The suspension system on your car is what keeps the wheels of your vehicle on the road. If that system breaks down and doesn’t work properly, you’re likely to have a very dangerous ride. The good news is that many common problems with suspension are easily fixable yourself, or at least within your budget.
So instead of taking it straight to the shop or calling for a tow truck, here’s a list of some common suspensions problems and how to fix them:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Regular maintenance is essential for a well-functioning suspension system. |
| Understanding common suspension problems can help diagnose and fix issues efficiently. |
| Upgrading your off-road vehicle’s suspension can significantly improve performance. |
| Adding aftermarket accessories, such as suspension components, can enhance the off-road experience. |
| Seek professional help for complex suspension problems to ensure proper diagnosis and repair. |
Struts
If you notice a problem with your car’s suspension, it’s generally a good idea to replace the struts. Struts are the shock absorbers of your vehicle and can be difficult to replace on your own without special tools, but it is possible if you’re handy enough with a wrench.
While replacing struts yourself may seem intimidating at first, it can save you time and money in the long run—plus, they’re pretty easy to do if you have access to an auto parts store and basic tools like wrenches and screwdrivers.
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Worn Bushings
Bushings are the little rubber or polyurethane pieces that keep your suspension from wearing out.
They’re what make your car or truck’s suspension work. If you’ve got a vehicle with worn bushings, it can cause problems like:
- Vibrations and shuddering in the steering wheel when going over bumps
- You’ll feel as if your tires aren’t gripping the road very well
- The vehicle will pull to one side when braking or cornering (this is called “understeer”)
So how do you know if you have this problem? First, check for any of these symptoms. If you suspect a worn bushing might be causing some of them, don’t worry—there’s an easy way to fix it!
Worn Bushings: Diagnostic Signs and Solutions
| Diagnostic Signs | Solutions |
|---|---|
| Excessive play or movement in suspension components | Replace worn bushings with high-quality replacements, such as the Moog Problem Solver Bushings. |
| Clunking or knocking sounds when going over bumps | Inspect and replace worn bushings, opting for durable options like the Energy Suspension Hyper-Flex Bushings. |
| Uneven tire wear | Check and replace worn bushings, ensuring precise alignment for improved tire longevity; consider using Nolathane Bushings for enhanced durability. |
| Reduced handling and stability | Upgrade to polyurethane bushings, such as Energy Suspension Hyper-Flex System or SuperPro Suspension Bushings, to restore responsiveness and stability. |
| Excessive vibration or harshness during driving | Address worn bushings by selecting high-quality replacements like the Powerflex Suspension Bushings, providing improved comfort and reduced vibration. |
Note: Brand names mentioned here are for illustrative purposes and not intended as endorsements. Please consult professional advice and carefully research suitable bushings for your specific vehicle and needs.
Bad Alignment
Bad alignment can have many causes, but the most common are worn or bent control arms. If you suspect that your car’s alignment is off, check it with a tape measure or a laser alignment tool.
To check for camber (the angle of the wheels in relation to vertical), place a straight edge on each tire and find its center point—that mark is where the steering axis meets the road surface (and thus where all four wheels touch). If one side is higher than the other by more than 0.5″ (12 mm), then your car has camber issues.
To check for toe (how much each wheel leans toward or away from another), place two straight edges across both tires so they intersect at their centers—if one side of this intersection leans toward another by more than 0.5″ (12 mm) then your car has toe issues as well!
How do you fix these problems? Adjusting controls arms will work for minor fixes; if not, replace them entirely!
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Ball Joints
A ball joint is a connection between two components of a suspension system, usually the suspension arm and the steering knuckle.
It can be used to swivel, allowing your wheels to turn as you drive down the road. They are often made out of rubber or steel, with rubber being more common in older vehicles.
Ball joints will begin to wear out after around 60-100k miles (96-160k km) depending on how well they were taken care of.
If you hear squeaking or clunking noises when driving over bumps at slow speeds, it’s likely that your ball joints need replacing.
To check whether your ball joints need replacing:
Check for play in the steering wheel by slowly turning it from side to side while holding on tightly (don’t let go).
You should feel resistance if everything is working properly; if there isn’t any resistance then you have too much play which means that something needs fixing immediately! Check them again after driving on rough roads or vibrations might make things worse!
