How Your Suspension Works
There are three primary components to your suspension: the struts, the springs, and the shock absorbers, or shocks as they are commonly called. The struts support the springs, the purpose of which is to absorb bumps and road impact. The shocks absorb residual movement from the springs and keep your vehicle from bouncing too much. If your shocks and struts are not properly maintained, debris, rough patches in the roadway, unexpected potholes, gravel roads, dirt roads, and other such hazards can cause your wheels to bounce off the road surface, leading to instability, loss of control, which could cause severe accidents.
Shock and Strut Replacement
Well-maintained shocks and struts are critical to the overall safety of your vehicle. It is recommended that you have your shocks and struts inspected regularly to make sure they do not need to be replaced. With regular inspections, you avert potential issues with your shocks, struts and suspension in general, which could lead to costlier repairs down the road. The interval for shocks and strut services is dependent on the make, model, and year of your vehicle. For more specific information, consult your vehicle owner’s manual for details about your vehicle. If there are problems with your shocks or struts, our highly trained technicians will replace them and get you safely back out on the road. If you do not have a manual, an inspection with our team will tell you what kind of shape the shocks and struts are in. If you notice any of the following signs or symptoms, you can set up an appointment with our Service Center to have the system inspected and repaired.
Observable Signs of Suspension Problems When Driving
- Too much bounce or not enough bounce, or a stiff ride.
- Stopping causes the nose of your vehicle to dip down.
- Excessive swaying or leaning when cornering, changing lanes, or negotiating curves.
- Poor steering response, or noisy steering.
- Feeling of instability at high speeds.
Observable Signs of Suspension Problems from Visual Inspection
- Tires are unevenly worn, or you notice flat spots on the tires.
- Fluid leaking from shocks or struts.
- Shock and strut bodies are visibly dented or damaged.
- Mounts or bushings are corroded, broken or visibly damaged.
Even if you haven’t noticed any problems with your suspension, you can request an inspection when you come in for an oil change or other services.
