Depending on its age and condition, taking care of your car is not always easy. One of the most important aspects to be aware of is your suspension system. This amalgam of parts is necessary for maintaining a vehicle’s driving performance while also absorbing kinetic energy. These are some warning signs to look out for in your car’s suspension.
Signs of Worn Shocks
The shock absorbers are the key player in ensuring your ride is as smooth as possible. As the primary support system to the coil springs, which absorb most of the energy from bumps and debris, the shocks act to stabilize your turns and overall handling of the vehicle.
The main indicators of worn shocks usually deal with balance. Signs like the top side of your vehicle shooting upward while the back sinks or excessively bumpy rides are likely indicators of underlying issues. Also, if you notice your vehicle shaking at high speeds or tipping on one side when turning with any combination of the above symptoms, it would be a good idea to get the shocks checked.
Watch Out for Failing Sway Bars
The sway bars act as the link between the body of the car and the suspension system. A sway bar in good condition results in better overall performance from the system as a whole. Loud pops or clanking noises around your tire areas are usual signs of a faulty or worn-out sway bar. Other symptoms like loose steering wheels are sometimes more subtle but should still be looked at once noticed.
Keep an Eye on Your Wheel Bearings
Wheel bearings are crucial to your car’s steering and braking capabilities. Because of this, they are generally built to last and do not usually experience damage unless improperly installed. Other factors like debris, dust, or mud getting into the systems through a broken cap are also potential ways to wear one out faster than usual. Loud humming noises when driving or low growling sounds when accelerating are all signs of a damaged wheel bearing. However, with these signs in mind, other symptoms are similar to other parts of the suspension system and should be considered when having the car checked and repaired.
Damaged Drive Shafts
Driveshafts allow your wheels to rotate according to the torque provided by the engine. Vibrations or difficult turns that resist you are typical signs that this part should be looked at. Knowing how the slip yoke works makes it easier to identify any potential issues with the system.
The suspension system is complex and detailed, but it isn’t as scary as it seems. Each part has a role with certain clues that help diagnose the source of the issue. By considering these warning signs to look out for in your car’s suspension, you set yourself up for success should you run into any suspension-related issues in the future.
