Q&A for How to Inspect Your Suspension System

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How do you know if your suspension is damaged?

Ed Beery
Automotive Specialist
Ed Beery is an Automotive Specialist and the Owner of InTechgrity Automotive Excellence based in Denver, Colorado. With more than eight years of experience, he specializes in providing maintenance and repair services for both individuals and companies. Ed and the InTechgrity Automotive Excellence Team are approved by the American Automobile Association (AAA) for repairs and are Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified.

Ed Beery

Automotive Specialist

Expert Answer

Signs of suspension problems include: clunking sounds when hitting holes or speed bumps; the vehicle bouncing after hitting bumps or hole; the vehicle pulling to one side; the vehicle sitting unevenly to the ground, uneven tire wear; the vehicle leaning out when turning; hard or loose steering; and/or a rough ride overall.

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How do I check a ball joint on a pick up truck?

Community Answer

Jack up that wheel, grab the tire at 12 and 6 and wiggle it. If it's excessive, it is probably ball joint. If it will wiggle at 3 and 9, it is probably a faulty tie rod. And if it will move excessively all the way around, it is probably a wheel hub or bearing.

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Question

If my car's clutch peddle has become difficult to press. Should I replace it?

Community Answer

Your vehicle may use a clutch cable and the cable has cut a groove on the inside that may cause binding. Your pedal linkage may need to be greased,

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Question

My car shakes when I go faster than 60 mph. What could be causing this?

Community Answer

Alignment. Camber or toe is off. My car would violently vibrate above 45 mph, then settle at 85 mph. Got right two tires aligned (front left strut was bent, so left wheels were a no-go), and it felt like I was driving a new car. Opt for lifetime alignment if you're keeping the car for a while. Alignment might also help with gentle wandering.

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Question

What should I do if my car scrapes when going over a speed bump?

Community Answer

Your suspension might be too low, but more than likely, you're just going over the speed bumps too quickly.

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Question

There is a steady hum coming from the front end that only occurs when I pick up speed. The engine and transmission work fine. What could it be?

Community Answer

That sounds like a wheel bearing going bad. If it gets louder when turning left, one on the right side is going bad; vice versa when turning right. The sound willll get quieter when turning the opposite direction.

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Question

How can a tire fall off?

Community Answer

A tire can fall off if the lug nuts are tightened poorly during the replacement of a wheel. In this case, it will fall off along with the metal rim inside. For just the tire itself to come off, either the tire or rim would have to be damaged pretty badly.

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Question

There is a metal grinding noise as I go over speed humps. Could it just be my suspension bushes need lubricating?

Community Answer

Possibly, but It could be your vehicle is too low. Carefully check underneath for any contact points.

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What could be causing my truck to make a loud noise when I turn sharply?

Community Answer

It really depends on the type of noise it makes. Clicking could be the CV or wheel bearing. If it only makes a noise turning one way, it could be a problem with the wheel under the most load.

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Would a flat tire cause my shocks to appear to be leaning?

Community Answer

The vehicle would be lower on the side with the flat tire. If the tires are the same pressure and the car still looks to be leaning to one side, it may indicate a worn or snapped spring. Have the car inspected as soon as possible.

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