As you can imagine, your suspension has a lot of joints and pivots points that allow your wheels to move up and down over bumps, and to turn as you steer. These joints simply wear out over time. When a joint is worn, the suspension parts don’t fit together as tightly as they should. Handling and steering feels loose, and you may hear strange noises. Your tires will wear unevenly because they are bouncing on the road. A loose joint has the effect of stressing other suspension components so they wear out faster than they should.

Here are some common signs of suspension problems:

• Uneven and premature tire wear
• Excessive play in the steering
• Front of vehicle slumps when braking, bottoms out when accelerating
• Visible damage

Proper maintenance according to the manufacturer’s recommendations means having your suspension inspected regularly and repairing or replacing it when needed.

Address a small problem before it becomes a major repair later and avoid additional costs by having parts replaced or the wheel geometry checked to ensure it respects the manufacturer’s specifications. Manufacturers also recommend replacing the shock absorbers at pre-established intervals.

If you suspect a problem, ask a certified NAPA AUTOPRO technician to run a diagnosis and make the necessary adjustments to the front and back suspension.