You might not know this but Midlane Truck & Trailer Repair also services and repairs automobiles and light-duty trucks. As with big rigs, you must worry about your automobile’s suspension sooner rather than later if it’s going bad. The suspension not only keeps the tires gripping the road it also steers your car, truck, or SUV. Is your suspension in need of repair? Here are five signs that it might be.
Side-Pulling
You’re driving along and you keep having to jerk your steering to the left because your automobile is pulling to the right. What’s going on? No matter the direction of the pull, right or left, if there is anything wrong with your alignment, steering rod, tie rack, or tires, you’re vehicle may pull to one side or the other. It could also be a brake system problem if your brake calipers are stuck.
Bumpy Ride
We mean a really bumpy ride in this case. You will feel bumps and shaking if you’re driving on a road that is so bad the city should shut it down. You will also have a bumpy ride on a dirt road. If you notice your vehicle bouncing over every bump, however, it might be time to replace your struts and shocks. The leaf spring could also cause excessive bouncing if it’s worn down.
Sitting Low in One Corner
Aside from the leaf spring, your vehicle’s suspension system has other springs that will clunk when you go over a bump if they’re damaged or broken. You may also notice that your vehicle sits low in a corner if the spring is broken in that corner, i.e. your car sits low to the rear-right. Make sure to get this inspected as soon as possible, as a broken spring can cause further suspension damage.
Diving, Leaning, or Rolling
Your vehicle shouldn’t dive, lean, or roll when you stop, turn corners, or accelerate. If you notice this type of movement, your struts and shocks need to be replaced. For example, they are worn if your car, truck, or SUV lurches forward when you stop suddenly. The shocks and struts are designed to absorb body movement and road bumps to keep your tires flat on the ground.
Steering Trouble
Finally, your vehicle’s steering is part of the suspension and it will alert you if it’s in trouble. You may feel your steering is too tight or too loose at times when you turn the wheel. You may also feel it give and engage repeatedly. The problem could be something as simple as low power steering fluid or complex as a bad power steering pump or problems with the control arm bushings.
Located in Eugene, OR, call Midlane Truck & Trailer Repair if you suspect your suspension needs servicing and/or repairing.