How Do You Inspect a Car Suspension? Here Are 10 Ways
When you drive, your car’s suspension works hard to make the ride smooth and keep the car on the road. But like all parts of a car, it can get tired and need checking.
If the ride starts to feel bumpy or the car doesn’t handle like it should, it might be time to look at the suspension.
Here’s how you can inspect a car suspension: doing a few easy tests and knowing what to look for can help you catch problems early.
Look for Excessive Tire Wear
When you check your car, see if the tires are worn out unevenly or if they don’t have enough air. This usually means something’s wrong with the suspension. The tires are the only part of your car that touch the road, so they can show problems with how the car handles weight and movement.
Symptoms
- Uneven tire wear
- Low tire pressure
How to Fix
- Adjust tire pressure
- Get suspension checked and aligned
Check for Struts or Shocks
Struts or shocks are part of your car that help it not bounce too much. If these parts look oily or greasy, it might mean they are leaking. This is not good because it can make your car ride badly and even be unsafe.
Symptoms
- Oily or greasy shocks or struts
- Car rides roughly
How to Fix
- Replace shocks or struts
- Inspect for further damage
Test Drive the Car
Driving your car is a good way to check if the suspension is okay. Look for signs like the car pulling to one side, feeling wobbly when you turn, or the front dipping down hard when you stop. These signs can tell you there’s a problem.
Symptoms
- Car pulls to one side
- Nose-dives when braking
How to Fix
- Check wheel alignment
- Inspect suspension components
Check for Body Roll
Body roll means when you turn the car, and it leans a lot to one side. This is not good and can make driving feel scary because it feels like you have less control.
Symptoms
- Excessive leaning during turns
- Feeling of instability
How to Fix
- Inspect and possibly replace sway bars
- Check the overall suspension system
Bounce Test
You can do a simple test by pushing down on the front of your car. If it keeps bouncing after you let go, it means parts of the suspension might be worn out and need to be looked at.
Symptoms
- Car bounces more than twice after being pushed down
- Feels too bouncy when driving
How to Fix
- Replace worn suspension parts
- Complete suspension inspection
Check for Springs
Springs help your car stay up and not sag. If your car looks lower than it should, or if it’s not sitting even, it might mean the springs are tired and need to be changed.
Symptoms
- Car sagging or sitting lower
- Uneven car posture
How to Fix
- Replace worn springs
- Inspect for other suspension issues
Check Bushings
Bushings are like cushions for the parts of your car that move. If they are broken or worn out, it can make your car ride rough and make noises.
Symptoms
- Crack or wear in bushings
- Unusual noises or harshness
How to Fix
- Replace damaged bushings
- Check for alignment
Check for Fluid Leaks
If you see any fluid on the ground where your car was parked, it might mean there’s a leak from the suspension parts like shocks or struts. This needs to be fixed to keep your car safe.
Symptoms
- Fluid leakage under the car
- Possible suspension part leak
How to Fix
- Identify and repair the leak source
- Replace leaking components
Listen For Noises
When you’re driving, listen for any strange sounds like clunking or rattling. This can tell you something’s loose or not working right in the suspension.
Symptoms
- Rattling or clunking noises
- Sounds from the suspension
How to Fix
- Tighten or replace loose components
- Inspect suspension for damage
Look for Uneven Alignment
If your car doesn’t sit straight or pulls to one side while driving, it might mean the wheels aren’t aligned right. This can happen if the suspension is not set up right or if parts are worn out.
Symptoms
- Car not sitting straight
- Pulling to one side
How to Fix
- Get a professional wheel alignment
- Check suspension components for wear
FAQ
FAQs on Inspecting a Car Suspension
1. Can I inspect my car’s suspension at home?
Yes, you can perform basic inspections of your car’s suspension at home. Look for signs like uneven tire wear, leaks from shocks or struts, and listen for unusual noises while driving.
Simple tests like the bounce test can also indicate the condition of your suspension.
2. How often should I check my car’s suspension?
It’s a good idea to check your car’s suspension at least once a year or every 12,000 miles. If you drive on rough roads frequently, consider checking it more often to catch any issues early.
3. What are the signs of a bad suspension?
Signs of a bad suspension include uneven tire wear, excessive bouncing after hitting a bump, strange noises (like clunking or rattling), and the car pulling to one side.
If the ride feels rougher or less stable, it’s time to inspect the suspension.
4. Do I need special tools to inspect my car’s suspension?
For a basic inspection, you don’t need special tools. Visual inspection, the bounce test, and checking for leaks can be done without any tools.
5. What should I do if I find a problem with my suspension?
If you notice any issues during your inspection, it’s best to consult a professional mechanic. Suspension problems can affect the safety and handling of your car, so it’s important to address them promptly. A mechanic can provide a detailed diagnosis and recommend the necessary repairs.
