Common questions

What do tires look like with bad shocks?

What do tires look like with bad shocks?

Cupping is uneven tire wear that looks like hollowed out areas on the tread. A rougher ride. Bottoming out (your vehicle’s body or suspension hitting the ground) when going up a parking garage ramp or backing out of a driveway. Longer stopping distance.

When do shocks and struts need to be replaced?

If the front end of your vehicle dives, when braking, it is an indication that your shocks and struts need to be examined. It might also roll or sway during steering. Lastly, if you make a turn and the rear end of the vehicle dips drastically to one side, your shocks or struts may need to be replaced.

How do you check the wear on a U-joint?

To check for wear when no dust is evident, grip one side of the joint firmly and try to turn the other side against holding pressure. There should be no play in the joint at all. Make another check by inserting a large screwdriver between the yoke and the spider and levering it to see if there is any play.

How to check the universal joint on a rear wheel drive car?

Universal joint on a rear-wheel drive. There should be no play in the joint at all. Make another check by inserting a large screwdriver between the yoke and the spider and levering it to see if there is any play. If you feel any play, fit a new joint or propshaft.

Why do tires bounce when shocks and struts are bad?

Tires have a consistent treadwear pattern across the tire, but when cupping occurs, you might have some tread, then have a smooth patch, then more tread, another smooth patch, and eventually a pattern shows itself on the tire. This abnormal pattern occurs because your tires will bounce up and down as you drive when your shocks and struts are bad.

Which is the best company to replace U joints?

Moog is an aftermarket parts company that manufactures high quality replacement U Joints or more durable upgrades for many makes and models. You can check out their options below: Moog offers aftermarket U Joints with improvements over OE parts and takes more demanding applications into account with their design.

Where are the U joints in a rear wheel drive car?

Generally there are two U Joints located along the drive line, usually near the engine and the rear differential in rear wheel drive vehicles. There are other drive train styles that use more U Joint connections along the drive line, such as in some 4WD vehicles.

What to look for when checking suspension joints?

Look for any movement other than the normal pivoting motion. If you see any movement inwards and outwards, examine the joints and bushes closely — they should not move. Use a lamp in dark, underwing areas. With MacPherson struts, look at the mounting at the top of the inner wing panel.

Can You Check Suspension with wheels still on?

Examination of suspension parts can often be carried out with the wheels still on, but on some cars you may have to remove them. Wheels must be on for some checks. Support the car securely on axle stands under chassis members. The force used to lever various suspension parts can easily topple a car that is not securely supported.

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Ruth Doyle