Top 4 Signs You Need Suspension Repair
Your car’s suspension works double duty in cushioning the ride while maximizing handling. All the interconnected parts must stay in great shape to achieve those goals. If not, you’ll quickly feel the difference in how your car drives.
Not sure what to watch for? That’s okay. We’re here to help with this post on telling if the suspension is bad and needs repair.
1. Poor Ride Quality
When in good condition, the suspension system actively prevents you from feeling every last bump in the road. However, as the parts wear out, the ride quality degrades, resulting in harsh jolts, bounciness, and an overall uncomfortable experience.
Oftentimes, it’s the shocks, struts, and springs causing the issues. But even a worn strut mount can cause poor ride quality. No matter the cause, letting the problem persists results in other suspension parts getting damaged.
2. Steering Difficulties
Your car should move smoothly in whatever direction you point it—and without having to fight the steering wheel for full control. Your suspension may be to blame if you feel any pulling in either direction while driving or other steering difficulties.
The steering and suspension system are closely linked, though, so it’s important to have the issue fully diagnosed by your trusted auto technician. During the diagnostic process, they can tell if the problem stems from your shocks, steering rack, or something else.
3. Uneven Tire Wear
When your car’s suspension parts wear out, the geometry changes and affects how your tires contact the road surface. Over time, this causes your tires to wear more in one spot than another, resulting in excessive vibrations while driving down the road.
The irregular wear greatly impacts the life of your tire, so you must get the underlying suspension issue fixed fast. If you wait too long, you’ll likely need to get the affected tires replaced. Either way, a tire rotation and wheel alignment are also a must if you want to keep your tires in great condition.
4. Strange Noises
Hearing clunking, banging, and other strange noises while going over bumps is never a good sign. Depending on the origin of the noise, you may have loose, broken, or fully worn suspension parts causing a ruckus.
More often than not, it’s the suspension bushings causing you grief. But it can also be the shocks and struts themselves. The only way to figure it out is by coming into the shop for inspection and diagnostic services. Your mechanic will take the time to track down the exact cause of the noises and let you know their repair recommendations.
Need Suspension Repair? You Can Count on the Quality Car Care Team to Help
Now that you know the signs you need a new suspension and repairs, you’ll know just when to come into our shop for service. If you’d like to avoid ride quality and handling changes, be sure to book regular visits for vehicle inspection services.
Our team at Quality Car Care has what it takes to spot developing problems and let you know when it’s time to think about suspension repair. We can then handle servicing suspension system parts as needed to maintain your car’s overall driveability.
Ready to get started? Just call (319) 626-2500 to get help finding a great time to come to the shop. You can also see us in person at 900 Hwy 965 NE #11 North Liberty, Iowa, 52317. We go above and beyond in providing the best auto repair experience, complete with pick-up and drop-off service if you prefer.
