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More About Side-by-Side Shocks & Suspension

Oct. 20 2023 Maintenance By Crossroad Powersports

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Few vehicles are designed to be as rugged and as versatile as utility terrain vehicles or side-by-sides are. A side-by-side is capable of handling dusty trails, rocky paths, river crossings, mud, and many other challenging off-road riding conditions. Most of these off-road capabilities are because of the UTV’s shocks and suspension system, which help to provide more traction to tires while smoothing out the ride over challenging terrain.

However, your shocks and suspension system do need to be maintained on a regular basis in order to ensure your vehicle’s operation in challenging riding conditions. Crossroad Powersports is your local side-by-side dealer in Upper Darby, PA. Read on to learn more about your UTV’s shocks and suspension system and why proper maintenance is key to proper functioning.

The Parts of Your UTV’s Suspension System

Many of today’s side-by-side suspension systems are designed in a similar fashion with some variations. A coil-over-shock design with swing or A-arms in front and trailing arms at the rear is the basis for this system. The steering linkage is connected with tie rods so that the front wheels turn, and a metal spring provides cushioning by contracting and expanding over bumpy roads.

This spring contains a hydraulic shock with a small opening to allow hydraulic fluid to flow through it. The entire system has a dampening effect that softens out the ride, making it more comfortable and less jolting to passengers. The shocks also prevent the vehicle from bobbing up and down heavily. If your suspension system functions perfectly, then it will absorb the bumps in the road without shifting the vehicle up and down and the riders should not feel much road vibration as a result.

Getting Your Shocks Adjusted

Generally speaking, you can adjust the shocks on your side-by-side in five ways: low-speed damping, high-speed damping, rebound damping, preload adjustment, and ride height. Each type of adjustment controls a different aspect of the operation:

  • Low-Speed & High-Speed Damping: control vibration at low and high speeds, respectively.
  • Rebound Damping: minimizes the bobbing or bouncing of the vehicle up and down.
  • Preload Adjustment: stiffens or relaxes the suspension system by compressing or decompressing the spring.
  • Ride Height: shifts the amount of travel (movement) that the swing or A-arms provide.

Because everyone uses side-by-sides for different purposes, it’s important to adjust the suspension and shocks accordingly to suit the unique challenges of each purpose. For example, if you’re using your vehicle to haul trailers or carry a heavy load, you’ll need to focus on the preload adjustment. If you’re riding over a really bumpy recreational trail, then rebound damping will be more important to you. Racers will need to care about high-speed damping. Always get the shocks and suspension system adjusted for the type of riding you plan to do, especially if you’re going to switch from carrying heavy payloads to doing light trail riding.

Searching for side-by-sides for sale in Upper Darby, PA? Visit Crossroad Powersports to browse our selection today! We welcome all our patrons visiting us from Philadelphia, PA, and Wilmington, DE.