Symptoms of bad steering and suspension

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