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The Renault Duster suspension allows the car to have a greater ground clearance, which is necessary for off-road driving. Here are the types of Renault Duster suspensions based on model variations.
Renault Duster 4x2 suspension
The 4x2 Duster suspension is designed for on-road driving. The suspension has been optimized for on-road stability and comfort. The car has a ground clearance of about 210 mm and a wheelbase of 2676 mm. The 4x2 Duster suspension uses MacPherson struts with coil springs on the front wheels. The rear wheels use a twist beam axle suspension with coil springs. The MacPherson strut front suspension is very stable at high speeds. The MacPherson struts also have shock absorbers that work together to provide more comfortable riding.
Renault Duster 4x4 suspension
The 4x4 Duster suspension is designed for off-road driving. The car has a ground clearance of up to 230 mm, which helps the car overcome rough terrain. The front wheels use independent McPherson strut suspensions. Meanwhile, the rear wheels use a multi-link suspension. This suspension design gives the vehicle a stable grip on uneven roads. The 4x4 Duster suspension is equipped with shock absorbers to minimize vibrations when the car moves on the ground with potholes, rocks, or tree roots.
Spring Type
The Renault Duster uses coil springs at the front and rear. Coil springs use spring steel coils to support the vehicle's weight and absorb shocks from the road. They provide consistent resistance and are low-maintenance. These springs are common in many cars, especially those that drive on rough roads.
Spring Size
The Duster's suspension springs are not too big or too small. That is, they have an average diameter and number of coils. This lets the car handle different road conditions while carrying enough load. The front and rear spring sizes differ slightly to balance the vehicle's weight.
Spring Rate
Spring rate refers to the force needed to compress the spring by one inch. It affects how bumpy or smooth the ride feels. The Duster's spring rate is middle-range, allowing the vehicle to handle light and heavy loads without difficulty. A higher spring rate means stiffer springs, which is good for off-road driving.
Shock Absorber Size
The Duster's shock absorbers are also of average size. They contain pistons and cylinders that quickly absorb shocks from bumps in the road. Like the springs, the front and rear shock absorbers differ slightly in size and damping power to match the suspension setup.
Shock Absorber Damping
Damping controls how much the shock absorber resists movement. The Renault Duster's dampers have a medium damping force to balance comfort and control. Stiffer damping works well for off-road driving, while softer damping is better on smooth roads.
Suspension Height
The Duster's suspension height is higher than on most cars. This offers better clearance on rough roads. The front and rear heights are similar, with the rear being slightly taller. Ground clearance is an essential feature of the Duster, as it is mainly for off-road driving.
Stabilizer Bar Size
The stabilizer bar, or anti-roll bar, is a thin steel rod that helps stabilize the vehicle. The Duster's stabilizer bars are of average size and stiffness. They reduce rolling and swaying, especially when driving around curves.
Regular Inspection
The first step in keeping the Renault Duster suspension system in good shape is to check it often. Look for signs of wear or damage on the springs, shock absorbers, and other parts. Also, keep an eye on the vehicle's ride height and make sure it is as specified. A sudden drop in ride height could mean there is a problem with the shocks or springs. Checking the suspension regularly helps find small problems before they become big ones.
Visual Inspection
A visual inspection involves looking for obvious signs of wear or damage. First, park the vehicle on a flat surface. Next, walk around the car and look closely at the suspension parts on both sides. Check for cracks, rust, or bent rods. Also, see if the springs are sagging or if the shocks are leaking oil. Finally, observe how the vehicle sits. If one side looks lower, something is wrong with the suspension on that side.
Check Ride Height
The ride height is the distance between the ground and the car body. Measuring the ride height helps know the condition of the springs and shocks. First, use a tape measure to get the height from the ground to the lowest part of the car body. Then, compare the current value with the one in the owner's manual. A drop in ride height means the front or rear springs are weak. It could also be a sign of leaking shock absorbers.
Tire Inspection
Checking the tires is also part of inspecting the suspension system. The condition of the tires gives clues about the state of the suspension. Start by looking closely at the four tires. Uneven wear across their surfaces could indicate a problem with the shocks or the wheel alignment. Next, use a tire tread depth gauge to measure the tread depth. Lower tread depth means the tires are old and need changing soon. Worn-out tires reduce ride quality and safety.
Cleaning
Over time, dust and dirt build up on the suspension parts and can cause wear. Use mild soap and water or a pressure washer to clean the springs, shocks, and control arms. Also, wash any other visible suspension parts. A clean suspension system works better and lasts longer.
Tightening
With time and use, some bolts and nuts on the suspension parts may become loose. This can cause noise and affect how well the parts work together. Use the right-size wrench to check all the bolts and nuts. Then, apply the proper force to make sure they are tight. Do not overtighten, as this can lead to breakage.
Shock Absorber Replacement
Shock absorbers are one of the essential parts of the Duster's suspension system. They dampen shocks from bumps on the road and help the vehicle ride smoothly. Like springs, the shocks wear out over time. When that happens, the ride quality drops, and the duster sways or rocks on uneven ground. For the best driving experience, change the shocks every 50,000 to 60,000 kilometers. Replace all four shocks at the same time to keep the vehicle balanced.
Spring Replacement
Another crucial part of the Duster suspension system is the springs. They bear the weight of the vehicle and work with the shocks to provide a smooth ride. Springs also wear out with time. Signs of weak springs include the car leaning to one side and difficulty loading the vehicle. A sagging spring affects the shock absorber, too. Like the shocks, it is best to change the springs after 50,000 to 60,000 kilometers. Replace all four springs at the same time. Doing so keeps the Duster balanced and saves on labor costs.
Suspension Bushing Replacement
The control arms of the Duster's suspension system have rubber bushings. They help the moving parts to slide smoothly. Bushings wear out or crack over time, especially if the vehicle is mainly used on rough roads. To find worn bushings, use a bushing tool. Remove the control arms and examine the bushings. If any are worn out, replace them to help the suspension system work as it should.
Choosing the right suspension system for the Renault Duster can be challenging because it must be fit for off-road purposes and comply with on-road standards. Here are the factors to consider:
It is advisable to let a professional mechanic handle the suspension replacement. However, it is possible to replace the suspension with the right tools and expertise. Here are the steps to replace the Renault Duster suspension:
Q1: How often should the suspension be serviced?
A1: There is no definitive answer to this question as it will depend on several factors. These include how often one uses the vehicle, the driving conditions, and the type of suspension. That said, it is always advisable to have the suspension checked by a professional mechanic at least once a year.
Q2: What are the signs that the suspension needs attention?
A2: There are several indications that one's suspension may be defective. These include the car bouncing excessively on uneven surfaces, difficulty in steering, and uneven tire wear. If any of these symptoms are noticed, it is important to have the suspension checked as soon as possible.
Q3: Can I drive with a damaged suspension?
A3: While it may be tempting to continue driving with a defective suspension, this is not recommended. A faulty suspension can affect the vehicle's handling and braking, which can lead to accidents. In addition, driving with a damaged suspension puts extra strain on other components of the car, which can lead to more expensive repairs in the long run.
Q4: Is the Duster suspension good for off-road?
A4: The Duster's suspension is good, especially for a budget-friendly SUV. The Duster suspension is designed for moderate off-road use, such as on gravel roads or forest trails. It can handle ruts, potholes, and bumps but may struggle on more challenging terrain like deep sand or rocky paths.
Q5: Can the suspension be upgraded?
A5: Yes, the suspension can be upgraded. This is especially important for those who intend to use the vehicle for off-road purposes. Several aftermarket suspension kits are available that can improve ride quality and handling.