Your automobile’s suspension is so important. It supports the body and helps you control the vehicle. There are many different components that make up the suspension, including the wheels and steering system. Texan Auto Repair & Collision warns that problems with your suspension might actually cause an accident. Here are signs that your suspension is bad and needs repairing.
Low-Sitting Corner
Suspension springs are part of the strut assembly. If you notice that one corner of your automobile is sitting lower than the other three corners, you’ve likely broken a suspension spring. You may have heard a loud clunk when you drove over a bump recently. If this is the case, then the problem points to the spring even more. In fact, you will continue to hear the clunk every time you drive over a bump.
Momentum Movement
The struts and shocks in your vehicle’s suspension are designed to prevent the motion that is caused by your automobile’s momentum. In other words, they help prevent your car body from diving forward when you stop. They also prevent the body from falling backward when you accelerate. Finally, they keep the vehicle from leaning when you turn around corners.
Noticeably Bumpy Ride
If you notice any momentum movement or an unusually bumpy ride, your shocks and struts need to be replaced. Some vehicles have both shocks and struts; other vehicles have just struts. Either way, these suspension parts wear down eventually and can no longer absorb the bumps in the road. This makes for a very uncomfortable ride in your automobile.
Oily Shock Absorbers
Oil on the shock absorbers is another sign that the shocks are going bad. This is an internal fluid that is leaking out of the old shock absorbers. You can reach up and touch your shocks to see if there is any oil on them. You can also use a flashlight to inspect them. If you see a shiny fluid on the shocks, they are leaking oil and they need to be replaced.
Pulling to the Side
One of the most common signs of suspension problems is pulling to the side. Your vehicle veers to the right or left even though you are driving straight. This means that your wheels are out of alignment. Correcting the wheel alignment usually corrects the problem.
Steering/Control Difficulties
Finally, if you find it difficult to control your automobile or steer it, you have a problem with the suspension or steering system that needs to be corrected as soon as possible. Don’t continue to drive your automobile if you’re having difficulties controlling it.
Our auto repair & collision shop in Sugar Land, TX, can inspect your vehicle’s suspension and let you know what’s wrong. We’ll fix the problem once you give us the approval.