Ball Joints: Diagnosis and Solutions for Common Issues
| Common Issues | Solutions |
|---|---|
| Excessive play or looseness in the ball joint | Replace worn ball joints with reputable brands like Moog Ball Joints. |
| Squeaking or creaking noises during suspension movement | Lubricate or replace the ball joints; consider brands like ACDelco or TRW. |
| Uneven tire wear or abnormal tire wear patterns | Inspect and replace worn ball joints to restore proper alignment; consider quality options such as Mevotech Ball Joints. |
| Vehicle pulling or drifting to one side | Diagnose and address worn ball joints to ensure proper steering; brands like BeckArnley or Delphi offer reliable replacements. |
| Excessive vibration or steering wheel shimmy | Inspect and replace worn ball joints to reduce vibrations; consider reputable brands like Spicer or Raybestos. |
Note: Brand names mentioned here are for illustrative purposes only and do not imply endorsement. It is essential to consult professional advice and conduct thorough research to choose the appropriate ball joints for your specific vehicle make and model.
Leaking Shocks
If your shocks are leaking, you will need to replace them. The first thing to do is check for leaks by looking at the vehicle’s undercarriage and inspecting the shock absorbers for fluid.
Your owner’s manual will tell you when it’s time to replace your shocks, but generally they should be replaced every 50,000 miles or so depending on their condition and how much wear they have taken over time.
If there is damage to any of the shock absorbers (for example, if there are cracks or holes), this indicates that the shock has reached its lifespan and needs replacing immediately.
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Worn Out Tie Rod Ends
If you’re driving a car and notice that the steering seems to be pulling one way or another, there’s a good chance it could be because your tie rod ends are worn out.
Tie rod ends are what connect the steering linkage to each wheel and allow for full rotation. Over time, they can wear out through normal use, which can lead to uneven tire wear and an unpleasant feeling when you drive.
Tie rod ends can be replaced with new ones or rebuilt with new parts (depending on the severity of wear). Either way, this is something that should only be done by a professional mechanic since it requires specialized tools and equipment—so let them do their job!
Uneven Tire Wear
It’s possible that your tires are wearing unevenly, which is a sign of a problem. Your tires should all wear at the same rate and in the same way. If one tire has significantly more tread than another, there’s likely a suspension or alignment issue affecting how it handles.
Tire wear can also be caused by a wheel bearing or other mechanical problem within the suspension system itself.
The same goes for worn shocks or struts; if they’re leaking fluid they may be causing uneven tread wear by not working properly to absorb bumps and potholes, thus transferring more shock through to your vehicle’s body without making any improvements to its ride quality.
Regular maintenance is the key to keeping your off-road vehicle in top shape, including its suspension system. Explore the importance of regular maintenance and its impact on your vehicle’s performance in our informative article on regular maintenance for off-road vehicles.
Sagging Springs
Sagging springs are caused by the weight of the vehicle and its passengers. Over time, the suspension will lose its ability to deflect under pressure from gravity, as well as any bumps in the road. This leads to a decreased ability for your car’s springs to hold that weight up.
How To Fix Sagging Springs
One of the easiest ways to fix sagging springs is with air bags. These handy devices spring upwards when needed, filling in the gap created by a sagging spring so it can return to its normal shape and keep your car running smoothly over rough terrain!
However, these aren’t always permanent fixes; they may only last until you reach another bumpy section of road or parking lot before dropping back down again—so be sure not just anyone can get one installed!
Alternatively (and more professionally), mechanics might suggest using hydraulic cylinders in place instead: these inflate automatically whenever needed so there’s no need for constant manual intervention like with airbags; however they’re also much heavier which means less travel time between stops unless additional modifications are made first…
Broken Coil Springs
If you have ever had a car, then you know how important coil springs are. Coil springs are what support your car’s weight, and they help keep it in an upright position.
When these coils break, the vehicle will lean to one side or have difficulty sitting level on its wheels.
If you suspect that your coil springs may be broken, look for these symptoms:
Lack of front-end suspension travel – The suspension system for most vehicles includes an upper control arm connected to the frame with shock absorbers and a lower arm connected to the axle housing with leaf springs or coil springs mounted between them (see this diagram).
This system helps keep your tires on the road while also providing some protection against potholes and other objects in its path by absorbing their impact through flexing movement of these components back into place after contact occurs.
