Signs Your Vehicle Has A Suspension Problem: Subaru Ownership Tips At Capitol Subaru

 

5. Squeaking Or Groaning Noises

There are many parts of your suspension that are considered "wearable" parts -- that means they're designed to last for a certain mileage until they're expected to wear out and need to be replaced. These include tie rod ends, ball joints, springs, shocks and struts. As these parts wear out, they may collect dirt inside their joints and lose lubrication. That means they will likely squeak and groan as they travel over bumps and potholes in the road. This isn't always a sign that your suspension needs immediate attention, but it's often the first warning sign that you may soon need service on your vehicle's suspension.

 

4. Clunking Or Rattling Noises

As suspension wear progresses, you may eventually start to detect a clunking or rattling noise coming from under your car. This noise may be more pronounced when turning, accelerating, braking or going over bumps in the road. As suspension parts wear down from repeated stress over thousands and thousands of miles, clearance between parts and joints can grow into larger gaps. The components shifting makes this clunking noise as you drive. These noises often indicate that your suspension is in need of immediate attention.

3. Nose Dives Under Hard Braking

Even when you need to slam on the brakes and come to a fast stop, a car with a good suspension system should remain relatively balanced. However, as your shocks, struts and/or springs wear out, you may find that the nose of your car dives downward when you brake hard. This is a sign that your vehicle is ready for new shocks. The suspension helps to keep your ride balanced and comfortable, even when making an emergency stop. If your car leans back when you accelerate and then dives as you brake, it's time for an inspection by a trained Subaru technician.

 

2. Car Leans While Parked

When your car is parked on flat ground, it should be perfectly level. Each corner should be the same distance from the ground below. However, if your suspension system is worn out at one wheel, the car may visually lean towards one corner. An easy way to eyeball this is to make sure the clearance between your tires and the vehicle's wheel wells is the same at all four wheels. If the car appears to be leaning to one side or toward just one corner, the suspension system in that area of the vehicle may need service.

1. Harsh Or Bouncy Ride Quality

If traveling over bumps and imperfections in the road suddenly becomes a miserable experience, your suspension is probably in need of service or repair. Likewise, if your car begins bouncing excessively over every bump and dip in the road, that's another sure sign that your vehicle's suspension is worn out.