Ford Taurus Shocks and Struts
The Ford Taurus is a sedan known for its smooth, intuitive driving performance. This isnt possible without a working suspension system, however. The struts are key suspension components in these Ford cars, and models experiencing difficulties may consider replacement parts.
What are the functions of shocks and struts?Most Ford Taurus models use a strut-based suspension assembly. This keeps the vehicle suspended and running smoothly and distinguishes it from shock-based suspension systems.
In Ford vehicles, struts play a key structural role. Struts support the suspension system and help to keep the tires aligned. They also bear some of the weight placed on the suspension, which means that they impact many aspects of driving performance, ranging from handling to riding comfort. Struts dont simply support the suspension; they have a dampening effect as well. Depending on the movement of the suspension, the struts will react by increasing or decreasing resistance. In Ford Taurus vehicles, the strut system will include a shock-absorbing component, which further dampens the feeling of any bumps on the road.
What are parts are involved in the Taurus suspension assembly?The Taurus strut-based assembly requires several additional parts. The entire assembly connects to the steering knuckle, ensuring smooth, vibration-free driving performance. The main parts are the:
- Coil Spring: This spring helps to support the vehicles weight. It also helps to mitigate the feeling of large bumps and potholes. Because these springs are weight-bearing, they have to be incredibly strong.
- Shocks: Shocks are typically fitted above the spring. Theyre responsible for dampening vehicle vibrations.
- Strut Housing: This housing part supports the entire strut assembly.
If a Ford Taurus vehicle has a faulty suspension, drivers might notice the following:
- Bouncing Car in Park: Ford drivers who want to quickly check the integrity of their struts should press down on the hood. If the suspension is bad, the vehicle will bounce several times; it should settle almost immediately.
- Bouncing Car in Motion: When a vehicle bounces over bumps and potholes, its a telltale sign that it has a busted suspension. This is usually caused by worn struts that are no longer able to simultaneously support the Fords weight and provide sufficient dampening.
- Bottoming Out: If a Taurus driver notices that their vehicle is riding suspiciously low to the ground, it may be due to overused coil springs. When they cant support the weight of the Ford Taurus, the entire chassis will start to droop.
- Worn Tires: When Ford Taurus struts arent working well, the tires start to "cup" the road, which is a motion similar to a bouncing basketball. This wears down tires quickly, leaving spotted patterns from where theyve come into contact with the road.