Blog Layout

Diagnosing Car Suspension Problems

Automotive suspension systems are designed to provide a smooth ride regardless of road conditions. However, because roads are rarely perfect, your vehicle’s suspension can take a beating over time. Learning how to diagnose suspension problems can alert you to the need for professional automotive repairs before extensive damage occurs. Testing the Shocks and Struts One […]

Automotive suspension systems are designed to provide a smooth ride regardless of road conditions. However, because roads are rarely perfect, your vehicle’s suspension can take a beating over time. Learning how to diagnose suspension problems can alert you to the need for professional automotive repairs before extensive damage occurs.

Testing the Shocks and Struts

One of the simplest ways to test your car’s suspension for problems is to perform a “push test” while the car is stopped. Push downward on the hood of your car for a few seconds, then release. The suspension system will compensate for the displacement by moving the car back into its optimal position. However, if your car takes more than one or two bounces to move back into place, your shocks or struts may be in need of replacement. Perform this test on both the hood and trunk of your car; you can also test individual quarters of the vehicle to determine whether the shocks and struts in one particular area are in worse shape.

Testing the Ball Joints

In addition to shocks and struts, your car’s suspension system contains ball joints at the end of each suspension tower. In order to test your ball joints , you’ll need a jack to lift the wheels of your car off the ground. Once one portion of your car is raised, use a flashlight to look into the wheel well and find the ball joint at the end of the suspension strut. Use your hand to move the wheel slightly up and down, which will simulate driving on an uneven road. If the ball begins to separate from the suspension strut as you move the wheel, have an automotive specialist repair the ball joint to prevent it from breaking while you are driving, which can cause extensive damage to your car.

If you have questions about your car’s suspension, call Automotive Recalibration Center of Tucson today at (520) 433-4147. We offer comprehensive automotive repair while you wait in our comfortable WiFi-equipped office. Click through our blog to find out more about spotting the need for vehicle repairs.

By anchorwave 26 May, 2017
During the summer months, you and your family may want to take advantage of your vacation time by heading out on a road trip. Before you hit the highway, it is a terrific idea to schedule automotive repair for your vehicle. Your mechanic will be able to find and address any mechanical issues that could […]
By anchorwave 12 May, 2017
Leaking fluid can indicate a serious mechanical problem with your car. When you bring your vehicle in for automotive repair, your technician will typically inspect your vehicle for any signs and symptoms of leaks. Between tune-ups at the mechanic, you should always be on the lookout for the signs of fluid that is leaking from […]
By anchorwave 21 Apr, 2017
Summer is almost here, and that means that your vehicle’s A/C will be very important. Ensure that your vehicle’s A/C is in good working order by maintaining regular tune-ups and looking for warning signs. Read on to see how to ready your vehicle’s A/C for the summer heat. Look for Warning Signs The most obvious […]
By anchorwave 07 Apr, 2017
Water pumps are an integral part of your vehicle’s cooling system. If your water pump breaks, then you may end up with more repairs and problems with your entire engine. It is necessary to have your water pump and engine cooling system inspected regularly. Let’s look at the common reasons you may require a new […]
By anchorwave 24 Mar, 2017
Without a properly functioning engine, your car will no longer be able to travel down the road. As your car starts to rack up the miles, its engine may start to experience mechanical trouble. If you are worried that your engine is on the verge of going out, you will want to bring your car […]
By anchorwave 10 Mar, 2017
While a crack in your car’s windshield may seem like it is a minor nuisance, neglecting to have your broken windshield repaired could result in serious consequences for your vehicle. Even a tiny windshield crack can spread into a major problem if it is not fixed by a trained automotive repair professional. To underscore the […]
By anchorwave 24 Feb, 2017
Changing your engine oil is one of the most essential procedures that you can perform for your vehicle. When you bring your car in to the automotive repair facility for an oil change, you may want to ask your mechanic about what type of engine oil is the right fit for your vehicle. Since engine […]
By anchorwave 10 Feb, 2017
Of all of the internal systems of your vehicle, your transmission is arguably one of the most important components. Without a properly functioning transmission, your car would not be able to travel forwards down the road. A team of automotive repair specialists will be able to fix any problems that may arise in your transmission […]
By anchorwave 27 Jan, 2017
When you put miles behind the wheel of your car, you are sure to become familiar with the typical sounds and sensations that are associated with your specific vehicle. In the event that you start to hear noises that are out of the ordinary, this is a signal that you need to bring your car […]
By anchorwave 13 Jan, 2017
While you may be tempted to ignore that chip or crack on your windshield, even the smallest form of damage to your automotive glass could pose a serious safety threat to you and your passengers. With assistance from a shop that specializes in automotive repair, you will be able to mend your broken windshield in […]
More Posts
Share by: