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Writer's pictureRI-FAB

6 Signs Your Truck Has Suspension Problems

Updated: Jan 3


Your truck’s suspension system is one of the most critical components that contribute to a smooth and controlled ride. Without it, the experience of driving would be far bumpier and much less safe. When the suspension system starts to fail, the handling, performance, and safety of your vehicle can become compromised. Detecting suspension issues early not only helps in saving on expensive repairs later but also improves the safety and comfort of your ride. In this guide, we’ll explore six common signs that your car might be experiencing suspension problems and what you can do to address them. Understanding these indicators will help you keep your vehicle in optimal condition and maintain a very smooth ride, safe driving experience.


Pulling to One Side When Driving


One of the earliest and most noticeable signs of a suspension issue is when your vehicle pulls to one side while driving. This pulling can make controlling your truck more challenging and can become dangerous if ignored. There are several potential reasons for this, ranging from uneven tire pressure, improper wheel alignment, to worn-out suspension components like the steering tierod and drag link, trac bar, control arms, balljoints or wheel bearings all can be the cause. Another common cause is wide tires or worn out steering stabilizer shocks. Steering stabilizer shocks drastically help improve handling and smooth steering. We highly recommend adding Dual Steering Stabilizers on any trucks with wider wheels or lift kits.


Worn out steering causes misalignment of the axle knuckles which is a common culprit, where the wheels aren't aligned properly, causing the vehicle to veer to one side. The factory style steering is known for wearing out and getting out of alignment which causes the truck to pull to one side and to drive all over the road. It’s important to have this checked by a mechanic as soon as possible. Whether you’re driving on the highway or through city streets, pulling to one side is a sign that your suspension system is not performing as it should. Fixing this issue early can improve vehicle safety and save you from more costly repairs down the road.


Death wobble and truck pulling all over the road


One of the most common issues with Ram and Ford trucks is the infamous “Death Wobble” where the truck will start shaking violently side to side and be extremely hard to control. This issue is usually caused by the track bar being worn out. The Trac Bar is a critical suspension part that connects the axle to the frame, and pivots in conjunction with the suspension and steering. When the stock factory rubber bushings or balljoints wear out, it allows play in the bar ends and whenever a bump is hit the axle starts moving side to side thus jerking the steering around and causing “Death Wobble”. The easiest way to tell if the trac bar is worn out is to have someone turn the steering wheel side to side while looking at both ends of the trac bar, if any slight movement or play is visible then the track bar is worn out. Replacing the trac bar with a heavy duty trac bar is highly recommended, or in some cases the trac bar ends can be replaced. We offer heavy duty Adjustable Trac Bars on our products page that will properly center your axle and never have death wobble.


Clunking Sounds and Noises


Clunking, rattling, creaking or squealing sound banging noises are often associated with a failing suspension system. These sounds are typically heard when driving over bumps, potholes, or uneven terrain. While you may expect some noise when going over rough surfaces, constant or excessive noise may indicate worn or damaged suspension components such as shock absorbers, ball joints, control arms, trac bar, steering or sway bar parts.


The shocks and struts in your suspension system are designed to absorb the impact of the road, making your ride smoother. If they are leaking, worn or damaged, they can't do their job properly, leading to a louder and rougher driving experience. Ignoring these sounds can lead to more serious damage over time, possibly affecting other parts of your vehicle's suspension system. It's essential to investigate these noises promptly to avoid more extensive—and expensive—repairs.


Truck Bounces After a Speed Bump


Have you ever noticed that your truck continues to bounce after driving over a speed bump or a rough patch of road? This is a clear sign that your shocks are worn out. The suspension system’s job is to absorb impacts and stabilize the vehicle after hitting a bump. Excessive bouncing after hitting bumps means your shocks are no longer functioning as they should. We highly recommend replacing worn out shocks with any name brand aftermarket shocks such as Fox, Bilstien, Radflo or Carbon. Visit our website for many different brands and models of shocks.


A suspension system in good condition will absorb the shock and quickly stabilize the car. If you feel a bounce or multiple bounces after a bump, it's likely that your shocks and struts need replacing. This not only makes for an uncomfortable and bumpy ride but can also lead to decreased control of the vehicle, especially when driving over uneven terrain. Replacing these components will restore the stability of your car, giving you a safer and more comfortable ride.


Oily and Leaky Shocks


Another visual clue that your suspension system may be in trouble is oily or greasy shocks. When these components are leaking fluid, they lose their ability to absorb impacts effectively. A well-functioning suspension system requires the shocks to be properly lubricated internally with fluid. If that fluid leaks or is leaking, your suspension is compromised, leading to a rough ride and reduced vehicle control.


Leaking shocks are often the result of wear and tear over time. Ignoring this issue can lead to total failure of these components, making bad suspension make your truck unsafe to drive. Regular maintenance and inspections of the suspension system can help catch these leaks early, allowing you to replace or repair damaged parts before they lead to further issues.


Excessive or Uneven Tire Wear


Tires are often the unsung heroes of a vehicle’s suspension system. Excessive or uneven tire wear can be a clear sign that something is wrong with your suspension. When your suspension isn’t functioning correctly, it can cause uneven pressure on the tires, leading to abnormal or uneven wear patterns. For example, if one side of the vehicle is bearing more weight than the other due to a suspension issue, the tires on that side will wear down faster.


Common culprits behind uneven tire wear include issues with the sway bars, steering, trac bar, control arms, shocks, or ball joints. Not only does uneven tire wear lead to a rougher ride, but it can also reduce the lifespan of your tires, forcing you to replace them more frequently. It’s essential to address any suspension issues that may be causing this problem, as well as keep up with regular tire rotations to ensure even wear across all four tires.


How Much Does It Cost to Repair My Truck’s Suspension?


The cost of repairing your trucks's suspension can vary widely, depending on which components need to be replaced and the extent of the damage. Simple repairs, such as replacing shocks or struts, may cost between $200 and $500, while more extensive work like replacing control arms or ball joints can cost up to $1,000 or more. Labor costs also play a role in the final price of suspension repair, as suspension repairs can be time-consuming and require specialized equipment. Finding a knowledgeable and experienced shop is very critical. We offer great over the phone customer service to help diagnose any issues with suspension.


If you experience multiple suspension issues simultaneously, the cost will obviously increase. However, addressing the problem early can prevent more severe damage, potentially saving you hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars in the long run. Always seek a detailed estimate from your mechanic to understand the scope of the repairs and the costs involved.


Conclusion


In summary, your truck’s suspension system is vital for maintaining a smooth, comfortable, and safe driving experience. Early detection of issues such as pulling to one side, difficulty steering, clunking noises, and uneven tire wear can help you avoid more costly repairs and dangerous driving conditions. By addressing these warning signs early and seeking professional help, you can keep your suspension system—and your truck—in optimal condition.


Regular maintenance, including visual inspections and addressing any signs of trouble immediately, will go a long way in ensuring that your suspension system continues to perform as it should. A well-functioning suspension system not only improves ride quality but also keeps you and your passengers safe on the road. Make sure to monitor these signs closely and invest in necessary repairs to keep your car and steering system running smoothly and efficiently.

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