What Causes Uneven Left and Right Rear Suspension Height?
2 Answers
Possible causes include detachment of the shock absorber connecting pin (rod) or wear and tear/rupture of the rubber bushing (cushion). Automobile Suspension: Suspension refers to the collective term for all force-transmitting connecting devices between the vehicle frame and the axle or wheels. A typical MacPherson suspension structure consists of elastic elements, guiding mechanisms, shock absorbers, and in some cases, additional components like buffer blocks and anti-roll bars. Rigid Axle Suspension: The structural characteristic of rigid axle suspension is that both wheels are connected by an integrated axle, with the wheels and axle together suspended under the vehicle frame or body via elastic suspension. Rigid axle suspension offers advantages such as 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 more commonly found in trucks and buses.
I've encountered this issue with my own car before—the left and right rear wheels were at different heights, making the car feel noticeably tilted to one side while driving. The main cause was likely problems with the springs or shock absorbers. For example, long-term uneven loading or driving on bumpy roads can cause springs to fatigue and deform or shock absorbers to leak oil, leading to one side sagging while the other remains higher. If left unrepaired, this can accelerate tire wear, make the car unstable during high-speed turns, and increase the risk of rolling over. Back then, I took it to a repair shop, and they found that the left rear spring was completely broken. After replacing it, the height was restored to balance. Nowadays, I regularly check the car's stance when parked to prevent small issues from turning into big problems—safety always comes first. I recommend not delaying repairs if you notice this issue; get it checked and fixed as soon as possible.