Nobody wants their engine or gearbox to go down, but these components are built to last the vehicle's life with little maintenance, such as oil changes! In contrast, the suspension, which you probably don't think about very often, will need some attention from time to time. Tie rod ends, suspension bushings, shocks, and struts are just a few parts that naturally wear out over time and must be changed to keep your pickup truck running smoothly and enjoyably. Here are some of the most common pickup truck suspension problems and how to fix them.
Your pickup truck's suspension and steering systems are inextricably connected. If a section of your suspension breaks, your pickup truck may "wander" about instead of tracking straight forward or feel loose when steering. This may be caused by various factors, including improper steering alignment, which can occur even if your vehicle's suspension is in excellent condition. Because these symptoms are similar, you'll probably need a professional diagnostic to determine what's wrong.
The suspension is meant to absorb road irregularities such as cracks, potholes, and speed bumps, resulting in a smooth, balanced ride. If your shocks, springs, or struts are worn out, your pickup truck may bounce excessively over these bumps. You may also notice the nose-diving forward while braking. Naturally, this will make your pickup truck less pleasant to drive, but the weight of the vehicle bouncing and "sloshing" about as you go may also affect handling as well. When the pickup truck is parked, push down on the front and back bumpers to check for this. The vehicle should restore to its original height with little to no bounce. It's time to examine the suspension at our service facility if it bounces around a lot.
When you park your pickup truck, you expect it to be flat and level. If it leans substantially toward one wheel at one corner, the suspension at that corner is most certainly damaged. Similarly, the front or rear suspension may need to be serviced if the pickup truck leans towards the front or back. Looking at the gap between the tire and the bodywork in the wheel well is a simple method to tell. It should be almost identical for each wheel of the pickup truck.
Similar sounds may originate from the drive axles, driveshafts, gearbox, and even the brakes. Still, a persistent banging, squeaking, or clunking noise originates from beneath the pickup truck as a result of a broken suspension component. Suspension bushings, for example, ensure that the suspension's moving elements articulate smoothly. If these bushings fail, the system may have "play," enabling the loose pieces to rattle back and forth while driving. This indicates that your suspension needs to be serviced. Driving with failing suspension bushings and tie-rod ends for an extended period might strain other sections of the suspension system.
You notice that your pickup truck has suddenly become less comfortable to drive! The chassis and suspension protect you from the road's severe vibrations. After all, no pavement is ideal in terms of smoothness and levelness. If you're suddenly experiencing every bump, one component we can examine for you is the suspension. We may also inspect the tires, which are crucial to the quality of your ride, and even wrong tire air pressure might degrade the pleasure of your ride.
If you notice one or more of these problems, get your pickup truck examined and fix the issue.
