Poor Wheel Alignment
Poor wheel alignment causes damage to your tires and the suspension system which makes it harder to control your vehicle.
Alignment & Suspension
Alignment & Suspension
Your Vehicle's Suspension
What is a Suspension?
Is your vehicle not riding as smoothly as it used to? Your suspension is made up of struts, shocks, ball joints, coil springs, sway bars, link kits, and control arms. If any of these components get worn down or break, it could affect your suspension and how your vehicle performs. If an issue regarding your vehicle’s suspension is not addressed, it may lead to other problems throughout the lifetime of your car. No need to worry, these issues are usually common and can be fixed by our technicians and service staff at Rydell in Grand Forks. Bring your vehicle in today or make an appointment with our friendly service members.
Signs You May Need Your Suspension Repaired
- Continued bouncing after hitting bumps
- Drifting or pulling to one side when turning corners
- One side of the vehicle sits lower than the other when parked
- Difficulty steering
Common Causes for a Bad Suspension
Bad Shocks or Struts
Shocks and struts can break down over time which will decrease their efficiency. It may cause your vehicle ride to be bumpier than normal.
Damaged Springs
Springs are what hold up your vehicle correctly, but they can break down over time. If your vehicle is leaning down towards the ground on one side, this is a sign that a spring in your vehicle may be damaged.
Failing Ball Joints
Ball joints are what absorb the shock and maintain the proper steering. A sign of a failing ball joint is a squeaking or clanking sound when the wheel is turned.
Bad Control Arms
Control arms are hinges that hold your wheels to the frame of the vehicle. Front-wheel drive vehicles are prone to damage of the lower control arm bushings. If there are rattling sounds while you turn, there may be a bent control arm.
Alignment
An alignment refers to an adjustment of the suspension of your vehicle. For a car, truck, or SUV to operate properly, they rely on the combination of power, acceleration, steering, and brakes which requires the proper alignment specifications and a well-maintained suspension. We recommend you check your vehicle’s owner’s manual to find out what is recommended for your vehicle’s specific make and model. Here’s what you need to look for in order to stay safe:
Definitions
- Toe
- Direction tires point, relative to each other
- Camber
- Tire angle, pivoting toward or away from the axle
- Caster
- The degree that the steering axis is tilted as viewed from the side of the car
Signs You Need an Alignment
In Conclusion
If you notice any of the issues listed above in your vehicle, stop by, call, or text Rydell at (701) 772-7211 to get your vehicle inspected so we can diagnose where the problem is coming from and consider the best options to move forward. If any problems are occurring with the alignment or suspension, they should not be ignored because they can cause significant damage to your vehicle. It’s important to us that our customers receive the best care and are able to stay safe on the road.
Schedule Service with Rydell