Car suspension problems can lead to unsafe and annoying driving conditions. Some of the notable signs and symptoms of worn out or damaged car suspension include knocking noises while you drive, a bumpy feeling, poor handling and uneven tyre wear. In this article, we’ll identify the 5 most common issues with suspension and outline how to fix each issue.
What is Car Suspension?
The suspension components, include the shock absorbers, struts, springs, ball joints, control arm bushings, and the frame, all of which play a crucial role in the suspension system i.e. connecting your vehicle to the wheels creating a relative motion between them. It often goes unnoticed as it is silent in operation. But without a suspension, it’s hard to imagine driving a car. Furthermore, your car’s suspension absorbs the impact of bumps before they strike the frame, giving you a smooth ride.
5 Common Signs of a Bad Suspension.
Vehicle Pulling or drifting to one side.
A vehicle with a bad suspension may pull to one side or drift when driving, even when you’re steering straight. This can make it challenging to maintain control and stay in your lane.
Furthermore, if during sharp turns, the car leans excessively to one side or feels unstable, it’s a sign that the suspension system isn’t providing adequate support. As such, schedule an appointment at your nearest Maxxis Tyre Center and let our professionals inspect to see if a wheel alignment service is necessary.
Uneven tire wear.
Excess tire wear could indicate a problem with your car's alignment or suspension system.
Consequently, if your tires do not have the proper pressure, they will either wear the center of the tire tread quickly or the outside edges quickly. This can lead to poor traction and handling, affecting your driving safety.
However, If the tire pressures are where the manufacturer recommends, then you may have loose components, worn-out bushings, or the alignment settings could need adjustment.
The easiest way to fix this it to schedule a car servicing appointment to verify the issue and have them fixed.
Knocking or Clunking sounds.
If you hear any suspicious noises that sound like metal-to-metal contact, loud clunking, or a thud when you hit bumps in the road, this could be an indicator of a problem with your car's suspension components. If left unattended, it could result into poor ride quality and potential damage to your vehicle.
You can get started by lifting your car on jack stands safely and start checking where fasteners are holding components like control arms and anti-roll bars together. Should you find any fasteners loose, then you ought to tighten them back to manufacturer specification immediately. If you find bushings that are worn out, they should be replaced.
Excessive bouncing after hitting a bump.
Your car should rebound smoothly after you encounter a bump or pothole. If it continues to bounce excessively, it suggests that the shocks or struts are worn out and need attention. If you press down on one corner of the car and it bounces more than three up/down repetitions, the shock or strut needs to be rebuilt or replaced.
Difficulty steering
The steering system is directly tied to your vehicle’s suspension. Hence, when the steering wheel feels shaky, it could indicate a problem with the steering system or alignment. For instance, you may notice your vehicle pulling to one side.
Whereas suspension system issues can result to steering problems, it doesn't rule out origin from other several factors such as worn steering column bushings. We recommend bringing your vehicle to your nearest Maxxis Tyre Center as soon as possible to diagnose and resolve problems with your steering and handling.
Conclusion
Do any of these bad suspension symptoms sound familiar? Then it’s time to bring your vehicle to your nearest Maxxis Tyre Center for inspection and repairs. Whether your shocks are worn, the springs aren’t working, or you’re in need of a wheel alignment, our professional technicians can diagnose and fix your suspension problems.