Here are the signs of failing suspension and shock absorbers:-
1. Pulling to one side at the time of driving:
Pulling to one side like left or right is a common suspension problem. It turns out to be the hardest problem, which you cannot diagnose and will need someone very professional. Tires should be aligned carefully for toe-in, caster and camber.
Poor alignment of tires will lead to problems like uneven tire wear, continuous struggle with the steering wheel, annoying pulling, and reduction in gas mileage. This problem may also be caused by uneven tire pressure or sticking brake calliper. Well, sometimes the solution may be as easy as fixing the tires only. But, it would be best if you always looked for a professional for a car suspension repair.
2. Feeling every bump on the road:
Can’t drive smoothly anymore? Then it’s one of the majors signs of failing suspension and shock absorbers. If you experience vibrations at the steering wheel each time your car hits a bump, it’s clear that you have got suspension problems. The shock absorbers are equipped with valves and piston seals inside.
If damage occurs in one of them, the fluid flow inside it cannot be controlled, and that will move through piston seal and/or valve. It will cause constant vibrations. In such a situation, you must do a bounce test. While parking, put all your weight on the front end and then release it. You should observe the response of the vehicle now. If the bouncing back occurs three to four times, back and forth, your car needs to get a suspension service.
3. Knocking noise:
Do you hear a knocking sound whenever your car hits a bump or go over a pothole? Then, it must be caused by worn shock absorbers. At each end of the shock absorbers, there are rubber bushings. If a crack develops in the bushings, the sound is created. Actually, in this case, the metal coil springs hit the car’s chassis, creating an irritating noise.
4. One corner of the car sitting low:
It may happen that one corner of your car is sitting lower than the other corner. It is also another effect of a damaged spring. The spring supports a car’s weight, which happens because a damaged spring cannot support the weight anymore.
When the shock absorber is worn, it can create over-compression of the spring and lower the sitting height. Even though a blown shock doesn’t directly impact sitting height, a car will respond poorly in bumpy road conditions. To check this, you can carry out an easy test by pushing down the trunk of your car. If a sound is created, it is a clear indication of a fault in shock absorbers or springs. Even if one corner’s height gets lowered by a minimal amount, that also indicates failure in shock absorbers and springs.
5. Nosedive, lean back or roll:
These are common symptoms of a car’s problematic suspension. While driving, if you experience ‘nose dive’, leaning forward or leaning backwards, which is ‘squats’ while pressing on the accelerator or leaning side-to-side, i.e. rolling, then shocks and struts need immediate replacement.
6. Facing difficulty in the steering wheel:
If you face extreme difficulty in steering while you’re moving slowly, that also may be due to a problem in suspension. Sometimes, you may feel the steering getting slipped from your hands while you’re turning the wheel or holding it in a turned position. It may be caused by problems in several components in the power steering system. Some of these include low power steering fluid, worn or low powered steering belt, leaking power steering rack, faulty power steering pump etc.
In The End
If you’re based in Perth and want a car mechanic Perth, you can easily get one. There are many options available for it. You can contact SAI Auto Care, where you can get more details about car repair and suspension services.
