Steering and suspension components influence vehicle control, ride quality and tire wear. Changes in handling or new noises deserve inspection because several different components can create similar symptoms.
Symptoms to have checked
- Clunking, knocking or squeaking over bumps
- Excessive bouncing or body movement
- Vehicle wandering or pulling
- Steering feels loose, heavy or inconsistent
- Uneven tire wear
Possible inspection areas
Depending on vehicle design and symptoms, an inspection may involve shocks, struts, springs, control arms, bushings, ball joints, tie rods and related steering or suspension components.
Connection to wheel alignment
Worn or damaged steering and suspension parts can affect alignment, and some repairs should be followed by an alignment check. If your primary concern is tire wear or a vehicle that does not track straight, see wheel alignment.
Why diagnosis matters
Replacing parts solely because of a noise description can be misleading. An inspection allows the technician to identify play, leakage, damage or other evidence that points to the actual source.