Truck Suspension Warning Signs

Need to know if the problem is your truck suspension?

The Common Signs That Your Truck Suspension Has A Problem Are:
Pulling To One Side.
Feeling Every Bump.
Diving, Rolling & Leaning.
Difficulty Steering.
Suspension Used Parts.

Truck suspension issues can be difficult to diagnose. It's usually pretty easy to tell the symptoms, but identifying the source of the issue is another thing. Faulty or worn shocks, struts, springs, tie rods or ball joints can wreak havoc on your vehicle and make your car or truck unsafe to drive.
Wear and tear is only an issue if you actively ignore the problem and allow your vehicle to run itself into the ground! Pay attention to how your vehicle handles and what you're hearing—and address problems immediately as they arise.

Here is more about some of the Truck Suspension warning signs:

Pulling to One Side While Driving

Pulling to the left or right is the most common sign of suspension problems. It can also be one of the hardest problems to diagnose without the help of a professional. Tires need to be aligned precisely for toe-in, caster and camber. Poor alignment means uneven tire wear, annoying pulling, a constant fight with the steering wheel, and even decreased gas mileage. Your vehicle could be pulling for any number of reasons:

Uneven tire pressure
Uneven tire wear
Poor alignment
Bad tie rods or steering rack

Sticking brake caliperIf you blow through a pothole or climb over a curb or two, your alignment can get out of whack. Sudden changes in alignment don't happen magically. Something broke. It could be a broken spring or control arm.

Feeling Every Bump in the Road

A rough ride is a clear indicator your shocks or struts could be worn and in need of replacement. When every bump on the road makes your car bounce, you've got suspension problems and need to get it checked out.

Try the bounce test—when your car is parked, put all of your weight on the front end, release, and observe how the vehicle responds. If it bounces back and forth 3 or more times, the shocks and/or struts are worn and need replacing.

Worn Shock Absorbers Mean Big Problems

Shock absorbers, true to the name, are the main culprit when your car feels "bumpier" than ever. They're designed to keep your tires on the road. When they don't, the car will bounce all over the place. Shocks have fluid which dampen the bouncing. When they leak, their performance suffers and the absorbers will eventually fail.

Don't Count Out a Worn Leaf Spring

Leaf springs may sometimes cause problems with excessive bouncing. You can double check the possibility of a busted leaf spring by checking if the car or truck seems to "lean" back in a standing position. Many trucks are designed to be "nose down" to accomodate extra weight in the rear. If your pickup truck appears to sit level, it could be extra proof of an issue with a leaf spring.

Even the slightest damage from an accident can cause shocks to leak and permanently damage them beyond repair. Get it checked out.

Momentum Makes Your Car Nose Dive, Lean Back, or Roll

Shocks or struts can be in need of replacement when you notice the following related issues:

Your car “nose dives” when braking (it leans forward).
Your vehicle “rolls” to the side when cornering (it leans side-to-side).
Your car “squats” during acceleration (it leans backward).

Of course, with extreme handling, you could force these things to happen in a vehicle with a brand new suspension system. We're talking about everyday driving situations. You shouldn't be leaning forward for a routine stop in a suburban intersection.