What are the symptoms of a damaged subframe bushing?
2 Answers
During the driving process, the car will produce abnormal noises as the road conditions change. Here is an introduction to the symptoms of damaged suspension bushings: 1. When passing over speed bumps: When passing over speed bumps, cobblestone roads, or dirt roads, you will hear a "clanging" metal knocking sound; 2. On roads with large potholes: On roads with significant potholes, the noise will persist continuously; 3. Loss of shock absorption function: The suspension and other metal parts are connected in a "hard" manner, relying on the bushings to buffer vibrations and noise between the metal components. If the bushings are worn out, they can no longer absorb shocks, leading to metal parts colliding with each other and producing noise, which affects the stability of the car while driving and the vehicle's cushioning function.
As an average car owner, I've experienced the situation where the control arm bushing was worn out. At first, it was just a 'thudding' sound when going over speed bumps, and the chassis felt somewhat loose. Later, the steering became vague, the car body slightly pulled to one side at high speeds, the steering wheel vibrated a bit, and the cabin felt more shaky. One time during heavy rain, I almost lost control when cornering, which made me realize the severity of the issue. This bushing is a critical component of the suspension system. When it fails, it not only affects comfort but can also accelerate wear on other parts, such as ball joints or shock absorbers. When I took it to the repair shop, the mechanic said aging is a common cause, with rubber cracking leading to increased gaps. Now, during every maintenance check, I have them inspect the chassis bushings. Spending a bit on replacements is minor compared to ensuring driving safety.
