What causes the front suspension of the Equinox to fall off?
3 Answers
Reasons for the front suspension of the Equinox falling off: damage at the connection points, loose nuts, or damage to the strut components. Damage at connection points: Check the upper and lower connection points between the suspension and the body for abnormal damage or loose nuts; any loose connection may cause abnormal noises, which can be resolved by tightening; Loose nuts: Check whether the self-locking nut at the upper part of the shock absorber piston rod is tightened, and whether the bolts and nuts at the lower connection are tightened. Any loose connection may also cause abnormal noises; this can be resolved by tightening; Damage to strut components: Check all parts of the strut for damage, including the vibration isolation block, buffer block, upper and lower spring cushions, pressure bearing, etc., or whether other components are damaged. Replace any damaged parts to resolve the issue.
My Equinox had a similar issue with the front suspension before. That time while driving on the highway, I suddenly felt severe wobbling from the front wheels. After stopping, I saw that a suspension component had come loose. It might have been due to loosened screws at the suspension joints or aging clips—these parts wear out easily over time, especially on bumpy roads which accelerate the damage. Later inspection revealed that the control arm bolt wasn't tightened properly, or possibly the shock absorber bracket had cracked. It's best not to continue driving, as losing steering control would be extremely dangerous. Towing it to a professional shop for parts replacement might cost a few hundred dollars. Remember to ask mechanics to thoroughly inspect the suspension system during routine maintenance.
As a mechanic who frequently works on SUVs like the Equinox, front suspension detachment is quite common, mostly due to broken control arms or links. Causes include hitting potholes, rusted and loosened screws, or fatigued shock springs. I've repaired several cases where owners admitted to hitting speed bumps too hard, causing excessive impact that led to material failure over time. It's crucial to stop and inspect the chassis immediately—continued driving risks tire damage or even rollovers. Regular suspension maintenance is recommended, such as having a shop check screw torque and component clearances every 20,000 kilometers.
