Common Signs of Car Suspension Issues

June 24, 2022

The suspension system is the backbone of your vehicle. Not only does it help create a smooth ride, but it also supports thousands of pounds of vehicle weight and helps your tires stay on the road. When something goes wrong with your suspension, you'll want to get it fixed, and fast. Here are some common signs of car suspension issues you should keep an eye out for.

What Does Suspension Do in a Car

The suspension system helps absorb shocks that your car experiences, such as driving on a gravel road. The suspension system also supports your vehicle and enables it to turn when the driver steers in one direction or the other.

Hundreds of parts make up your car's suspension system. Here are three key components:

• Springs that help absorb the impact when your car hits things like potholes and road bumps.
• Shock absorbers work with the springs in working to reduce the impact of running over road bumps, running into potholes, and other things that might make your car bounce up and down.
• Wheels and tires that work in tandem to decrease the effect of hitting potholes, road bumps, and other hazards.

How to Tell If Your Car Has Suspension Issues

In an ideal world, your INFINITI would run perfectly 24 hours a day, seven days a week. But you know that normal wear and tear causes parts of your car to stop working well - or stop working at all.

Here are five common car suspension issues and the signs to look for:

• Poor wheel alignment. If you regularly hit potholes or travel on bumpy roads, this can knock your wheels out of alignment. Signs of poor wheel alignment include uneven tire wear, steering wheel vibration, and your car pulling to the left or right
• Damaged springs. When one corner of your INFINITI is sagging more than the others when the car is parked on an even surface, it could mean the springs are damaged.
• Worn shock absorbers. If your INFINITI bounces or shakes more than usual as you're heading down a bumpy road, it could be time to get your shock absorbers checked out and perhaps replaced. Other signs of trouble include clunking noises when your car is traveling on a bumpy road or the car taking a "nosedive" when you make a stop.
• Worn ball joints. The pivoting motion of ball joints in the front suspension helps create a smoother ride and better control of your INFINITI. They connect the wheel hubs to the control arms. When ball joints are loose or worn out, they can cause a clunking sound, sloppy or stiff steering, vibration of the steering wheel, or uneven tire wear.
• Worn control arms. Loose steering, as well as clunking or rattling noises, might indicate the control arms of your car need some TLC. Until worn-out control arms are replaced, you might experience a rougher ride and increased tire wear.

Is your vehicle's suspension out of whack? Don't wait to get it fixed! Shop genuine OEM suspension and steering parts online at INFINITI Parts & Accessories and make an appointment at your local service center today!