You don’t notice your suspension—until every pothole feels like an earthquake. That’s when your steering gets sluggish, your tires wear unevenly, and your braking distance stretches longer than it should. By the time you realize something’s wrong, your car has already been compromised.
At M & R Auto, we’ve seen every kind of suspension failure, and we know the signs most drivers ignore. If you live in Palo Alto or the surrounding area and something feels off with your ride, don’t wait until it gets worse. Here are five common suspension problems and how they can turn from minor annoyances to major safety risks.
What Do Worn-Out Shock Absorbers Look Like? Your First Line of Defense
If your shocks aren’t doing their job, your tires aren’t gripping the road the way they should. Every time you hit a bump, your car should absorb the impact, keeping you in control. Worn shocks make your car bounce excessively, reducing stability and braking efficiency.
For example, some Tesla Model S vehicles from 2015-2017 have documented front suspension issues that make the car more prone to failure over rough terrain. If left unaddressed, faulty shocks can increase stopping distance by 20%, putting you and others at risk.
Fix It Fast: If your ride feels bouncy, your steering feels loose, or your tires show uneven wear, it’s time for an inspection. At M & R Auto, we replace worn shocks with premium parts that restore performance and keep you safe.
Do I Have Broken Coil Springs? The Silent Killer of Comfort
Coil springs don’t just make your ride smooth—they support the entire weight of your vehicle. A broken spring can cause your car to sit unevenly, reduce handling performance, and even lead to metal-on-metal contact that damages other parts of your suspension.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class models from the early 2000s were notorious for front spring perch failures, leading to complete suspension collapse in some cases. When this happens on the highway, the results aren’t just costly—they’re dangerous.
Fix It Fast: If your car leans to one side, sits lower than usual, or makes clunking sounds when you drive over bumps, don’t ignore it. Bring it to M & R Auto, and we’ll make sure your suspension is working as it should.
What Are Failing Control Arms? When Steering Becomes a Struggle
Control arms keep your wheels aligned and connected to your suspension. If they fail, you’ll feel it in your steering—vague response, pulling to one side, and a general feeling that you’re fighting your own car.
Some Toyota RAV4 models from 2019-2021 were recalled due to improperly tightened control arms that could detach from the vehicle entirely. Imagine that happening at high speeds.
Fix It Fast: If your car drifts when you let go of the wheel, your steering feels off, or you hear a popping noise when turning, your control arms might be failing. At M & R Auto, we inspect and replace worn control arms to keep your vehicle safe and responsive.
Do I Have Misaligned Wheels? More Than Just a Pull
A bad alignment doesn’t just make your steering feel off—it eats away at your tires, drains your fuel efficiency, and forces your suspension to work overtime. Every misalignment means your car is dragging itself down the road instead of rolling smoothly.
Hitting one pothole too hard or driving over speed bumps too aggressively can knock your alignment out of spec. If your steering wheel isn’t centered or your car pulls to one side, your alignment is likely the culprit.
Fix It Fast: At M & R Auto, we use advanced alignment technology to get your wheels back where they belong, improving handling and preventing premature tire wear.
What Are Worn Ball Joints? Small Part, Big Consequences
Ball joints are what allow your suspension to pivot and move. When they wear out, they cause clunking sounds, shaky steering, and—if they fail entirely—a wheel detachment. That’s not an exaggeration.
Ford F-150 models from 2015-2020 have been documented with ball joint issues that cause erratic steering and excessive tire wear. Ignoring the warning signs means risking total loss of control.
Fix It Fast: If your car makes knocking noises when you turn, or your steering feels unpredictable, your ball joints could be worn. M & R Auto checks for excessive play and replaces faulty joints before they become a catastrophic failure.
Why You Should Fix Suspension Issues Before They Get Worse
Suspension problems don’t stay problems—they turn into safety hazards. Bad shocks reduce your ability to brake in an emergency. Broken springs lead to uneven tire wear and increased fuel costs. Loose control arms make your car unpredictable on the road.
If you’ve noticed a rougher ride, uneven tire wear, or strange noises, don’t wait. M & R Auto serves Palo Alto drivers with expert suspension repair, getting you back on the road safely.
