Improving Your Automobile

Do You Need Your Car Suspension Replaced?

10 November 2014

Addison Morris

Car suspension assists in handling and braking, helps to make a ride smooth and comfortable, and reduces the road noise that you hear while driving. As a result, if a car's suspension system fails, then the results can prove catastrophic. Below are some signs to look out for and steps you can take to see if your suspension system really is in trouble.

Warning Signs

The following occurrences should raise the alarm for car owners about their suspension system:

• The car bumps and bounces more often than normal
• The car drifts and pulls during turns
• The car nose dives when stopping (i.e. pulls forwards and downwards toward the ground)
• Underneath the car, you can see visibly greasy shocks (the things near the wheels with springs around them)
• The car generally handles poorly
• The car doesn't sit level, or has uneven tire treads

Bounce Test

If you want to be sure that your suspension really is in trouble, a simple test can confirm this. Press down deeply on the front or back of your car, then release, so that the car starts bouncing/rocking. If it rocks only one or two times before stopping, then your car's suspension is fine. If it continues to rock, however, then you can be virtually assured that your suspension is not in good shape.

Possible Problems

If your care meets any of the above conditions, your suspension system may be at fault, and you may need your car to be repaired. A professional mechanic and repair person can check the car for problems relating to suspension such as leaking fluid or oil, worn ball joints, weak springs, failing bushings and worn out dampers.

Cost of Replacement

If the repair person does identify something wrong, the bad news is that a replacement of the system could set you back between $1,000 and $5,000, depending on how difficult the suspension is to access in your car, or if there is rust, and so on. Unless you want to do it yourself or sell the vehicle, though, forking out the money may be your only option.

In Conclusion

Once you have noticed any of the faults listed above in the "Warning Signs" section and/or the vehicle fails the bounce test, taking your vehicle in to get its suspension checked would be a very good idea. An auto shop specialising in this type of repair, such as GC Suspension, Steering & Brakes, will be able to fix your suspension and get you back on the road.

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