If you have noticed changes in how your car handles or strange noises coming from the wheels, your suspension system may need some attention. The suspension on your vehicle is important for ensuring a smooth, comfortable, and safe ride. In this blog post, we’ll explore seven key signs that indicate your car’s suspension needs service or repairs.
Feeling More Bumps in the Road
As the shock absorbers and struts on your suspension wear out, they lose the ability to dampen vibrations from bumps and dips in the road properly. If recently you feel like you’re experiencing more harsh impacts and jolts over imperfections in the asphalt, your suspension likely needs repairs. Worn shocks and struts simply can’t cushion the ride like they used to. Don’t tolerate an increasingly jarring driving experience that may lead to other mechanical issues.
Vehicle Pulling in One Direction
Does your car subtly drift or pull to the right or left when driving straight ahead on a flat road? That’s a telltale indicator of misaligned wheels caused by suspension problems. Issues with components like ball joints, control arms, and bushings can throw off wheel alignments. Having improper alignment leads to annoying driving behavior and accelerates uneven tire wear. Bring your car in for an alignment check and necessary suspension repairs.
Unusual Tire Wear
Speaking of tires, abnormal wear, like uneven patches of missing tread or inner/outer edge wear, can signify suspension troubles. The tires take a beating if the components connecting your vehicle’s frame and wheels aren’t keeping everything accurate and stabilized. Have a professional take a look at the tire wear patterns for clues about what parts of the suspension need work. Addressing the root causes will improve handling while also restoring tire longevity.
Leaning Around Corners
Does your vehicle’s body roll dramatically when navigating turns? A leaning sensation can happen when worn shocks/struts and bushings allow too much body movement away from stable alignment. Additionally, sagging coil springs contribute to excess body roll or leaning during cornering. Many suspension components work together to keep your car level and firmly planted through steering maneuvers. Critical repairs may be needed if yours lacks that composed planted feel in curves.
Lower Ride Height
Over long periods of use, coil springs settle and lose tension. That diminishes the ride height compared to when your car was new. If the gap between your tires and wheel wells decreases, get measurements from different points around the vehicle. Compare those measurements against factory specs. Significantly lower ride height means sagging springs, reducing suspension effectiveness. New replacement springs can restore everything to proper operational dimensions.
Clunking Noises Over Bumps
When driving over bumps, do you hear clunking or rattling sounds from the front or back? That audible symptom can indicate worn-out suspension bushings or ball joints with excessive play. Those components essentially cushion, guide, and anchor moving parts. When they degrade, the response to impacts becomes noisy and harsh. Replacing deteriorated bushings and ball joints typically requires specialized tools and skills, so visit a professional mechanic. Silencing those suspension noises restores quieter operation while also addressing potential safety issues.
Vehicle Nose-Dives Under Braking
Does the front end of your vehicle dive excessively when braking? Does it feel spongy or seem to require more pedal travel distance to slow down? That type of front suspension misbehavior under braking might point to leaking shocks or loose upper mounts. Stabilizer bars also impact braking and load management dynamics. Address any odd changes in the braking feel or performance of your vehicle as soon as possible for confidence, control, and safety.
Treat Your Vehicle to Needed Suspension Repairs
If you’ve noticed any of those seven warning signs, make time to have your car thoroughly inspected by a qualified suspension specialist. They can diagnose issues and recommend the necessary component replacements or repairs for optimal performance and longevity. At T & T Foreign Automotive Service in Wilmington, NC, we have experience servicing import and domestic vehicle suspensions. Contact us at 910-838-2795 or visit our shop to improve your drive with smoother alignment, more precise steering, and better ride quality.
