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Symptoms of bad steering and suspension

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In this article you will find out about the symptoms of a bad steering and suspension.

Steering & Suspension How to Drivers 1 min read

As you know, steering and suspension parts are safety-critical, so it's important that you routinely check steering and suspension components and replace any that show signs of wear. If a part is worn or failing, the issues below could result. 

Symptoms and what they could mean:

Vehicle continually pulls to one side while driving

Double wishbone on the front suspension.

Ball joints
Bushings
Tie rod ends
Uneven tire wear/inflation
Steering rack
May need alignment

Continued bouncing after hitting a bump or pothole

Shocks or struts
Leaf spring

A steering pull or drift to one side after turning

Bushings
Ball joints
Tie rod end
Rack and pinion
Uneven tire wear

Steering slips while turning the wheel

Bushings
Ball joint
Tie rod end
Rack and pinion
Uneven tire wear
Strut bearings
Rack mount

Loose or sloppy steering: excessive play or wandering from side to side

Tie rod end
Ball joint
Bushings
Rack and pinion
Strut bearings
Rack mount

Excessive steering wheel vibration

Ball joint
Bushings

Steering veers to one side when driving over a bump or during hard acceleration

Independent rear axle with a coil spring/shock configuration.

Ball joint
Control arm
Tie rod ends

Steering wheel bounces up and down at highway speeds or when braking

Wheels out of balance
Uneven tire wear/inflation
Loose wheel bolts
Brake rotors

Difficulty in turning the wheel

Steering belt
Power steering fluid level low (possibly leaking)
Steering rack
Power steering pump

A knocking or clunking sound

Control arm
Bushings
Ball joint
Tie rod end

If noises occur while turning, check:

Ball joint
Tie rod end
Steering pump belt
Steering pump

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