Temperature change affecting car suspension?

Any car guys or gals out there?

The rear passenger side suspension on my car was not right this morning. Any small bump was much more exaggerated than usual. Figured I needed a new strut.

Coming home tonight it didn't seem to be an issue at all. My theory is the abrupt temperature change had an effect and that today's warm up resolved it, at least temporarily.

I know that I should probably get it checked out, but can anyone (Freeway?) let me know if there's any credence behind the theory?

Absolutely.  You're welcome to enjoy the ride over what feels now like dirt roads in my 911's Bilsteins and see the extreme version.  Why?  Oil thickens and doesn't flow as well through the system, springs harden as well as the bushings.

Figured as much, and for that reason. Hope it stays resolved.

ctrzaska hit the nail on the spot ... i used to have an old chevy caprice in the 90s that would feel and sound like an old spring mattress when going over bumps in freezing weather, but felt like riding on a pillow when warm

my suspension goes from "hard" in the summer to "bone shattering" in the winter. If i change lanes on the highway and cross over a painted line its like hitting a speedbump when the mercury dips below 30.

It's apparently affecting my tire pressure sensor. The mechanic said I was the third person to come in yesterday morning! 

Freeway said:

my suspension goes from "hard" in the summer to "bone shattering" in the winter. If i change lanes on the highway and cross over a painted line its like hitting a speedbump when the mercury dips below 30.

The thing that threw me off was the fact that it was only one side.

And Tarheels, we had that issue on the other car, but I've come to expect it on that one.

TarheelsInNj said:

It's apparently affecting my tire pressure sensor. The mechanic said I was the third person to come in yesterday morning! 

Normal.  PIA, but normal.  And it's likely the tire itself and not the sensor.  Just keep the air checked more often in winter.

jimmurphy said:

Freeway said:

my suspension goes from "hard" in the summer to "bone shattering" in the winter. If i change lanes on the highway and cross over a painted line its like hitting a speedbump when the mercury dips below 30.

The thing that threw me off was the fact that it was only one side.

It could be indicative of a developing issue with a bushing beginning to wear or something similar, but I tend to think if it was a strut you'd still feel it.

jimmurphy said:

Freeway said:

my suspension goes from "hard" in the summer to "bone shattering" in the winter. If i change lanes on the highway and cross over a painted line its like hitting a speedbump when the mercury dips below 30.

The thing that threw me off was the fact that it was only one side.

And Tarheels, we had that issue on the other car, but I've come to expect it on that one.

The stock suspension on my first car ever had an issue with just the rear passenger side suspension when it got super cold out. As batman pointed out it was a bushing that was going bad. Sounded like a fold out couch mattress  over any bump.

Here's another one. The brake warning light on the dashboard remains on for about 15 minutes. Then it goes off. This started with the cold weather a couple of days ago.

Freeway said:

jimmurphy said:

Freeway said:

my suspension goes from "hard" in the summer to "bone shattering" in the winter. If i change lanes on the highway and cross over a painted line its like hitting a speedbump when the mercury dips below 30.

The thing that threw me off was the fact that it was only one side.

And Tarheels, we had that issue on the other car, but I've come to expect it on that one.

The stock suspension on my first car ever had an issue with just the rear passenger side suspension when it got super cold out. As batman pointed out it was a bushing that was going bad. Sounded like a fold out couch mattress  over any bump.

Interesting. Thanks to both of you. Will check it out.