Suspension
If you're experiencing a bumpy or jumpy ride while driving, if you're having trouble keeping your car moving in a straight line, if even the smallest bump or dip rattles your entire car, you probably need to have your suspension checked.
Every pothole, curb, railroad track, ditch, or debris your car runs over can slowly wear out your suspension, and even though you may think this will only affect the comfort of your ride, ignoring a damaged suspension can become unsafe and hazardous to you and your vehicle.
Your Vehicle's Suspension
A car's suspension (shocks, struts, steering system etc.) is there to manage how your car moves and handles on the road, and adjusts and absorbs any small bumps or vibrations outside to keep you and your passengers comfortable and safe. Basically, the suspension system is the buffer between you and the interior of your car, and the roughness of the road outside.
You may need to check your suspension system if you are experiencing any of these:
- Car bouncing
- Noise when driving over bumps
- Difficulty turning car
- Your tires are wearing unevenly
- Car veering left or right on its own
Excessive tire wear, squeaks, uncomfortable ride… We fix them all.
Recommendation: If you see fluid on the driveway, your car leans to one side, veers off to the right or left, or your steeling wheel shakes, it's likely your steering or suspension, and you should bring it in immediately.
Replacing your shocks and struts can provide you with a smoother ride for you and your passengers, increased safety and stability, better handling and control, easier turning and shorter braking distances.
Fix Your Vehicle's Suspension Today with Saddleback Automotive
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Improper Wheel Alignment
If your tires aren't pointed in the right direction, your steering won't be centered and you will notice uneven tire wear. Tire alignment can be thrown off by potholes in the road, bumping curbs, etc. Any time you go in to get your tires checked or replaced you should ask about wheel alignment.
Shock Absorbers
Shocks contain a fluid that helps dampen bouncing due to rough terrain, if they start to leak you will notice bumping, bouncing, and shaking during your drive. New shocks will help keep your wheels firmly on the road, and keep your ride smooth.
Struts
Some cars use struts instead of shock absorbers. If your car has struts that need to be replaced you will experience a knocking sound when driving over bumps or dips.
Springs
Springs hold the weight of the car and keep it level. If one of your springs is damaged you may notice a lean in one direction or a clunking noise when driving over bumps.
Ball Joints
These joints help absorb shock and rotate as your car is making turns, if you hear any creaking or squealing coming from your suspension it is likely coming from your ball joints.
Control Arms
These are the arms that move in sync while your wheels are turning, and hold the wheel and steering system together as a unit. If you notice rattling or imprecise steering, it may be because part of the control arm bushing needs to be repaired.