Yes, pulling to the side is a sign of suspension problems. Your vehicle’s suspension was engineered and built to go straight. The only time it changes directions is when you steer it in a different direction. If your vehicle drifts to the left or right when your steering wheel is pointed straight, your wheels are not aligned correctly. Vielhaber’s Garage can realign your wheels. We can also fix other suspensions problems as indicated by the signs listed below.
A Very Bumpy Ride
As you know, your vehicle’s suspension is designed to give you a comfortable ride. You should not feel any bumps in the road except large ones. The struts and shocks make sure to absorb the uneven pavement so you aren’t bouncing up and down in the driver’s seat. A sign that your struts and shocks have reached the end of their life and need to be replaced is a very bumpy ride. You will feel every bump in the road, even the little ones.
Diving and Lunging
Another sign that you need a new set of struts and shocks is diving or lunging when you stop or accelerate, respectively. Your vehicle’s body is heavy, and it moves while you drive. The struts and shocks absorb this motion so you aren’t moving around, such as tilting when you turn. If you are feeling your vehicle’s momentum motion, it’s time for a new set of struts on the front wheels and shocks on the rear wheels. Another sign that your shocks are too old is if they are leaking oil.
A Low-Sitting Corner
The struts have suspension springs. If you heard a loud clunk the last time you drove over a bump, you have likely broken the suspension spring on one wheel. You can tell that you have done this if your vehicle has one corner that is resting lower than the other corners. This usually occurs on the front wheels because that’s where the struts are located. Some vehicles have struts on their rear wheels, as well, so you may see your vehicle sitting too low on a rear wheel.
Steering Difficulties
Finally, as we said above, you change the direction of your suspension when you turn the steering wheel. If your vehicle is not changing direction, if it is groaning, or if your steering feels loose or too tight, you’ve got a problem with the steering system that is part of your vehicle’s suspension.
Vielhaber’s Garage in Findlay, OH, would be happy to inspect your suspension if you’re experiencing any of the problems listed above. Call us today to set up an appointment.
