Shock Absorbers

• Common symptoms of faulty shock absorbers
• Unstable, bouncy ride.
• Tires losing contact with the road.
• Hard impact when you drive over a bump.
• Leaking fluid.

Function

Shock absorbers are attached to the vehicle body and suspension components. They are used to absorb road shock, providing a smooth ride. Most cars have shock absorbers in the back wheels and strut assembly in the front. Older cars and trucks may have shock absorbers at all four wheels. Shock absorbers are basically cylindrical containers filled with gas or liquid. They are mounted from the suspension to the frame of the car. When you drive over a bump, the pistons inside the shocks move up and down against the liquid or gas. Shock absorbers take a beating day after day, especially on bumpy roads. The gas or liquid will eventually leak, resulting in an unstable or rugged ride. With worn shock absorbers, it is possible that the tires could lose contact with the road and/or wear out prematurely.

Springs/coil springs

• Common symptoms of faulty Coil springs
• Car leans to one side or another.
• Coil spring is broken

Function

The suspension spring coils are part of the shock absorbing system. Each wheel has one suspension coil spring. The wheel is connected to the control arms through ball joints. The control arm is connected to the frame through the bushings. There are two control arms on each side of the car. There is a spring (suspension spring) in between the lower control arm and the upper control arm that helps the shock absorbers absorb the shocks to give you a smooth ride. 

Control Arm

• Common symptoms of faulty control arm
• Banging noises when driving over the bumps or turning the car.
• Wheel assembly moves or shakes.
• Steering wheel feels loose.
• Steering wheel or car vibrates when driving.
• The tires are worn.

Function

A control arm set (lower and upper) connects the front suspension of the car to the frame of the car. It is connected to the wheels through ball joints, and to the frame of the car through bushings. It is usually found on the front side of the car. (Few cars have control arms in the back.) If the control arm is bent (can happen when you are in an accident or go over a large pothole), or the bushings wear out, you may have to replace the control arm assembly. It is a good idea to replace the bushings and the ball joints while doing this service.

Link Rods

• Common symptoms of faulty Link Rods
• Excessive tire wear.
• Car pulling to the left or right.
• Steering wheel shakes.
• Vehicle cannot be aligned.

Function

A car’s steering wheel is connected to the steering gear that helps the steering wheel turn the wheels. The steering gear is connected to the wheels via the tie rod ends. The job of the tie rod end is to ensure the wheels are aligned. It provides the adjustment for wheel alignment that keeps the tires from wearing out on the inner and outer edges. If they wear out, the wheels will lose alignment and you may find that the tires and steering wheels are shaking when you drive the car.