Will the suspension be damaged if the rear wheel falls into a pit?
3 Answers
If the rear wheel falls into a pit, the suspension will not be damaged. The reasons are as follows: 1. Structural reasons: In modern cars, it is often only used for the rear wheels. In this type of suspension, the wheels are controlled by an independent linkage mechanism, allowing them to move individually according to road conditions without affecting the entire vehicle body. 2. Suspension introduction: Suspensions can be divided into two basic types based on structure: dependent suspension and independent suspension. Dependent suspension is used in conjunction with a solid axle and is mainly employed in commercial vehicles (trucks) or the rear suspension of off-road vehicles. In this type of suspension, the left and right wheels are not independent of each other. When one wheel moves relative to the frame or body due to uneven road conditions, the other wheel undergoes the same change.
I've been driving for over a decade and have encountered similar situations. When a rear wheel falls into a pothole, there is indeed a risk of damaging the suspension system, mainly depending on the depth of the pothole and the force of impact. The suspension includes components like shock absorbers, springs, and control arms. A sudden drop impact can cause shock absorber leaks or control arm deformation. Once, I drove into a pothole on a rural road at very low speed, resulting in only minor vibration, and later inspection showed no issues. However, if the speed is high or the pothole is particularly deep, the suspension is likely to be damaged. It's advisable to check immediately if the car body is tilted after falling into a pothole, and whether there are any unusual noises or steering deviations while driving. If possible, take the car to a repair shop as soon as possible to lift it up and inspect the chassis components, especially checking the shock absorbers for any signs of leakage.
As a car owner who frequently drives on construction sites, my experience is that getting the rear wheels stuck in a pit doesn't necessarily damage the suspension—it depends on how you handle it. If the pit is shallow and you drive slowly, the suspension might be completely fine. However, a deep pit combined with stomping on the accelerator to power out can be dangerous. The suspension system is most vulnerable to sudden, severe impacts—springs can deform, and shock absorber seals can crack. Once, I rushed to reverse out of a pit and ended up bending the rear suspension link. My advice is to gently press the accelerator and ease out of the pit instead of charging out aggressively. Afterward, check the vehicle's balance—see if the left and right body heights are even and if the car drifts when driving straight. Also, inspect the tires for bulges or deformations and check if the rims are cracked. If you spot any issues, get them repaired as soon as possible.
