Volvos are popular for their great features and easy drivability, but these are impossible without a working suspension system. The suspension system helps to absorb shocks and vibrations on the road, providing better control and stability when driving.
For even better efficiency, the suspension bushings exist as a cushion between your car’s body frame and the suspension. This helps to mask vibrations and provide a smooth ride. However, the suspension bushings can fail leading to various stability problems and sometimes, safety concerns. We have provided some common signs to help you identify this failure and also how to deal with the situation.
Reasons for Suspension Bushing Failures in Your Volvo
The suspension bushing in a car is made from rubber material, meaning that they are easily susceptible to damage. Here are some common reasons for bushing failures in a car.
Natural Wear and Damage
This is one of the leading causes of failure of a car’s suspension bushing. With regular use, the rubber bushing can begin to wear out and then fail. Hence the older your car is, the more likely it is to have worn-out bushings.
Faulty installations
Another common cause of suspension bushing failures in most cars is faulty installation. If you have replaced your car’s suspension bushing recently and the repairman did not do a good job in properly aligning the bushings into its space, it may not be long before your car starts showing signs of a bushing failure.
Poor Maintenance
You may have the best car with the best features; however, without proper maintenance, your car and its components may not last long. With maintenance actions like regular inspections and timely repairs, you can prolong your car’s lifespan and protect its systems from failure.
However, if you fail to follow a maintenance schedule, your car’s suspension bushing may give up earlier than it should.
Other Factors
Other external factors like bad road conditions, extreme heat or high temperatures, and exposure to oils and chemicals can also cause a failure of the suspension bushing. For example, when chemicals and oil settle on the bushing then there is a frequent rise in temperature, the rubber material of the bushing can degrade faster, leading to its failure.
Common Signs of Suspension Bushing Failures in a Car
If you notice any of the following signs in your car, then it is an indication that the suspension bushing could be faulty.
Unusual Noises
This is one of the top signs of suspension bushing failures in a car. If you notice that your car’s suspension makes loud grinding or clanging noises especially when turning a corner or accelerating, it means the bushing no longer cushions the suspension, causing the noises you hear.
Uneven Tire Wear
If you notice that your car tires wear out unevenly in that the tires at one side have more or less wear than the other side, then you should inspect your car’s suspension bushings for signs of fault. This happens when the suspension bushings are worn out and they cause the suspension to get loose or misaligned. Hence, the areas with faulty suspension will have more tire wear than the areas where the suspension is good.
If you notice the above signs in your car, then it means you have to get your car’s suspension bushings inspected. However, these signs could also point to other problems with the suspension as they are not specific to the bushings alone.
Hence, the best way to care for your car in this case is to get professional help for its issues. Talking to a mechanic, rather than taking matters into your hands can ensure that you get the best care as they can perform a diagnostic check to figure out the exact cause of the signs you have noticed.
Top Automobile Repair Center in California for Your Volvo’s Suspension Bushings
The major reason why many car owners still have issues with their suspension system even after various repair plans and replacements is that they are not fixing the underlying cause of the problem their cars are facing. This is another reason why you should not take action on your car without your mechanic’s guidance.
Cerrone’s European is a top automobile service center in Redwood City, CA. We specialize in servicing and repair of European vehicles such as Land Rover, Jaguar, BMW, MINI, and Volvo. We have a team of factory-trained and ASE-certified technicians with the best tools to figure out what is wrong with your car and the best hands to fix it. Call us today for a convenient appointment!