensures both front and rear lowering effects while preventing center of gravity displacement.
Replacing the dog bone bushing definitely affects the shock absorption effect, which I've personally experienced. The dog bone is a connecting component in the suspension system, responsible for buffering vibrations transmitted from the tires. When the old bushing becomes aged, softened, or cracked, the suspension becomes loose and unstable, causing severe vehicle wobbling when driving over bumps. This forces the shock absorber to handle additional impacts, significantly reducing its efficiency and making vibrations feel harsher and more abrupt. After timely replacement with new bushings, the suspension regains its proper rigidity, transmitting vibrations more directly and evenly. The shock absorber immediately works more smoothly and absorbs energy more effectively. This indirectly improves ride comfort and extends the shock absorber's lifespan. Neglecting replacement allows problems to accumulate. I've seen many car owners at repair shops who didn't address this promptly, resulting in premature shock absorber failure. Simply put, replacing the dog bone doesn't alter the shock absorber itself but optimizes its operating environment for better performance.
Replacing the dogbone mount does indeed affect the suspension, which is a critical safety concern. The dogbone bushing is a vital part of the suspension system. If it's worn out, the suspension response becomes sluggish, making the car feel unstable, like having weak legs. For example, during high-speed cornering, insufficient suspension support leads to excessive vibrations, forcing the shock absorbers to absorb too much energy. This not only reduces comfort but also accelerates wear or failure of the shocks over time. After installing a new bushing, the suspension tightens up overall, reducing vibrations and allowing the shocks to focus on standard road conditions, resulting in more stable performance. Personally, I noticed that neglecting this issue caused increased bumpiness and louder noises while driving. Regular maintenance of the dogbone mount can prevent chain reactions and ensure the suspension operates healthily—otherwise, the risks are too great. It's recommended that owners replace it before major issues arise.
