What Are Common Suspension Problems?

Car suspension issues aren’t easy to detect even when symptoms are easy to spot. What are common suspension problems you have to look out for? The signs are easily read but the culprit is often difficult to look for. Wear and tear normally happens but addressing the car suspension problems should be done right away before getting yourself into accidents.

You need to know what are common suspension problems to get started. What are signs of suspension problems? Read and find out.

Car Pulling and Bumps

If your car pulls to one side, the tire may be underinflated. This is the common diagnosis since this typically happens, but it may just be one of many car suspension problems. Car pulling is one of the signs of bad suspension that may be caused by issues in tire pressure and wear, tie rods, steering rack, brake caliper, and alignment.

Tire pressure need not be set for racing, but it must be checked to ensure it has just the right amount. Changes in alignment are signs of bad suspension that should be taken seriously because these indicate that something is broken.

Inflating, rotating, or changing tires can sometimes do the fix but other times, complete car suspension replacement must be done. Performance tires last long but buying tires online for replacement may also come in handy especially when you experience car suspension issues.

Rough rides are suspension problems that tell you that your struts or shocks need to be replaced. Do a bounce test to check any suspension problem by parking your car and placing the weight on the front and releasing it. Observe your car and if it bounces for about three times, then the shocks and struts are the problems.

Shock absorbers and leaf springs that are worn are tell-tale signs of bad suspension, because they make your car bounce more often than it should.

Car Leaning and Momentum Issues

If you noticed that your car has one corner that is sitting lower than the rest, the spring might be damaged and this is a sign of bad suspension. As you go over bumps, you can check for suspension problems by paying attention to any clunking noise caused by a damaged spring. A shock that is blown may have caused the spring to be over-compressed.

To check any suspension problem, push down on the trunk to test the springs and listen to any squealing or cracking sound from the car suspension components that will tell you problems with bushings, springs, and shocks. Height loss in one or more corners, no matter how small it is, may indicate a shock or spring leak or failure.

Does your car lean forward or nose dives during brakes? Does it roll or lean side-to-side when cornering? Does it squat or lean backward when accelerating? If these happen in normal driving situations instead of intentionally handling the car with force, then consider them as red flags.

Steering Issues

If you are experiencing difficult steering even when you are driving slowly, your car suspension might be in trouble. The slipping feel that you might encounter as you turn or hold the wheel may be caused by issues in steering fluid, belt, pump, and rack as well as control arm bushings that may be all leaking, faulty, or worn.

You may have wondered, what are signs of suspension problems? By now you are already aware what are common suspension problems that you have to be wary of. You can conduct these auto checks on your own before heading to a mechanic if repairs are necessary. If it looks like you need to have your suspension replaced, you may want to find a ride!