metroplex

Would driving over 2-4 speed bumps / retractable spike strips on a daily basis wear out the suspension, steering components, or chassis?

n8rfastback

i do it every day i go to work and never even thought about it....

it has to wear stuff out faster than NOT driving over this stuff every day though....

afcop13

I'd say yes. I've been driving over the same stuff for almost 4 yrs now. My suspension has taken a beating and will be getting a big overhaul this winter. Its overdue.

topbliss

it won't 'wear' it out but it surely will cause more wear then not running over em

metroplex

Is there anything I can do to reduce the wear and tear from driving over this BS junk?

habu

I would imagine that if you're hitting them at a speed that would potentially cause wear and tear you're best way to avoid the wear and tear is find a way around them. Otherwise how on earth is driving over a speed bump any worse than any bump that is driven over at highway speed ?

I am sure that ford probably didn't do any long-term testing on the chassis for longevity over regular roads or at test tracks that would destroy the suspension/chassis/steering faster than an occasional speed bump
</sarcasm>

metroplex

I don't drive over 2" high bumps on the highway...

As for OEM testing, yeah that's what a lot of people claim - the OEMs do millions of miles of testing, yada yada yada, yet our cars can experience part failures, squeeks, and other stuff within 1 year of ownership (6000 miles of driving).

habu

You are quite right, I don't know of any auto manufacturer that produces hundred of thousands of cars for testing only with every conceivable driver, circumstance, driving habit and climate. However completely discounting OEM testing because of a part failure or squeek is hardly fair. Your question as it was posted was not a question of part failure or squeek.

You're saying that hitting a bump in the road at hwy speed, >60, is easier on the suspension and steering as going over a speed bump. No offense but the concept is far-fetched.

How hard are you hitting them ? If you're hitting them like a lifted truck, then I could see it. in which the answer to your question is slow down. If you go over them like most people in cars I don't see the worry.
Call me hard-headed, and I am, but if you want something to worry about go for it, I just don't think this is where to lay blame.

Arrow

Drive over them slowly.

metroplex

Thanks for your input, but here you're putting words in my mouth. Show me where I said hitting bumps at highway speeds was less abusive on the chassis. I said "I don't drive over 2" high bumps on the highway..." In fact, when was the last time you saw spike strips on the highway that you drive over on a regular basis at 60 MPH?

Indystang

If you talk to a good mechanic about the wear they see from cars that are driven on bad roads, bumps etc...He will tell you the axles and wheel bearings take a beating. The suspension is designed to do their job so I would think it takes many more miles to see it here before bearing wear. I would look here for abnormal wear first. Good luck!