What are the symptoms of a broken car suspension spring?
3 Answers
Symptoms of a broken car shock absorber spring: 1. Weak shock absorber rebound: The rebound force of the shock absorber is provided by the suspension spring absorbing road vibrations and impacts. Once the suspension spring is damaged, it will greatly affect the rebound force of the shock absorber. 2. Poor vibration filtering effect: As the suspension spring weakens, the overall vibration filtering effect of the vehicle will deteriorate. Additionally, when driving on extremely bumpy roads, there is a high risk of the shock absorber bottoming out. 3. Shock absorber noise: Bending damage to the suspension spring can also cause the spring end face to tilt. Once the spring end face becomes tilted or bent, it will rub against the spring base during operation, producing abnormal noises.
I remember last year when I was driving my old car, the first symptom of the broken spring was that the car body was noticeably lower on one side, looking crooked when parked. The ride became much bumpier – it was okay on smooth roads, but hitting potholes caused loud banging noises, making it as uncomfortable as riding a rollercoaster. When turning, the car swayed violently, especially at that highway exit curve where the tires lost grip, and I almost scraped the curb – it was terrifying. Later, during inspection, I found out the spring had snapped, causing the shock absorbers to suffer as well. If left unrepaired, uneven tire wear would occur, and prolonged driving would misalign the wheels, accelerating wear and requiring premature tire replacement. I suggest drivers regularly check their car’s height and visit a workshop early if unusual noises increase – it saves money and ensures peace of mind.
As someone who often performs DIY car maintenance, I find the signs of broken springs quite easy to identify. First, visually check if all four wheels are at the same height when parked – the side with a broken spring will noticeably sag. Take it for a test drive; if vibrations from bumpy roads are directly transmitted to the cabin, making the ride uncomfortable, don't ignore it. Then perform a simple test: with the car stationary, press down on each corner. If the car bounces up and down several times before settling, the spring may be worn or broken. During inspections, I often hear squeaking noises, and the sound of spring fragments rubbing is quite obvious. Related to this, other components of the car's chassis, such as shock absorbers and links, may also be damaged. Failing to replace them promptly can affect handling safety. DIY enthusiasts can learn to replace simple parts, but since springs involve the suspension, it's best to have a professional handle them safely.
