Steering and Suspension
Suspension System
Your vehicle’s suspension system serves two main purposes. It manages road holding and handling, aiding the safety of your vehicle as it maneuvers on the road, and it helps to provide driver and passenger comfort by reducing bumps, vibrations and noise. Shocks and struts are major parts in the suspension system, and their wear has a very real impact on the safety of your vehicle. Worn shocks and struts can effect how your wheels touch the road, causing swaying, hydroplaning, impaired performance and diminished road handling and holding.
If you take a peek under your car, the suspension system is essentially everything that connects your wheels to the car’s frame. These are important, heavy duty parts that do a lot of work. They need to be inspected for damage and extreme wear at least once a year. The best time for this is when you get your annual alignment service.
Signs of Suspension System trouble
-Vehicle sways or leans on turns
-Vehicle “nose dives” when you apply the brakes
-Excessive bouncing after hitting a road bump
-Harsh, bumpy or shaky ride
-Steering is stiff or makes noise
-Fluid leaking out of the shock or strut body
-Shock or strut bodies are dented or damaged
-Mounts or bushings are broken or worn
-Cupped, uneven tire wear
Causes of Suspension System Failure
Some suspension parts just wear out with use.
Shocks and struts eventually lose their ability to control your vehicle’s ride. Wheel bearings need to be repacked every couple of years, and some suspension pieces need to be lubricated when you get your oil changed.
Accidents, even as small as hitting a large rock or curb in Olympia, can cause suspension to be damaged or knocked out of alignment. Potholes, especially on under inflated tires, are huge culprits for suspension problems also. If there is no way to avoid a pothole, slow down when crossing it to preserve your shocks and struts.
Let Olympic Transmission and Auto Care in Olympia, care for all your suspension system needs! We can maintain and repair your vehicle when needed, and keep your vehicle steering straight!