Your vehicle's suspension plays a crucial role in making sure that you have a smooth ride. However, you can run into the following problems with your suspension that can require a trip to an auto mechanic to have it repaired. Here are a few things that you want to look out for.

Worn Down Struts Or Shocks 

There are components of your suspension that can simply become worn down over time. This is common with struts or shocks, which can have a few signs that they need to be replaced. For example, your vehicle may simply be more bouncy when driving on a rough surface, or rock to the side more when making a turn. 

You also want to pay attention to how your vehicle reacts when you activate the brakes. Poor struts or shocks can cause the nose of the vehicle to move down toward the ground, rather than remain even with the rest of the vehicle. The vehicle can also behave in the opposite way when accelerating, where the rear of the vehicle dips down.

Worn Down Bushings

A vehicle's bushings can also become worn down, which causes its own unique signs that something is wrong. There may be a rattling sound when you turn or go over bumps, which is due to those bushing, cracking, and becoming brittle. There can also be a vibration in the steering wheel, or the wheel feels very stiff and hard to turn it. The steering wheel may also pull to the left or the right consistently. 

Worn Down Ball Joints

The purpose of the ball joints is to give the suspension the ability to pivot, all while keeping the vehicle's wheels aligned on the road. Your ball joints can create more of a clunking noise when turning or going over bumps, which is a bit different than the sound the bushings will make. The steering wheel will also feel looser instead of tight and difficult to turn. 

Worn Down Tie Rods

The tie rods connect the steering knuckle to the steering rack and transmit the force you put on the steering wheel to the wheels of your vehicle. Tie rods that need replacement will often cause your vehicle to have loose steering, but can also create a knocking noise when you turn. It is also possible for the steering wheel to not be centered when you are driving perfectly straight.  

Talk to a suspension work service near you to learn more.