How To Identify Volvo Suspension Bushing Failure Early
Are you wondering how to tell when the bushing in your Volvo has failed and what steps to take before it becomes a larger issue? Suspension bushings act as shock absorbers between metal parts in a suspension system. When they get worn, more movement in the vehicle than required is experienced. If bushing failure is identified early, it is easy to deal with it before it leads to severe tire wear or any other issues in the future. Detecting problems with your Volvo when they are still small, will cost you less and also enhance the handling of your car. Here are the early signs of bushing wear in Volvo models.
Symptoms of Bad Suspension Bushing
- Clunking or Banging Noises: The first thing you may observe when your bushing fails is a loud sound while driving through a bumpy road or rough terrain. This occurs when the bushing has rusted and no longer offers enough cushioning, allowing metal-on-metal contact.
- Poor Handling: It is also important to note that if your Volvo has that loose or numb steering feel, it could be because of a bad suspension bushing. The bushings keep everything in alignment and provide a firm grip over the vehicle, so when they become faulty, they are likely to affect the handling of the car – especially when cornering.
- Uneven Tire Wear: Hard and worn-out suspension bushing can cause misalignments in the suspension system, wearing out the tires unevenly. If one side of your tires is wearing out faster than the other, the bushings may be to blame.
- Vibrations: In some cases, a failing suspension bushing will not respond as it’s supposed to by absorbing shocks and vibrations. This will be noticeably seen in the form of shaking or vibrating when at high speed or on a bumpy surface.
- Squeaking Noises: As the bushings get older, they get dry or crack up, and as a result, you can hear squeaking sounds when turning or even while driving over bumps. These noises imply that the bushings can no longer provide the necessary cushion and may require replacement.
How to Detect and Overcome Failure of Suspension Bushing
If you see any signs of a failing bushing, here are the steps you should take to resolve the problem.
- Visual Inspection: The first test that should be done to diagnose a bushing failure is a simple visual check. Sometimes you can note that the car has flaws, like cracks or other damage, or the suspension components are excessively worn. It is recommended that a mechanic should carry out this inspection so that the bushings are well-checked.
- Testing for Play in the Suspension: A mechanic can also check for what is referred to as PLAY or FREE movement in the suspension. If the bushings are worn, there will be an excessive amount of movement and the vehicle stability will be worsened.
- Replacing Bushings: If the bushings are found to be worn out, they will require to be replaced. This is an easy fix, but the repair should be done by an expert mechanic to ensure that after replacing the bushings, the suspension system is realigned.
- Regular Maintenance: To avoid future bushing failure, it is recommended that the suspension system be checked during the vehicle routine maintenance check. This is important because if worn bushings are not detected on time, other parts of the suspension system will also be affected and require other costly repair work.
Enjoy The Best Volvo Suspension Repairs in Lake in the Hills
At SJM Autowerks, we have developed expertise in detecting and fixing suspension problems in Volvos, including bushing failure. Our experts have the know-how and tools to fix any challenge you might be experiencing in your car. If your Volvo shows any of the symptoms of suspension bushing wear discussed above, we can help diagnose your vehicle and do the repair work for you. We are located in Lake in the Hills, IL, and are happy to provide Volvo maintenance and repair to drivers throughout the region. Come to us today and let us check your vehicle for you and restore the smooth drive you once enjoyed!