Is Front Suspension Replacement a Major Accident?
3 Answers
Front suspension replacement is not a major accident. Here are the specific details: 1. Definition: The suspension system refers to all the force-transmitting connection devices between the car's frame and the axle or wheels. Its function is to transmit forces and torques acting between the wheels and the frame, as well as to cushion the impacts from uneven road surfaces transmitted to the frame or body, and to dampen the resulting vibrations, ensuring smooth driving. 2. Non-independent suspension system: The structural feature of a non-independent suspension system is that both wheels are connected by a solid axle, and the wheels along with the axle are suspended under the frame or body via an elastic suspension system. The non-independent suspension system has the advantages of simple structure, low cost, high strength, easy maintenance, and minimal changes in front-wheel alignment during driving. However, due to its poor comfort and handling stability, it is rarely used in modern passenger cars and is mostly found in trucks and buses.
Replacing the front suspension doesn't necessarily mean it's a major accident. After running my repair shop for so many years, I've often encountered car owners who damaged their suspension by driving too fast over potholes. In such cases, it's purely a wear-and-tear part replacement, completely unrelated to any accident. However, if the suspension was deformed due to a collision, we'd need to assess the extent of associated damage. During repairs, we always inspect critical structures like the subframe and longitudinal beams - as long as there's no deformation requiring repair, it doesn't qualify as a major accident. That said, used car dealers tend to lower prices when they hear about suspension replacements. I recommend keeping detailed maintenance records that clearly state whether it was a normal replacement or accident-related repair, to avoid disadvantages when selling the car later.
As an experienced driver, I just had the right front suspension replaced on my car last month. At the time, I noticed strange noises when going over speed bumps, and the inspection revealed a leaking shock absorber. This kind of aging issue is as common as changing tires and has nothing to do with accidents. However, if the suspension were to break due to a rear-end collision, it might be accompanied by deformation of the anti-collision beam or damage to the longitudinal beams, which would indicate a major accident. The key point is the extent of the accident's impact on the vehicle's structural integrity, not just which parts were replaced. With today's advanced repair techniques, simply replacing the suspension doesn't affect safety at all, and I still drive just as steadily on the highway.
