Steering & Suspension System

The suspension on a car is a complex system designed to ensure a smooth ride by absorbing the impact from the road’s irregularities, like potholes, rough terrain, roadway obstacles, or curbs, and maintaining tire contact with the road. It consists of several components, including shocks and struts, springs, tie rods, ball joints, and more, which work together to dampen the energy from the road surface and provide stability and comfort. A well-maintained car suspension contributes to the car’s overall performance, handling, and safety, meaning that it’s about more than just a smooth ride.

You may notice several signs that indicate your car’s suspension is in need of attention. Common signs include a rougher ride or feeling every bump you hit while driving, the car pulling or drifting during turns, uneven tire treads, or one corner of the car sitting lower than the others when parked. Lots of times, these changes occur gradually, which means that it can be tough to realize that there is even a problem at all. At the same time, knowing the signs can help you prevent the need for major repairs down the road. If you notice any of these common signals of suspension system issues, it’s a good idea to search for a suspension shop near you, like Grease Pro, to get a professional assessment and rule out other auto problems.

Car suspension problems can stem from various sources, such as driving over dreaded potholes, speed bumps, or rough terrain that can wear down or damage suspension components. Accidents, carrying heavy loads, and general wear and tear over time also contribute. Over time, parts like shocks and struts, tie rods, ball joints, and springs can become worn or damaged, just like many other parts of your car, leading to a need for suspension repair.

If your car is riding bumpy, it could be a sign of damaged suspension parts. Your suspension system takes a lot of abuse from potholes, obstacles, curbs, and rough roads. When components like shocks and struts are worn out, they can’t absorb the bumps and irregularities of the road effectively. As a result, you might start to really feel every bump, which indicates that it could be time to take a look at your suspension components. At the same time, this could also be a symptom of wheels that are out of alignment or even a defective tire. To know for sure, it’s best to consult with professionals to make sure you find the exact source of the issue. No one wants to pay to replace perfectly fine auto parts.

Loose steering can be alarming and might be caused by several issues within your vehicle’s steering system or front end suspension. Worn steering racks, damaged or worn tie rods or inner tie rods, and problems with the ball joints are common culprits. These issues can cause the steering wheel to jerk while driving or when turning. To ensure safety and correct handling, it’s essential to have these components inspected and repaired if needed by skilled technicians at a trusted automotive repair company.

A sway bar, also known as an anti-roll bar, is a crucial part of a car’s suspension system that helps to reduce the body roll of a vehicle during fast cornering or over road irregularities. In other words, its job is to help make your car more resistant to rolling, called “roll stiffness,”  when you make sharp turns or hit a dangerous bump in the road.  This essential part connects the opposite wheels together through short lever arms linked by a torsion spring. When you turn, the sway bar works to keep the car more level, which improves handling and prevents excessive leaning, providing a smoother and safer ride.

A tie rod is an important part of your steering system, serving as a bridge between your steering wheel and the wheels of your car. When you turn the steering wheel, the tie rods make sure your tires turn, too. To do this, the tie rod transmits force from the steering center link or the rack gear to the steering knuckle, causing the wheels to turn. When tie rods wear out, they can cause poor alignment, uneven tire wear, and sloppy steering, so keeping them in good condition is crucial for safe vehicle operation.

Tie rods typically last anywhere from 70,000 to 100,000 miles, but their lifespan can be affected by road conditions, driving habits, and whether your vehicle has been in any accidents. Regular maintenance checks are important because when tie rods wear out, they can impact your steering and may lead to uneven tire wear. To ensure your car is safe and handles well, have your tie rods inspected regularly, especially if you start to notice any changes in the way your car drives. When it’s time for replacement, it’s a good idea to find a trusted suspension shop in your area to ensure the job is done right.

The cost to replace ball joints can vary widely depending on the make and model of your vehicle and whether you’re replacing front or rear ball joints. On average, you can expect the cost to be anywhere from about $150 to $400 per ball joint for both parts and labor. High-end or luxury vehicles could cost even more due to the more expensive parts and the complexity of the replacement. It’s always best to get a specific quote from a trusted suspension repair shop in your area, like Grease Pro in Panama City, FL, to get an accurate cost estimate for your vehicle.

To check your car’s ball joints for wear and ensure they are still good, you can start with a visual check for any damage, especially to the rubber boots that protect and lubricate the joint. If these boots are torn or missing, it’s likely the ball joints may be compromised and at risk of failing. After the visual check, the next step is a hands-on test. This is done by safely lifting the car and then grabbing each wheel to rock it back and forth. Excessive movement can be a tell-tale sign of a worn ball joint.

However, these steps can reveal only so much. For a comprehensive evaluation, a mechanic at a suspension shop would perform a more detailed inspection. They might use a special tool to apply pressure on the ball joint to check for any movement that isn’t supposed to be there. Because accurate ball joint checks are crucial for your safety on the road, it’s recommended to have a professional from a trusted shop, like Grease Pro, handle the inspection. This way, you’ll have the peace of mind that your vehicle is in top condition.

You can spot signs of bad ball joints by paying attention to your car’s handling and listening for certain noises. If you hear a creaking or clunking noise when driving over bumps or if you feel a vibration through the steering wheel, these could be warning signals. Additionally, if your steering feels loose or your car veers to one side, it might mean the ball joints are worn out. For a clear diagnosis, it’s best to visit a professional at a suspension shop like Grease Pro, where they can give your car a thorough inspection and advise if a suspension repair is needed.