How To Prepare Your Truck's Suspension For The Summer Heat

When summer hits hard, your truck's suspension takes a serious beating. Those sun-baked roads, temperature spikes, and long hauls all conspire to wear down even the toughest setups. Whether you're running leaf springs or air suspension, prepping your system for the heat isn't optional—it’s essential.

Let’s break it down so your ride doesn’t.

Why Summer Heat Hurts Your Suspension

Heat isn’t just a comfort issue—it’s mechanical mayhem in disguise. Rising temperatures can:

• Expand rubber bushings, causing looseness or increased wear.
  
  
• Heat up air suspension bags, making them more prone to leaks or blowouts.
  
  
• Cause the hydraulic shock fluid to thin, reducing damping efficiency.
  
  
• Dry out and degrade lubricants around bearings and joints.

With Alberta’s long daylight hours and high summer loads, these small issues can quickly escalate into major repairs if left unaddressed.

Leaf Springs

Leaf springs are the classic go-to—simple, sturdy, and reliable. But summer stress can expose their weaknesses.

What to Check:

Rust & corrosion: Moisture from spring still lingers in the crevices, and heat accelerates oxidation.

Cracks or fatigue: Inspect for hairline fractures along the metal blades.

Spring hanger bushings: These rubber components expand in the heat and lose their grip.

U-bolts and torque: High temps can slightly loosen fasteners. Always recheck torque specs.

Pro Tip: If you’re hauling heavy on rough roads, swap out tired leaf springs before they snap mid-run. Don’t forget a grease inspection on the shackles and pins.

Air Suspension

Air suspension systems offer an adjustable, smoother ride, especially when the load fluctuates. But they also demand more care, especially in the heat.

What to Inspect:

Air bags: Look for bulging, dry rot, or tiny surface cracks. High heat dries out rubber quickly.

Air lines and fittings: Heat softens plastic lines and can cause fittings to loosen or leak.

Compressor performance: High temperatures make your compressor work harder. Make sure it cycles properly.

Height control valves: Erratic ride height in hot weather? This is often the culprit.

Pro Tip: Regularly flush moisture from the system. Edmonton’s humidity in June and July can trap condensation, leading to waterlogged air tanks that corrode from the inside out.

Shocks

Shock absorbers play a crucial role in maintaining your suspension's stability and smoothness. In summer, their job gets even tougher.

Signs Your Shocks Are Suffering:

• Excessive bouncing after bumps
  
  
• Leaking hydraulic fluid
  
  
• Unusual tire wear patterns
  
  
• Squeaking or clunking noises over bumps

Heat thins out hydraulic oil, reducing the shock's ability to dampen. If you’re noticing ride instability, it might be time for a replacement.

Suspension Bearings & Bushings

Your suspension bearings and rubber bushings work quietly in the background, but don’t overlook them. When heat causes these to expand, harden, or dry out, they lose their ability to cushion road impacts.

• Repack wheel bearings with heat-rated grease.
  
  
• Inspect control arm bushings for cracks or excessive movement.
  
  
• Don’t skip the kingpins and thrust bearings—if they’re dry, they’ll fail.

Preventive Maintenance is Essential in the Summer!

A thorough suspension inspection should be part of your summer prep checklist. That includes:

• Tightening fasteners
  
  
• Checking fluid levels in hydraulic systems
  
  
• Ensuring proper alignment
  
  
• Testing for air leaks using soapy water on air line fittings

Final Thoughts

Whether you opt for leaf springs or air suspension, preparing for the heat is non-negotiable. Your suspension is what keeps the rubber on the road and your rig in control. Summer’s coming—and it doesn’t take prisoners.

Want a second set of eyes on your setup? Schedule a professional suspension inspection before the peak of summer arrives. Prevent breakdowns, boost comfort, and haul with confidence all season long.