Inspecting Your Suspension System
The main function of your vehicle’s suspension system is to provide a smooth, safe, and comfortable ride regardless of the road you travel. Your vehicle’s suspension ensures your tires remain in proper contact with the road, so additional systems such as braking, steering, and driving are responsive when needed most.
Your vehicle’s suspension is very complex with many components working side by side. These various components include shock absorbers, springs, and suspension bushes that must be kept in good condition to guarantee a comfortable and safe ride. If any of these components become worn or damaged your safety may be at risk. Below we have provided some additional information regarding your vehicle’s suspension system and how to recognize the signs of wear and tear.
Suspension Problems
The suspension is one of the most active systems within the vehicle, making it prone to wear and tear. The most common symptoms of car suspension problems is lack of stability and steering control, as well as excessive swaying and bouncing, even at low speeds. Sometimes these signs can be easily missed, so you may not realize that something is wrong until you’re in a situation that results in an accident.
A defective suspension is not able to absorb the bumps of the road, which can make it difficult to handle the vehicle. In cases where you need to turn quickly to avoid a sudden road hazard, your vehicle may sway in the opposite direction from the way you turned, creating a dangerous situation where your car could flip over.
Suspension Warning Signs
A faulty suspension system will give you warning signs that you need to recognize. We’ve listed some of the most common below:
- Poor ride quality: All vehicles are designed, and will drive differently based on their intended purposes. Regardless, if you are starting to feel that your vehicle become more bouncy, or rough when driving, it may be time to get your vehicle’s suspension inspected.
- Vehicle “lurching” (nose diving) forward when braking: This is a common issue in heavier vehicles when a shock or strut goes bad. Nose diving is caused when you apply pressure to your brakes, and the front of the vehicle starts to point toward the ground. While it doesn’t mean it’s going to flip over, in serious cases, there can be longer braking times and a momentary loss of steering. This may be caused because your shocks or struts can no longer support the weight of the vehicle.
- Vehicle front end “rises” when accelerating from a dead stop: Your vehicle’s weight and force should be held up with the strength of the shocks and struts no matter what type of acceleration is required. If your shocks and struts are damaged, when you accelerate the momentum may cause the front end to rise slightly into the air.
- Visible damage including cuts or leaks: Each shock or strut has an internal supply of hydraulic fluid that helps stabilize and control the vehicle’s frame and wheels. Signs of a damaged or leaking shock/strut is an obvious sign that it’s probably time to take your ride in.
Orange County Automotive Suspension Services
A professional suspension check up will include listening to the engine, taking the vehicle out for a test drive, and a full inspection of shock absorbers, springs, struts and all suspension system components to check for faults or damage.
At Saddleback Automotive Repair, we use the most advanced diagnostics equipment, ASE certify all our technicians, offer free pick up and delivery, and free towing for major repairs.
If you believe your vehicle’s suspension is in need for evaluation, please fill out the form below and schedule a consultation with one of our technicians today!