Powder Coating
Powder Coating Suspension Components Guide
Blackout Window Tinting
8 min read
Everything about powder coating control arms, springs, sway bars, and suspension parts. Temperature ratings, material compatibility, Bay Area prices.
Suspension components take serious abuse—road salt, mud, rocks, and constant stress. Factory paint flakes off within a year or two, leaving parts looking tired and promoting corrosion.
Powder coating is the solution, but not all suspension parts can be coated. Here's what you need to know.
Why Powder Coat Suspension?
Benefits Over Factory Coatings
| Factor | Factory Paint | Powder Coating |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 1-2 mil | 2-4 mil |
| Chip resistance | Poor | Excellent |
| Chemical resistance | Moderate | Superior |
| Lifespan | 1-2 years | 8-15+ years |
| Re-coatability | Difficult | Easy |
Aesthetic Benefits
- Uniform color across all components
- Custom colors to match your build
- Professional appearance for show cars
- Clean engine bay presentation
Functional Benefits
- Corrosion prevention — Major in coastal Bay Area climate
- Easier cleaning — Smooth surface doesn't trap dirt
- Preserved resale — Components stay mint
- Identification — Spot your parts easily at shops
What Can Be Powder Coated
Perfect for Powder Coating
These parts are ideal candidates:
Control Arms
- Upper and lower A-arms
- Trailing arms
- Radius rods
- Track bars
Subframes
- Front subframes (K-members)
- Rear subframes
- Crossmembers
Sway Bars
- Front stabilizer bars
- Rear stabilizer bars
- End links (metal portions)
Miscellaneous
- Shock towers (bolt-on)
- Strut bars
- Suspension braces
- Solid mounting brackets
Proceed with Caution
These require special consideration:
Coil Springs
| Consideration | Details |
|---|---|
| Weight distribution | Coating adds slight weight |
| Heat exposure | Must use high-temp powder |
| Coil-bind | Check clearance with coating thickness |
| Performance springs | Consult manufacturer first |
We can coat coil springs, but use proper high-temperature powder rated for suspension heat cycles.
Strut Housings
| Consideration | Details |
|---|---|
| Bearing surfaces | Must mask off precisely |
| Thread interfaces | Cannot be coated |
| Adjustment rings | Must remain functional |
Requires careful masking of functional areas.
Cannot Be Powder Coated
These parts should never be powder coated:
| Part | Reason |
|---|---|
| Ball joints | Heat damages seals |
| Rubber bushings (installed) | Heat destroys rubber |
| Shock absorbers | Internal seals fail |
| Needle bearings | Heat damages bearings |
| Alignment adjusters | Coating prevents adjustment |
Important: Remove bushings before coating, reinstall after.
Temperature Considerations
Powder coating requires 350-450°F (175-230°C) for curing. This affects:
What Gets Affected by Heat
| Component | Temperature Concern | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Rubber bushings | Destroyed above 250°F | Remove before coating |
| Ball joints | Seals damaged by heat | Never coat assembled |
| Polyurethane bushings | May or may not survive | Remove to be safe |
| Delrin/plastic parts | Melts | Always remove |
High-Temperature Powder Options
For parts near exhaust or brakes:
| Powder Type | Temperature Rating | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Standard epoxy | 350°F max | Most suspension parts |
| Hybrid | 400°F | Near brakes |
| Polyester | 450°F | High-heat applications |
| Ceramic-additive | 600°F+ | Exhaust, extreme heat |
We stock high-temp options for parts that need it.
The Process
Step 1: Disassembly
All bushings, ball joints, and hardware must come out:
- Press out rubber bushings
- Remove ball joints if replaceable
- Extract all bolt hardware
- Note orientation for reassembly
Step 2: Surface Prep
Critical for suspension parts:
- Media blast to remove rust and old coatings
- Chemical treatment for adhesion
- Outgassing if heavy rust was present
- Pre-heat to drive out contaminants
Step 3: Application
Electrostatic powder application:
- Grounded parts attract charged powder
- Full coverage into recesses
- Proper film thickness (2-3 mil typical)
- Inspection before curing
Step 4: Curing
Oven curing locks in the finish:
- 375-400°F for 15-20 minutes
- Powder melts, flows, and crosslinks
- Final hardness develops during cooling
- Quality check for coverage and adhesion
Step 5: Reassembly
Fresh components go back in:
- New bushings pressed in
- New ball joints if applicable
- New hardware (always replace)
- Torque to spec
Bushing Considerations
Before Coating: Remove Factory Bushings
Rubber bushings and powder coating don't mix. You have options:
Option A: Replace with New Rubber
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| OEM ride quality | May not last as long |
| Cheapest replacement | Stock squeaks return |
| Easy availability | Less performance |
Option B: Upgrade to Polyurethane
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| More durable | Stiffer ride |
| Performance improvement | Requires greasing |
| Usually better than OEM rubber | More expensive |
Option C: Replace with Solid
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Zero deflection | Harsh ride |
| Maximum precision | Track/show only |
| No maintenance | Noise/vibration |
We can coordinate bushing press services if needed.
Pricing Guide
Typical Part Costs
| Component | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Control arm (per piece) | $40-80 |
| Subframe (front or rear) | $200-400 |
| Sway bar | $60-100 |
| Complete suspension set | $400-800 |
| Specialty high-temp | +20-30% |
What Affects Price
- Size — Larger parts cost more
- Prep work — Rusty = more prep time
- Powder type — High-temp costs extra
- Complexity — Many small parts vs few large
- Rush service — Available for premium
Color Options for Suspension
Popular Choices
| Color | Style | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gloss black | Clean, OEM+ | Most popular by far |
| Satin black | Subtle, modern | Second most popular |
| Body color | Custom match | Coordinated with paint |
| Bright colors | Show car | Red, orange, yellow popular |
| Bare metal look | Industrial | Silver metallic simulates |
Recommendations by Application
| Use Case | Recommended Finish |
|---|---|
| Daily driver | Satin or gloss black |
| Show car | Body color match or contrast |
| Track car | Doesn't matter—go functional |
| Restomod | Period-appropriate or custom |
Ready to Coat Your Suspension?
Bring your parts stripped of bushings, or bring the whole assembly and we'll handle disassembly. Either way, you'll leave with suspension that looks factory-fresh and lasts for years.
📞 Get a quote — tell us what parts you're coating
📍 Visit our shop — we'll assess your suspension and provide exact pricing
Related Articles
- Prep: Stripping vs Media Blasting
- Colors: Powder Coating Color Matching Guide
- Durability: How Long Does Powder Coating Last?
- Cost: Complete Powder Coating Cost Guide
