Signs your car's suspension needs work

Your suspension is the set of springs, shock absorbers and joints between your wheels and the rest of the car. It keeps the tires pressed firmly on the road. When it wears out, the ride gets worse, but more importantly, the car doesn’t brake, steer or turn as well. Because it happens slowly, many people don’t notice until the parts are badly worn.

How do I know if my shocks or struts are worn?

Shocks and struts are the parts that stop your car from bouncing. Try these simple checks:

1. The bounce test. Push down hard on one corner of the car and let go. It should bounce back up once and settle. If it keeps bouncing, the shock or strut on that corner is probably worn.
2. Watch the front when you brake. If the nose dips down sharply, that’s a common sign.
3. Look for leaks. Oily fluid on a shock or strut means a seal has failed.
4. Check your tires. Patchy, scooped-out wear on the tread often comes from worn suspension.

What causes clunks and knocks?

Clunks over bumps usually come from worn joints and rubber cushions in the suspension, such as the sway bar links, ball joints or bushings. If the steering feels loose, or the car wanders on the highway, the tie rod ends may be worn. These are the parts that connect the steering to the wheels.

Why does suspension matter for safety?

Worn suspension makes your car take longer to stop, grip less in corners and wear out its tires faster. A badly worn ball joint or tie rod end can break, and you can lose control of the steering.

When should I get it checked?

Any time you notice new noises, pulling, bouncing or uneven tire wear, and after you hit a big pothole or curb. LSG Auto Nation checks shocks, struts, springs, ball joints, bushings and steering parts in Kamloops. See suspension and steering repair.