How do you test for a bad suspension?
Try the “bounce test” If you suspect your suspension is going bad (perhaps due to one or more of the symptoms we mentioned above), try this simple test. With the car in “park,” press down on the front of the vehicle with all your weight, “bounce” it a few times, then release. Do it again on the rear of the vehicle.
When Should suspension be checked?
Every 15,000 miles or at every alignment, check all suspension components for wear. If the vehicle is in an accident or if the ride or handling change, check all suspension components for wear or damage.
When to know if your car has a suspension problem?
If they are not the problem, then there could be problems with the suspension in the area that the car sits lower. If this is happening, it is a good indication that something has failed in that part of the car and it needs to be addressed right away. The vehicle feels as though it is “pulling” or “drifting” when turning corners.
How often should you have your suspension system checked?
If you notice the ride becoming more and more bouncy and uncomfortable, take your car in to have the suspension system checked. Have your mechanic check your ball joints at least twice a year or whenever your car is inspected as they can wear and can cause your car to wander while driving down the road.
What happens if one part of the suspension system fails?
Along with suspension parts, many other pieces of the car affect the suspension system, such as the tires. They all work together in harmony to cushion both the car and the driver from the rough terrain being driven on. If one part fails, the other components will fail to do their job properly as well, leading to further damage and needed repairs.
Do you have to have wheels on for suspension checks?
Wheels must be on for some checks. Support the car securely on axle stands under chassis members. The force used to lever various suspension parts can easily topple a car that is not securely supported. If you have only two axle stands, raise one end of the car at a time.
What are the most common signs of suspension problems?
Pulling to One Side While Driving An underinflated tire is a common reason for your car pulling, and a problem easily fixed. Pulling to the left or right is the most common sign of suspension problems. It can also be one of the hardest problems to diagnose without the help of a professional.
When do you need to replace your suspension?
If your car nose dives, leans back or rolls, the shocks or struts need to be replaced. Braking transfers the weight of the vehicle to the front, and if the shocks and/or struts are worn out, this will cause the car’s nose to dive or dip down much more than you’re used to.
How can you tell if your car suspension is broken?
It’s usually easy to tell if your car’s suspension is having issues, but it can be difficult to diagnose the actual cause of the problems. Bad or worn shocks, struts, springs, tie rods or ball joints can cause costly damage to your vehicle and make it unsafe to drive.
When do you need a suspension system inspection?
Constantly correcting the steering wheel to assist the vehicle going straight is another abnormal experience. These are just two symptoms that lead to a need for a suspension system inspection. It is routine to have your tires and suspension visually checked by a mechanic when your vehicle has its regular oil change.