How to Diagnose Problems with Your Suspension System
Many car owners realize it's time to examine their car's suspension components when their car starts behaving abnormally. This may include instances where strange sounds are heard, such as clanging or thumping when going over bumps. Constantly adjusting the steering wheel to help the car go straight is another abnormal experience. These are just two symptoms that lead to the need to check the suspension system.
It is common for a mechanic to visually inspect tires and suspension when the vehicle undergoes a regular oil change. Performing a suspension inspection can be a bit of a challenge for a beginner, so knowing a lot of information about all the components and the many reasons why they can fail is helpful in diagnosing a suspension problem. If you take the time to get to know your car well, then you may be able to identify the source of your problems yourself.
There are many components that make up a suspension system. Struts, mounts and springs, control arms and ball joints, just to name a few. In addition to suspension parts, the suspension system is influenced by many other vehicle parts, such as tires. They all work together in harmony to protect both the vehicle and driver from rough terrain. If one part fails, other components will also fail to do their job properly, leading to further damage and the need for repair.
Part 1 of 1: Checking the Suspension System
Necessary materials
- Flash
- Jack
- Gloves
- Jack's stand
- Safety glasses
- wheel chock
Step 1: Take your car for a test drive. Drive your vehicle by yourself. Do your best to remove all possible distractions and noise from this disc.
Roll down your car windows and try to listen for any sounds coming from your car while driving. If you do hear noise, pay attention to where it is coming from, such as in front or behind the car.
Pay attention to whether the noises are constant or the noises depend on what you are doing at the moment, for example, overcoming speed bumps or turning the steering wheel.
Some common noises associated with suspension problems include:
Step 2: Examine the car from the outside. After the information is collected during the test drive, put the car in the "Park" position and apply the parking brake.
Be sure to let the machine cool down for at least 30 minutes before starting. This ensures that you do not burn yourself during the examination. Put on a pair of gloves and take a flashlight
Step 3: Jump on the car. Gently place your hands on the car at the junction of the hood and fender. Press firmly on the car's suspension, release and let it lift on its own.
If you watch the car bounce and come to a stop, that's a good sign that the shock or strut is still fine.
If the car continues to bounce up and down, then that's a good sign that the strut has exploded. Try this method on all four corners of the car to check each individual pillar.
Step 4: Jack up the car. Next comes the extortion test. Use the jack to raise the corner of the car. Raise the vehicle high enough to lift the tire off the ground and secure the vehicle with a jack stand.
Step 5: Push the tire. Hold the tire firmly with both hands at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions and rock the tire back and forth.
Place your hands at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock and repeat the same action again. If you feel any excessive movement, it is very likely that you have a worn component.
If you feel play at XNUMX and XNUMX, then it is an internal or external tie rod. Any play on twelve and six could indicate a bad ball joint.
AttentionA: Excessive movement is not limited to these components as the culprits. Other parts may allow excessive wheel movement in these directions.
Functions: It might be better for a friend to take a solicitation test with you. With a flashlight in hand, look behind the steering wheel to see the failed component. Although it may be difficult to determine visually, placing a gloved hand on each suspension component can help you feel excessive play. Look out for broken bushings or oil leaks from the shock or strut.
- FunctionsA: You should also carefully check the condition of your car's tires. Abnormal tire wear can cause rolling noise and cause the vehicle to not drive straight. An alignment check can help with this.
If you think the problem is with one or more suspension components, have a certified mechanic help you confirm the problem so he or she can help you make the necessary repairs. A professional mechanic, such as one from AvtoTachki, can inspect your vehicle's suspension components and steering wheel to help your vehicle drive straight and safely again.
