A worn or faulty suspension system doesn’t just make your car’s ride less comfortable - it can also reduce your stopping distance by as much as 20%. For these reasons, familiarising yourself with the signs of suspension failure is essential to catch it early and act fast before it becomes dangerous.
This guide discusses how to diagnose common suspension issues.
Suspension noises are often tricky to diagnose because the system contains many different parts and the sound travels through the car. Problems usually happen due to worn out parts.
Look for signs that the car sits lower at one corner compared to the others, which indicates a broken spring. Another common issue happens when one of the shock absorbers leaks fluid, affecting the car’s handling. Ideally, get your car booked in at a garage - they will put it on a ramp and check the components.
Matt Wrankmore
Head of FixMyCar's Garage Network
Six signs of suspension problems
1. Poor stability
Possible cause: a broken or sagging spring.
iStock.com/Supersmario A car that is lower on one side than the other could have a broken spring. You can check this using the ‘bounce test’. To do this, rest all your weight on the front or back of the vehicle and count how many times it bounces before it stops moving - more than two or three bounces indicate a problem.
2. Bumpy ride
Possible cause: worn shocks or struts.
When shock absorbers wear out, you’ll feel every bump and pothole in the road, which makes for a very uncomfortable ride. Other signs of failing shocks include uneven tyre wear and increased steering input to navigate turns.
3. Tyre depth
Possible cause: various worn components (such as dampers or bushes).
Regularly checking the pressure and tread of your tyres is crucial because it can help diagnose problems with other components. For example, uneven tyre wear indicates an issue with the suspension system or the alignment of the wheels.
4. Braking issues
Possible cause: worn shock absorbers
iStock.com/Vasil Dimitrov Does the front end of your car dip or lean when you apply the brakes? These symptoms almost certainly indicate an issue with the suspension system and could be caused by worn shock absorbers. Any unusual behaviour when you use the brakes is a cause for concern and should be investigated as soon as possible to avoid putting yourself and your passengers in danger.
5. Oily shock absorbers
Possible cause: broken seals
Over time, shock absorber seals can become brittle, allowing oil to leak out. If your car is involved in a collision, this can also cause the shocks to bend and become misplaced, leading to leaks. Whatever the cause, leaking shock absorbers need replacing because, without enough oil, they can’t do their job.
6. Steering problems
Possible cause: damaged anti-roll bar, tie rod or control arm
When your suspension fails, you might notice your car pulling or drifting as you turn corners, making it harder to control. A knocking sound may also be caused by two metal components hitting against each other when they shouldn’t.
How much does it cost to fix suspension problems?
According to FixMyCar's data, the average price of a suspension repair is £169.98. However, this is the average across all suspension repairs, car makes and models.
Since some jobs are easier and cheaper than others, requesting quotes for your car is the best way to get an accurate price estimate.
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