Suspension problems can start small and end up big and expensive. It’s important to take care of your automobile’s suspension just as well as you take care of the rest of your car. Pit Shop Auto Repair can diagnose and repair any suspension problem your car, truck, or utility vehicle might have. Here are common suspension problems and what causes them for your reference.
Pulling to the Side
An automobile’s suspension is engineered to go straight unless you turn the steering wheel. Pulling to the right or left indicates suspension or tire trouble. Specifically, your vehicle will pull if
- You have uneven tire tread wear
- Your tire pressure is low or uneven
- The wheel alignment is off
- You have bad tie rods
- Your steering rack is bad
Your vehicle might also pull to one side when you brake. This isn’t a suspension problem. Rather, it’s a sign that you’ve got a stuck brake caliper or warped rotor.
Bumpy Ride
If you feel every bump on the road, the most common culprit is worn shocks and struts. The job of these suspension parts is to give you a smooth ride. If your ride feels like the bumper cars at the local fair, it’s probably time for new struts and shocks. You might also hear squeaking or creaking if the parts are worn. Another cause of bumpy rides is worn leaf springs. A worn or broken spring will also make your vehicle sit lower on the wheel where the spring is damaged.
Momentum Motion
Too much momentum motion is also caused by worn struts, shock absorbers, and possibly the leaf springs. What we mean by momentum motion is your automobile
- Dives forward when you brake
- Leans backward when you accelerate
- Leans to the side when you turn a corner
Your vehicle’s suspension is designed to prevent this motion, which happens naturally as you drive your car. If you experience any of the bulleted problems, you’ve got worn suspension parts.
Steering Difficulties
Your steering should always feel the same. If it sticks, feels as if it’s slipping, or isn’t responding to the steering wheel, you might have a problem with the steering portion of the suspension. Specifically
- Your power steering fluid could be too low
- You might have a loose or worn out power steering belt
- Your power steering pump could be malfunctioning
- You might have a leaking power steering rack
- The steering arm control bushings could be worn
You may also hear whining, clicking, or grinding when you turn your vehicle if there is a problem with your steering system. Stop by Pit Shop Auto Repair in Libertyville, IL , today to have it checked.
