A car suspension is essential to keep you safe on the road. That's because it makes bumps from the road smoother, helping to keep your tyres firmly on the ground and for you to steer and brake easily.
Even though your car's suspension is essential every time you get behind the wheel, how much thought do you give it while you're on the road? When it does its job properly, probably not all that much. However, once there is something wrong with your suspension, it is a different story altogether. You'll more than likely hear, notice or sense a change in the way your car performs.
Below, we'll explain how to check the car suspension for common warning signs. We'll also discuss when a repair may solve the issue or when a full car suspension replacement could be the better option.
How to identify your car's suspension that needs attention
You Hear Unusual Noises When Driving Over Bumps
Your car's suspension noise can be subtle at first and grow louder over time, making it harder to ignore. If you hear clunking noises when driving over bumps, then it's probably best to get your vehicle's suspension checked.
Creaking noises when turning the wheel or travelling over bumps may also suggest trouble with strut mounts or other joint components that have loosened or dried out.
When its parts begin to wear, they may not be able to control the movement within the suspension as effectively. If the clunking continues, have the suspension checked before other parts start wearing out.
Your Tyres Are Wearing Unevenly
One of the most noticeable signs of suspension problems is uneven tyre wear. When the suspension system is out of alignment, certain parts of the tyre will tend to carry more pressure than others. As such, this may lead to irregular tread wear patterns such as bald spots. Cupping may also appear across the surface. In some cases, one edge may also wear much faster than the rest.
Changes in how the wheel sits against the road are often behind this type of wear. Worn suspension components may allow the wheel to shift slightly while driving. That movement may alter the angle of the wheel. Aside from that, it may reduce how consistently the tyre stays in contact with the road.
Your Car Dives Forward When Braking
Does your car lurch forward at the front when you press the brakes? This movement is known as nose-diving, which is often associated with worn shocks or struts. As the car suspension system wears down, controlling the vehicle's weight transfer under braking becomes more difficult. This is because more of the vehicle's weight then shifts towards the front.
This then causes the nose to dip lower than usual. Some nose movement is expected, particularly during a firm stop. However, when it becomes excessive, it may be able to reduce the stability of the vehicle's response during a sudden stop. Moreover, it may also increase stopping distance because the tyres are not held against the road as consistently.
Your Car Drifts on the Road
A car that pulls to one side while driving is a sign that your shock absorbers, tyres or brakes may have seen better days. Finding the culprit usually means looking at a few possible causes. It may be something as simple as an under-inflated tyre. Sometimes, an improper wheel alignment may also cause the vehicle to drift. If the problem continues, the shock absorbers are worth checking more closely. Aside from that, signs of wear, damage or fluid leaks may suggest suspension trouble.
One Side of Your Car Sits Lower
If one corner of the vehicle sits noticeably lower, the car suspension system may be developing a problem. Here, a weakened suspension spring may be behind the uneven stance. After all, springs are responsible for supporting the vehicle's weight plus maintaining the correct ride height. Age alone may gradually reduce the strength of suspension springs after years of carrying the vehicle's weight. Corrosion may also weaken the metal.
Aside from that, a hard impact from a pothole or kerb may cause cracking or breakage. When the suspension spring loses its strength, that corner of the car may begin to sit lower. The car may also become less stable through corners or over uneven roads. A sagging suspension may also affect tyre contact with the road or alter wheel alignment.
How to Fix Car Suspension Problems
Check What’s Causing the Suspension Problem
The warning signs covered earlier often give the first indication of where the suspension problem may be coming from. Addressing the problem early may also prevent added pressure from affecting nearby suspension components.
Repair or Replace Worn Suspension Components
After the fault has been located, worn components may already require replacement. For car suspension repair, damaged components may instead be restored or adjusted if replacement is not necessary.
Check the Suspension After Repairs
The proper positioning of the wheels against the road is dependent on how the suspension is sitting correctly after repairs. And depending on the work carried out, a professional wheel alignment may also be needed.
Contact a Professional
Knowing how to fix car suspension also means recognising when the job requires specialised tools or technical knowledge.
Don’t Let Suspension Problems Slow You Down
Suspension problems tend to get rougher and more expensive the longer they hang around. What can start as a small clunk or rougher ride can easily turn into a much bigger headache. Fortunately, at Tyrepower, we'll look over your car suspension system to sort out what needs attention. With the proper tools plus experience, the necessary repair is then carried out correctly. It is a much better outcome than chasing the wrong part and hoping for the best!
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