hi am john (uk) on a washing machine you have 2 dampers / as you call them suspension rods but i know what you mean but they are only there to assist the springs that attach to the drum if the springs have gone weak they need replaced really should do them all together dampers & spring’s see the the springs take the full load of whatever you have in the machine its the same as a car / motor vehicle the springs hold the car off the road the shock absorbers help take the thud out of a heavy bump in the road! hope that helps you out the springs will be attached to the drum and the top of the washing machine casing normally just under the top cover