Signs Your Suspension May Need Attention

Your vehicle's suspension takes a beating during daily driving. From potholes to speed bumps to continuous turning, accelerating, and braking, your vehicle's suspension is hard at work keeping you and your passengers safe and comfortable. More than just shocks and struts, the suspension includes ball joints, suspension arms (for multi-link suspension), tie rods, and bracing. All of these components work together and feature pliable bushings to provide optimum comfort. Air suspension is also popular in many high-end models. Over time, these components, and especially their bushings tend to wear out. What are some signs that your vehicle's suspension might need to be inspected for potential wear and tear? We're here to help.

Your Alignment Changes

Alignment refers to the position of your wheels in relation to your vehicle. When your alignment is perfect, your car can almost drive itself in a straight line when the steering wheel is released. However, when it isn't quite right, your vehicle will pull to one side or the other and your tires will wear unevenly. If you find that your vehicle is pulling to one side and it was recently aligned, you may have other problems. The arms that control the alignment have bushings that can wear out over time, causing the alignment to change. Next time you get an alignment at Herb Gordon Subaru ask your service advisor to have the suspension inspected for possible issues that could be affecting your alignment.

Clunking Noises

Again, when suspension bushings wear out, they can cause problems. If they wear to the point that metal is touching metal, you may hear clunking noises. Another cause of clunking sounds can be blown suspension struts. This can be one strut or several. The seals in struts can only last so long and need to be replaced in accordance with manufacturer recommendations to keep your vehicle riding comfortably. 

Bouncy or Uncomfortable Ride

Another sign of blown-out struts is bouncing. An easy test to do at home is to push gently but firmly down on the car above the strut you believe is worn. If it simply rebounds once and stops, the strut is probably not damaged, but if it moves up and down several times, you should schedule an appointment to have it inspected. If you've noticed that your vehicle doesn't ride as smoothly as it did the day you purchased it, this is a good indicator that it may be time to service your suspension.

Think your suspension could need an inspection or repair? Contact the Herb Gordon Subaru Service Center today to schedule an appointment. You'll be surprised how much you'll enjoy driving your vehicle again once the suspension has been refreshed.