If there is no flexing occurring when traveling over bumpy roads or uneven terrain such as curbside parking lots near construction sites where uneven pavement is common; then it could mean that something has gone wrong inside this system causing damage which would result in unsafe riding conditions for passengers who use that vehicle everyday without knowing about possible problems until something happens unexpectedly (i e., getting stuck).
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Damaged Control Arms
The control arm is the most common suspension component to be damaged. Control arms are attached to the frame, suspension components, and wheels.
They control the movement of your car’s wheels by allowing them to move up and down while keeping them parallel with each other.
The control arms are a critical part of your vehicle’s suspension system because they help absorb uneven surfaces, keeping you in control of your vehicle at all times.
Bent Suspension Component
If you’re having problems with your car’s suspension, a bent suspension component may be the cause.
To check for a bent suspension component, you need to jack up the car and then support it with jack stands.
Once the vehicle is safely lifted off the ground, inspect all four tires and wheels for any obvious signs of damage or distortion.
If there are any visible damage marks on a wheel or tire (such as scratches or dents), this may indicate that something has hit your tire and knocked it out of alignment and therefore also causing damage to other components in the suspension system such as shock absorbers/struts or control arms/links.
If you find that at least one of your tires has been damaged due to hitting an object on the road a stone for example then you’ll need to replace both tires before driving again because one damaged tire is likely to cause further damage if used again without being replaced first!
You should also replace both wheels since they will likely have sustained similar damage since they are mounted together on opposite sides of each other when attached by their lugs (the bolts holding them together).
Punctured Airbags
If you have a punctured airbag, the first thing to do is take care of the problem immediately. This can be done by finding a local repair shop and having it replaced before driving again. You should also check your vehicle’s tire pressure regularly to avoid further damage.
If you don’t have access to a repair shop, or if you would like some help finding one so that you are certain about what needs to be done with your vehicle, there are several resources available online:
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) maintains an extensive database of licensed mechanics across the country on their website.
- The Better Business Bureau provides information on local businesses along with customer reviews and ratings for each company listed on its site (BBB).
Conclusion
The suspension system of your car is a complex one, made up of many different parts that all work together to keep your vehicle on the road.
If any of these parts are in need of repair, it’s important to get them fixed as soon as possible so that your vehicle continues running smoothly and safely without causing any damage or harm to anyone near it.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources for further reading on common suspension problems and how to address them:
10 Common Suspension Problems and How to Cure Them: Discover a comprehensive list of common suspension problems and their solutions, helping you understand and tackle issues that may arise in your vehicle’s suspension system.
Common Suspension Problems: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions: This article delves into various common suspension problems, providing insights into their causes, symptoms, and effective solutions to ensure a smooth and safe ride.
Suspension Problems: Symptoms, Causes, and Solutions: Explore the different symptoms that indicate suspension problems, along with their potential causes and the recommended solutions to address them effectively.
FAQs
What are the signs of suspension problems?
Suspension problems can present themselves in various ways, including uneven tire wear, excessive bouncing or rolling in corners, nose dives during braking, and a bumpy or uncomfortable ride.
How often should I have my vehicle’s suspension inspected?
It is recommended to have your vehicle’s suspension inspected at least once a year or whenever you notice any signs of suspension problems. Regular inspections can help identify issues early and prevent more significant damage or safety risks.
Can I drive with a faulty suspension?
Driving with a faulty suspension is not recommended as it can compromise vehicle control, stability, and overall safety. It is advised to get the suspension problem diagnosed and fixed promptly to ensure optimal performance and safety.
How long does it take to repair a suspension problem?
The time required to repair a suspension problem depends on the specific issue and the availability of parts. Some problems can be fixed relatively quickly, while others may require more extensive repairs or the replacement of components. Consulting a professional mechanic can give you a better estimate based on your specific situation.
Can I fix suspension problems myself, or should I seek professional help?
While some minor suspension maintenance tasks can be handled by DIY enthusiasts, diagnosing and repairing complex suspension problems is generally best left to professionals. Suspension systems are intricate and critical for overall vehicle safety, so it is recommended to seek the expertise of trained mechanics to ensure the job is done correctly.
Hi there! I’m Hellen James, and I’m the author of Unified Off-roads. I’ve been driving off-road for more than ten years, and I’ve had a lot of fun in that time—and a few not-so-great experiences too. But I’ve always wanted to help other people get started off-roading, so I decided to start this blog to share my knowledge with others.
