Suspension problems can have a major impact on your vehicle’s performance, comfort, and safety. The car’s suspension system is responsible for absorbing impacts and bumps while on the road. It also provides a smooth ride, maintains the tires contact with the road, and ensuring stability while driving. When the suspension develops a problem, you will often feel or hear it. When you detect your suspension has been compromised it is important to have your suspension system checked and repaired. Top Notch Body Shop & Mechanics would like to cover some of the common signs of suspension problems.
Signs of Common Problems in Suspension Systems
Odd Vehicle Noises: If you hear odd noises such as knocking, clunking, or squeaking sounds when going over bumps or making turns, this is a common sign that you have a suspension problem. This may point to worn or damaged suspension components such as the bushings, ball joints, or shock absorbers.
Uneven Tire Wear: When the suspension system is not working correctly, it can lead to uneven tire wear. Tires will often have one side of the tire worn down faster than the other side. Or you may see diagonal wear patterns.
Uncomfortable Ride: If the ride in the vehicle is rough or bouncy this is often a clear sign that your suspension system is not properly absorbing impact on the road. This could be a result of worn shock absorbers, damaged springs, or other faulty parts of the suspension system.
Vehicle Pulls to One Side: If notice that your car pulls to one side while driving straight or braking, this can point to an issue with the suspension alignment. In some cases it can also be due to another component such as a worn tire or damaged steering.
Car Nose-Diving or Squatting: A compromised suspension system may cause your vehicle to do a nose-dive when braking or squatting when you accelerate. This nose-dive or squatting is due to worn or damaged shock absorbers or struts.
Excessive Leaning: If you notice that your vehicle leans a lot during turns, it could be a sign that the sway bar of the suspension system isn’t working properly.
Leaking Shocks or Struts: If you see oil or fluid leaking from your shock absorbers or struts, they are no longer providing the necessary damping effect and will need to be replaced.
Physical Automobile Damage or Sagging: If the suspension does not feel right, you can inspect for visible signs of damage or wear, such as bent, broken, or worn parts. Sagging or sitting lower than normal, is also a clear sign of damaged or worn springs.
Difficulty Steering: When there are problems with the suspension system it can cause the vehicle to have a hard time steering. You may notice the steering wheel feeling loose, is not responsive, or it is hard to turn. This could be due to issues with the power steering system as well, but be sure to have both the suspension and steering system inspected.
Delayed Stopping: Worn suspension components can impact the vehicle’s braking performance, often resulting in a delayed or longer stopping distance. If you notice that your car takes longer to stop than usual, it’s crucial to have the suspension system inspected.
Auto Repair & Body Shop Services in Dallas, Texas (Just Minutes Away from Addison, Balch Springs, Carrollton, Cedar Hill, Coppell, DeSoto, Duncanville, Farmers Branch, Ferris, Garland, Grand Prairie, Grapevine, Irving, Lancaster, Lewisville, Mesquite, Ovilla, Richardson, Rowlett, Sachse, Seagoville, Sunnyvale & Wylie, TX)
If you need you suspension system inspected and/or repaired, contact Top Notch Body Shop & Mechanics today.
