UTV Shocks & Suspension Maintenance

With a little adjustment, your UTV’s shocks and suspension can handle almost any terrain. These complex systems go a long way toward ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable yet thrilling ride experience. However, like every other part of your side-by-side, your shocks and suspension require regular maintenance in order to continue functioning. That is why the experts at Tatum Motor Company have created this guide to UTV shocks and suspension maintenance.

Getting Your Shocks Adjusted

There are five key ways in which your UTV’s shocks can be adjusted. Low-speed and high-speed damping control vibration at low and high speeds respectively. Rebound damping minimizes the vehicle’s up-and-down bobbing and bouncing. Preload adjustment stiffens or relaxes the suspension system by compressing or decompressing the spring. Finally, the ride height shifts the amount of travel (movement) that the swing or A-arms provide.

How you should adjust your UTV’s shocks will depend upon how you want to use the vehicle. For example, if you are planning to use your side by side to haul trailers or carry a heavy load, you should turn your attention towards the preload adjustment. If you plan to do some trail riding in an area with a lot of bumpy terrain, make adjustments to the rebound damping. Racers will obviously want to get the high-speed damping just right. When switching from one activity to another, always get your shocks adjusted to fit your current needs. 

Professional UTV Suspension Maintenance

A modern UTV’s shock and suspension systems are very complicated, so it is usually best to have a professional do the adjustments for you. While it is somewhat inconvenient to need to schedule a service appointment every time you need an adjustment, calibrating a suspension system requires a unique skill set along with a lot of firsthand knowledge and experience.

To shop UTVs or to get help servicing and adjusting your shocks and suspension system, visit Tatum Motor Company. Our dealerships are located in Anderson, Missouri, and Tontitown, Arkansas. We also offer additional servicing like financing and parts ordering. We are proud to serve communities like Joplin, Missouri, and Fayetteville, Arkansas, and hope to see you soon!