Are Suspension and Bad Alignment Related?

The suspension system in your vehicle is designed to provide the proper amount of friction between the surface of the road and your vehicle’s tires, ensuring a comfortable ride and more stable steering. Suspension systems have evolved over the years as technology continues to advance, but they are still not immune to problems. There are plenty of suspension components that can wear down or fail, especially considering the pounding they take from potholes, train tracks, gravel, road salt and debris.

This means just about any part of your suspension system can be damaged and need to be replaced. But how can you tell for sure if your vehicle’s suspension is experiencing some problems? Here are a few examples of symptoms that could indicate you need to pay a visit to mechanics in New Palestine, IN:

• Bad wheel alignment: Wheels might not be the first things that come to mind when you consider your suspension, but wheel alignment and suspension are definitely related. The wheels must point in the right direction and be properly aligned, otherwise your steering will be off and your tires will wear down faster. Wheels can get knocked out of their alignment by running over potholes or curbs, so if this has been an issue for you, it’s a good idea to have your suspension checked.
• Knocking sounds: If you hear a knocking sound when you go over bumps, this could be a sign your strut assembly is having problems. This part is an important element of your vehicle’s suspension system, so if you hear those sounds, it’s best to get to the mechanic quickly for a checkup and repairs.
• Bouncing and shaking: If you notice regular bouncing or shaking sensations when going over rough roads, this could be a problem with your vehicle’s shock absorbers. The shock absorbers are the part of your suspension system designed to keep your ride smooth even when the roadway’s surface conditions are less than ideal. The more bouncing and shaking you feel, the more likely it is that the shock absorbers have been compromised.
• Squeaks and creaks: If you hear squeaking or creaking while turning, this is probably a problem with the ball joints that attach your suspension to the wheels. These ball joints are designed to absorb shock from the regular up and down movements your vehicle experiences. If a ball joint breaks, you’ll likely have suspension parts dragging below your vehicle on the pavement.
• Clunks or rattles: Clunking and rattling sounds often indicate signs of wear in the control arms, the hinges that keep your wheels attached to the frame and the steering assembly. A bent or damaged control arm can cause handling problems with your vehicle and increase the pace at which your tires wear down.

These are just a few examples of problems associated with suspension wear and tear. For more information or to schedule your regular vehicle maintenance appointment, we encourage you to call our mechanics in New Palestine, IN.

Categorised in: Mechanic

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