Reasons Behind Suspension Issues In Your Car
by schearerswpadmin January 8, 2019The suspension in your car plays a large role in making your vehicle easy and fun to drive. It provides steering stability, improves your handling, ensures your tires stay in contact with the road, and provides you with an all-around smooth ride, even on those bumpy roads. Without it, your car wouldn’t be able to handle everyday driving. That’s why it’s important to make sure your suspension is functioning properly at all times.
Here is a guide to suspension issues, including the most common symptoms, likely causes and how to get the suspension system repaired.
Common Suspension Issue Symptoms
If you experience any of these symptoms while driving, it could mean your suspension system isn’t up to par.
The Drive is Bumpy
This is one of the easiest ways to spot suspension problems. If you can suddenly feel every pothole or slab of uneven pavement in your car, or if your car bounces a few times after hitting a bump, that’s a clear sign that something is off with your suspension.
The Tires Have Uneven Wear
Your tires should ideally all wear down at the same rate. If you look at your tires and notice uneven wear, it’s a sign that your suspension isn’t holding evenly and is putting extra pressure on only a few wheels.
The Car Pulls or Drifts When Taking Turns
When you take a turn, the suspension in your car holds the body of it stable to make your turns smooth and safe. If your car pulls to the side or even drifts when you are turning, this could be a sign that your suspension system is not working properly.
The Shocks Are Greasy
Take a look at your shocks under your car. If they appear to be greasy or oily, that could be a sign of a fluid leak, which can lead to further issues down the road.
The Front End “Nosedives” When Stopping
When you brake, your car should come to a stop rather smoothly, depending on how hard you hit the pedal. However, if your car “nosedives” or dips forward when you stop, that could mean your shocks or struts need to be replaced.
One Corner Is Sitting Lower Than the Others
When parked, all four corners of your car should sit at the same level. If one of them is dipping down lower than the others, that’s a clue that you may have a broken spring.
The Car Fails the Bounce Test
The bounce test is a great way to see if your suspension system is working properly. Here’s how you do it: Put your car in park then put all your weight on the front end of the car to make it bounce. When you release, it should become still rather quickly. If, however, your car continues to bounce a few times after you’ve let go, that’s a sign of wearing suspensions. You can repeat the test at the back of the car as well to test the rear suspensions.
Most Likely Causes
There are a number of reasons your car may be experiencing suspension issues. Here is a list of the most common causes so you are more prepared when you take your vehicle in for repair.
Misaligned Wheels
While poorly aligned wheels can be caused by hitting potholes or curbs, it can also be a sign of suspension problems. Everything from the springs to the control arms affect alignment. When one of these parts is not functioning properly, it can alter your car’s alignment.
Worn Shock Absorbers
When your shock absorbers wear down, you will begin to feel every bump in the road. This is because your shocks are having trouble keeping your tires on the pavement. Rather than deal with a shaking car, have a certified technician repair it for you.
Broken Springs
The springs are one of the most important pieces of your suspension system. As they wear, they can end up breaking. You’ll be able to tell if you have a broken spring if one corner of your car is sagging.
Damaged Control Arms
The control arms are a vital piece of your suspension system. They hold the wheels to the car frame and are the connection between the steering and the wheels. If you hear rattling while you drive or are having trouble with your steering, it could be due to damaged control arms.
How Schearer’s Sales And Service, Inc. Can Help
Schearer’s Sales and Service, Inc. has years of repair Car Shock Absorber and Spring experience servicing European vehicles. At our location convenient to Allentown, Bethlehem, and Macungie, PA, our qualified team is ready to assist you with diagnosing suspension problems and providing affordable solutions. If you are experiencing issues with your car’s suspension, call Schearer’s Sales and Service, Inc. today.