Why Suspension Issues can Arise Anytime in Your Volvo on the Roads of Decatur
All Volvo owners have one thing in common; they require reliability. That being said, they have found their match with the Volvo brand of cars. Known for its simplistic and sturdy style, the Volvo is given high-quality marks each year. Sometimes there are outside influences on your vehicle, such as road conditions, that can affect even the most well-built suspension system.
Common Causes of Suspension Issues
Suspension systems are designed to provide a cushion, not only for the driver’s comfort but also to protect the frame and components of your Volvo from damage.
When the suspension system starts to break down, it raises the risk of expensive repairs due to damage to your vehicle. The main cause of suspension issues is lack of maintenance and driving with poor road conditions. Catching these issues before they turn into a significant repair is vital.
Let’s explore what is considered suspension issues and the causes of them in your Volvo.
Failed Ball Joints
Ball joints can be compared to an ankle or hip joint. Allowing movement with your steering system, they make for a comfortable, smooth ride, as well as help you control your vehicle.
Once a ball joint begins to fail, you will soon notice extreme tire wear on the wheel affected. Another sign is if there is excessive side to side movement of the wheel when the tire is off the ground. A complete failure of a ball joint may result in loss of control of your vehicle.
Ball joints are one of the first lines of defense against poor road conditions to protect your car, and as such, they are usually one of the first components to fail.
Inner & Outer Tie-Rod Issues
As with ball joints, your Volvo is equipped with tie-rods that are attached to your steering rack. As you turn the steering wheel, the tie-rods push and pull to turn the wheels. A loose or damaged tie-rod will show itself in the same manner as a ball joint, with excessive side to side wheel movement and will result in the same tire wear.
The most significant difference between a failed tie-rod and a bad ball joint, however, is that if you lose a tie-rod while driving, it can be catastrophic. There will be absolutely no way to steer your car. This is why sticking to scheduled maintenance on your Volvo is so important.
Broken Springs
Broken springs in your Volvo will make for a rough ride, as they carry most of the car’s weight off the rest of your suspension. When a spring breaks, your Volvo may lean towards the ground. Failure to have a broken spring corrected will adversely affect the rest of your suspension.
Bad Shocks and Struts
Shock and Strut failures may show themselves with leaking hydraulic fluid that usually provides the absorption for bumps within them. Both of these parts are what make those nasty potholes and speed bumps bearable. When they are damaged, there will be little protection from road hazards, further damaging your suspension.
Other Causes of Suspension Issues
Road conditions are not alone in causing problems with your Volvo’s suspension. Operator errors and bad decisions to drive through high water can remove lubricants used to add life to suspension components.
Another cause is the lack of greasing due to skipped scheduled servicing. Some owners try to save money by getting more miles between recommended maintenance but usually pay more for their decision in the long term.
Keeping Your Suspension Healthy
At Munich West, one of Atlanta’s finest European auto repair shops, we offer affordable and reliable alternatives to the dealership. Serving Decatur and Atlanta, GA, our technicians are factory-trained expert mechanics with over 100 years of combined experience.
We specialize in the servicing and repair of Volvo and other high-engineered European models and can help you maintain a healthy suspension system that will last for years. Contact us today for an appointment to let us show you what we can do to keep your car running as designed. We look forward to earning your business.
