Shocks and Struts
The suspension system—including shocks, struts, and springs—is designed to absorb the impact of bumps and keep your ride smooth. However, these components wear out over time and require maintenance. A worn shock or strut can’t suppress the spring’s movement effectively, leading to excessive bouncing. Consider this: every mile you drive involves about 20 significant up-and-down motions. At 75,000 miles, your shocks and struts will have handled over 1.5 million cycles.
Signs of Worn Shocks or Struts:
1. Excessive Bouncing or Swaying:
- If your vehicle bounces repeatedly after hitting a bump or sways more than usual during turns, it’s a clear sign that your shocks or struts may be worn.
2. Poor Steering Response:
- If your steering feels less responsive or if it’s difficult to keep control during turns, especially in windy conditions, worn shocks or struts could be the cause.
3. Longer Stopping Distances:
- If you notice that it takes longer to stop than it used to, this could be due to shocks or struts not properly stabilizing the vehicle during braking. Worn shocks or struts can increase stopping distances by keeping the tires from making optimal contact with the road, reducing braking efficiency and increasing risk in emergency situations.
4. Uneven Tire Wear:
- Worn shocks or struts can cause uneven tire wear because they don’t keep the tires in consistent contact with the road. Look for bald spots or uneven tread, which are signs that suspension components might need replacing.
5. Leaking Fluid:
- If you notice fluid leaking from a shock or strut, it’s likely that the internal seals are compromised, indicating a need for replacement.
6. Nose-Diving When Braking:
- If the front of the car dips significantly when you apply the brakes, it’s often a sign of worn shocks or struts. This can reduce control during emergency braking, making it harder to stop safely.
Other Suspension Issues
- Broken Springs: A broken spring can cause one corner of the car to sag, leading to uneven handling and a bumpy ride.
- Control Arm Bushings and Ball Joints: Worn components can lead to vibrations and reduce suspension effectiveness.
What to Do:
- Replace shocks and struts every 75,000 miles or sooner if symptoms arise.
- Schedule regular inspections of your suspension system during routine maintenance.
Ray-A-Motive in Bellflower CA, specializes in suspension diagnostics and repairs. Ray-A-Motive in Bellflower has been a trusted provider of vehicle service in Bellflower for over 35 years! Our ASE Certified technicians proudly provide service to customers from Bellflower, Cerritos, Lakewood, Downey, Paramount, Long Beach and surrounding cities
Additional Benefits at Ray-A-Motive in Bellflower CA
- Free WiFi
- Comfortable Waiting Area
- Complementary Snacks
- Complementary Coffee
- Local Shuttle Drop Off and Pickup
- 2 Year/24,000 Mile Warranty on Qualified Repairs