Signs of a worn suspension
- A bouncy, floaty or rough ride.
- The front end dips noticeably when you brake.
- Clunking or knocking over bumps and potholes.
- The vehicle pulls, drifts or wanders on the highway.
- Uneven or cupped tire wear.
- The vehicle leans or sways in turns.
- Oily or leaking shocks or struts.
What a suspension inspection covers
A suspension inspection usually covers shocks and struts, control arms, bushings, ball joints, tie rods and sway-bar links. Worn parts can affect handling, braking distance and tire life, so catching them early often saves money elsewhere.
Uneven tire wear is a common sign of worn suspension parts, and a good reason to get your tires rotated or checked. Call us to describe what you’re feeling and we’ll help you figure out the next step.
Common questions about suspension repair
How do I know if my shocks or struts are worn?
A bouncy ride, nose-diving when braking, leaking fluid and uneven tire wear are the usual signs. A quick press-down-and-release test on each corner of the vehicle can also show whether it keeps bouncing.
Can potholes damage my suspension?
Yes. A hard hit can bend or break suspension and steering parts and knock the wheels out of alignment. If the car pulls or the steering wheel is off-center after a big hit, have it inspected.
Can bad suspension affect my tires?
Yes. Worn parts let the tires bounce and sit at the wrong angle, which causes uneven wear and shortens tire life. See our tire options if yours are already worn.