If your car is making a strange noise or you feel a bump on the road, it can be hard to know if it’s time for an expensive suspension system repair.
It might not seem like much at first, but small problems with your car’s suspension system can lead to serious safety issues down the line.
But don’t worry! Keep reading because with this handy guide we will walk you through 6 signs that indicate you need to get your suspension inspected and repaired by a professional ASAP.
1. The Car Bounces
One sign that something is up is if the front end of your vehicle is bouncing after hitting bumps in the road. The same thing goes for when you’re accelerating over dips and potholes; instead of settling into place, your front end will bounce up and down as though it’s an attached spring.
This could mean that one or more components are damaged or faulty, such as shock absorbers, coil springs, or struts. Many vehicles come with several of these in connective pairs, so you want to make sure there’s not a set on the other end that has lost its elasticity.
Also, if your car is swerving, it’s usually a sign that something has come loose or worn out. This can happen with a tire that isn’t properly attached to the wheel hub, or front end components such as tie rods, ball joints, or control arms that need to be checked.
2. It Feels Unstable
Another telltale sign is if your car feels unstable while driving or braking–like it’s about to flip, even though you’re doing nothing more than cruising down the highway at 30 miles per hour.
If the ball joints are shot and need replacement, this can happen, which can be very dangerous for yourself and others on the road around you. This might also indicate that your tires are wearing unevenly; which means they’ll probably need replacing soon anyway, so you might as well bite the bullet and get the suspension checked while you’re at it.
3. The Steering Wheel Is Off Center
A surefire sign that something is wrong is if your steering wheel has started to become off-centered; whether it’s pulling to the left or right or shaking side to side, this can be an indication that there’s a problem with the ball joints, tie rods, idler arm, center link (or any other component in your vehicle’s steering column).
This could be due either to lack of lubrication or just wear and tear over time. Either way, depending on the severity of the issue, it may be time for some new parts.
4. There Are Strange Noises
Another red flag is when you hear strange noises coming from your car. This could be a number of things, but if it’s related to the suspension, it might be due to something scraping or banging against another part of the car.
If you’re not sure where the noise is coming from, take your car in to a mechanic and have them take a listen. They’ll be able to tell you what’s going on and whether or not it needs immediate attention.
5. The Car Is Sagging
If you’ve noticed that your car seems lower at one end than the other, this could be an indication that there’s something wrong with the suspension system. This can oftentimes mean that one or more springs are broken, which will need to be fixed as soon as possible to ensure safety while driving. You can get this done by Aftermarket Solutions.
Similarly, if your car is leaning to one side or the other, this could be another sign that there’s something wrong with the suspension. This might be due to a tilted axle, compressed springs, or misaligned suspension components.
Again, it’s important to get these issues fixed as soon as possible to avoid any potential accidents or injuries.
6. The Ride Is Uncomfortable
Finally, if your car doesn’t seem to be riding as smoothly as it used to, or if you feel every little bump in the road, this is a sign that something is wrong. It could be that there’s too much play in the suspension system, or that some of the components are no longer functioning the way they should.
Get the problem fixed as soon as possible to avoid further damage and a more costly repair down the line. Trust us, you’ll be happy you did.
How Quickly Should You Get a Suspension System Repair?
With any of the above signs, it’s best to get things checked out right away. Waiting too long can lead to further damage that will cost more to fix in the long run.
At most, you should wait a few weeks for a routine suspension system check. If you’re experiencing any of the issues mentioned above, it’s best to get it fixed as soon as possible. Suspension problems can be dangerous and lead to accidents if left untreated.
So if you’re noticing any of the above signs, take your car in for a full diagnostic and get everything checked. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
How Much Does This Cost?
A suspension system check should only cost between $75 and $150 depending on where you go. The actual repair will cost anywhere from $100 to several hundred dollars depending on the severity of the issue.
Keep in mind that if you’re experiencing any of the above signs, it’s best to get it fixed as soon as possible to avoid further damage and a more costly repair down the line. suspension system
Take your car in for a full diagnostic and get everything checked. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
Want to Learn More About Your Car Suspension System?
We hope you found the article helpful and that it has answered some of your questions about how to tell if your car needs suspension repairs. If you’d like to learn more about the different types of suspension systems, and where to get suspension system parts, please check out our blog!