Suspension Work
How do I know my vehicles suspension needs serviced? When should I be worried about suspension noises? How often does suspension need serviced?
How can you tell that your suspension needs serviced?
If you are unfamiliar with vehicle suspensions, it's important to be aware that they can often be intricate and challenging to understand. In such cases, paying close attention to subtle cues such as sounds and sensations can guide you towards identifying potential issues effectively.
Struts / Shocks / Springs
It is generally recommended to replace struts, shocks, and springs after approximately 100,000 miles of usage. However, this guideline is subject to variations depending on factors such as the quality of the components, individual driving behaviors, and the condition of the roads. It is advisable to change all four sides simultaneously when upgrading any of these components. Failing struts, shocks, or springs can result in noticeable issues like increased body sway, unusual sounds, strut leaks, excessive vibrations, uneven tire wear, inconsistent ride height, and additional complications that can impact the overall performance and safety of the vehicle.
Tie Rods
Tie rods are typically durable components that can generally last for several years without requiring replacement, except in cases where they become excessively rusted to the point of affecting alignment, develop significant play within the steering mechanism, or experience damage to the protective boot covering. In most instances, under regular driving conditions, tie rods should function properly and not necessitate immediate attention or repair work. Proper maintenance and periodic inspections can help in identifying potential issues with tie rods early on and addressing them promptly to ensure optimal steering performance and overall vehicle safety.
Sway Bars / End Links
Sway bars and end links are components of a vehicle's suspension system that typically do not require frequent replacement. However, when the ball joint begins to wear down, the boot shows signs of cracking, or if there is noticeable play, it is advisable to consider replacing them. Ignoring these signs can lead to potential issues, as a deteriorated sway bar may result in symptoms such as increased swaying of the vehicle, challenges with turning smoothly, and the occurrence of bothersome knocking noises. Regular inspection and timely replacement of these parts can help maintain the performance and safety of your vehicle.
Control Arms / Bushings
Generally, control arm bushings have a lifespan of up to 100,000 miles before exhibiting signs of wear and play. It is often observed that control arms can endure the entire lifespan of a car, given they are not excessively rusty. However, in many instances, it proves to be more economically efficient in terms of labor to opt for replacing the complete control arm instead of dealing with the replacement of multiple bushings and both ball joints. If you notice a lack of responsiveness in your steering along with clunking noises, this could indicate the need for new bushings. To assess the condition of your control arm bushings, you can apply leverage to the arms; ideally, there should be a slight amount of play, while any deteriorated or cracked bushings should be promptly replaced.
Wheel Bearings
Wheel bearings, while not directly associated with the suspension system, play a crucial role in the front end of a vehicle. It is recommended to replace them approximately every 100,000 miles or when signs of wear, such as excessive play or unusual noises, begin to appear. A failing wheel bearing can manifest through various sounds like humming, squealing, growling, or metal-on-metal grinding. Furthermore, a problematic wheel bearing may result in observable symptoms like wheel wobbling, loose steering, or pulling to one side. To assess the condition of your wheel bearings, simply elevate your vehicle using a jack and proceed to gently wiggle the wheel in both vertical and horizontal directions; any detectable play should prompt further inspection to ensure optimal safety and functionality.