Symptoms of Bad or Faulty Spring Insulators

Common signs include vehicle sag, excessive road noise, grinding noise when turning, and damage to the front tires and brakes.

Everyone expects their car to provide a smooth and comfortable ride. One of the main components that absorbs potholes, bumps and other imperfections on the roads we drive is the suspension spring insulator. Spring insulators are specially designed rubber pieces that cover the top and bottom of the spring mount on your vehicle. It is essentially padding that absorbs the vibration transmitted from the tire to the suspension through impact and eventually felt throughout the car and the steering wheel. When the spring insulators wear out, it not only reduces the quality of your ride, but can also affect tire wear, handling and handling, and reduce accidental driving situations.

The following are some of the signs that spring insulators are worn out or replaced due to failure.

1. The vehicle sags

Perhaps the best indicator that you have spring insulators that are worn out and need to be replaced is if the car sags when over obstacles in the road. Spring insulators, in addition to acting as a cushion, also allow the suspension to control the amount of travel (or the length that the front or rear of the car moves up and down). If the bottom of your car or truck is turned outward, you will notice a strong impact that can damage the vehicle components located on its undercarriage; including:

• Transmission
• Control mechanism
• Drive shaft
• Car suspension
• Oil pans and radiators

Every time your vehicle breaks down, make sure to have a professional and certified mechanic inspect it immediately; as this is most likely a problem which means you need to replace the spring insulators.

2. Excessive road noise front or rear

Spring isolators absorb road vibration and help control road noise. If you start noticing loud noises coming from the front or rear of your vehicle, this is a good sign that the spring isolators are not doing their job effectively. This is usually not a progressive situation as road noise is not very easy to diagnose until after damage has been done to the components.

However, another noise that people may notice that is easily distinguished from normal road noise is the "creaking" or "crackling" sound coming from the front of the car when you turn the steering wheel or pass speed bumps. If you notice these sounds, see a certified mechanic to inspect, diagnose, and fix the problem. Usually this warning sign indicates the need to replace the spring insulators and possibly the springs themselves.

3. Grinding when turning

Do you hear a crunch when you turn the steering wheel? If so, it may be caused by spring insulators. Since spring insulators are made of rubber and are designed to be installed between two metal parts, the likelihood of grinding will increase; especially when you turn the steering wheel and the weight is transferred to different sides of the springs. You will really notice this noise when you turn the steering wheel and drive into a driveway or other slightly elevated road.

4. Damage to the front tires, brakes and front suspension parts.

In addition to providing a comfortable ride, spring insulators also affect several other functions and components of any vehicle. Some of the more popular car parts that are affected by worn spring insulators include:

• Aligning the front suspension of the car
• Front tire wear
• Excessive brake wear
• Front suspension parts including tie rods and struts

As you can see, spring insulators play a vital role in driving as well as driving safely on the roads we drive on every day. Any time you encounter any of the warning signs listed above, contact AvtoTachki to check, diagnose and fix the problem before it causes further damage to your vehicle.