There are several different types of suspensions in your vehicle, but here are some things to look for that are universal in all car models.
1. Pay attention if your ride in your vehicle begins to feel rougher than usual.
Over time, components of your suspension can wear out. While visually inspecting components can often let you know if they’ve become compromised, the easiest way to determine if you are having a suspension issue is by paying attention to how the ride in your vehicle feels. If it has become rougher, it is likely because the suspension is no longer absorbing the bumps the way it is supposed to. Sometimes a rougher ride will come coupled with audible squeaks as the suspension struggles to manage bumps in the road.
2. Take note if your vehicle pulls or squeaks during turns.
If you begin to feel as though the vehicle is working against you as you turn, it is likely the result of a failing suspension component. Different parts of your suspension can affect the steering response, the angle of the tires, and the center of balance of the vehicle. Each of these elements can make your vehicle cumbersome or difficult to turn. If you hear an audible creek while turning the wheel, it may be the result of a bad lower ball joint. Conversely, if you hear knocking as the weight transfers in the vehicle during a turn, it may be caused by a bad sway bar end link.
3. Try braking abruptly to see if your vehicle’s nose dives as you stop.
If you are having issues with your front struts or shocks, your suspension may struggle to keep the vehicle level under hard braking. Stop quickly in a safe area and pay attention to the front of your car. If the nose of the vehicle dives or drops as you slow down, it may be a result of bad shocks or struts. If you can hear an audible clunk from the front of the vehicle as you brake, there is either an issue with your control arm or subframe bushing.
4. Look to see if the vehicle sits level.
With the vehicle parked, walk around it, and visually assess how level it seems. If one side of the car rests higher than the other, there are likely worn out or broken suspension components to blame. It is not uncommon for the front of the vehicle to ride slightly lower than the rear but from one side to the next must always be level.
5. Pay attention to your car swaying and bouncing even at very low speeds.
Your vehicle should have no difficulty withstanding bumps in the road at low speeds. If you go over a bump and feel your vehicle sway back and forth or bounce after passing the bump, your suspension is struggling to support the weight of the vehicle. Your vehicle should be able to go over a bump and quickly regain composure at low speed. If your vehicle sways back and forth after going over a bump, there is likely an issue with your suspension parts.
We are qualified to work on all problems with your air suspension car. We will do a thorough check for you and identify what the real problems are. We will give you the best problem-solving solutions for your vehicle. Trust us to support you through this journey. Contact us at sales@5starinject.co.za
