It’s normal for a car to bounce or sway a little when going over bumps in the road. If your vehicle is excessively bouncy, however, that’s often a sign of a problem. There are a few different things that can cause excessive bouncing. In this article, we’ll look the most common causes and how to address them.
Shock Absorbers
One of the first parts you should check if your car is bouncy are the shock absorbers. Shock absorbers (sometimes just called shocks) are part of your car’s suspension system. They work to absorb the “shock” your car experiences, dampening the motion if your car hits a bump or pothole. This keeps your ride smooth. When shocks wear out, you may experience extra bouncing on bumpy or uneven roads. You may also notice longer stopping distances or poor braking, uneven tire wear, and nose-diving while you speed up or slow down.
If your shocks are worn, you should have them replaced promptly. Shocks play an important role in protecting your car from rough bumps and in your car’s handling and braking.
Struts
Struts are another important component in your vehicle’s suspension. Some cars do not use struts, and some cars use struts in combination with shocks. A strut is similar to a shock in that it helps to absorb motion. It also goes a step further, providing structural support and keeping your tires in contact with the road. If your struts have worn out, you will likely notice extra bouncing and swaying while turning, uneven tire wear, strange noises while driving over rough surfaces, and even some fluid leakage around the struts.
Strut wear can look similar to shock wear. Both are important parts in the suspension system, and both should be replaced when necessary. If your struts are causing issues, be sure to bring your car to a trusted mechanic—like the ones at Restored Auto, LLC—so they can get your car up and running again.
Tires
Another cause of excessive bouncing is tire problems. Tires are, of course, an important car part. They are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road. Without tires, your car can’t move. Tires are also known for wearing down and needing to be repaired or replaced. Tire problems that can cause bouncing include:
- Misaligned tires,
- Underinflated tires,
- Tires with no tread depth left, and
- Tires with blisters or bulges.
Replacing tires is fairly easy and can solve this problem pretty quickly. Maintaining your tires by regularly rotating them, keeping them properly inflated, and balancing them can help to prevent this problem.
Steering System
Your steering system allows you to point and control your vehicle. This is important for traveling, maneuvering corners, and overall vehicle handling. Issues with your steering system may result in excessive bouncing. If the system relies on rack bushing, you may notice bouncing or vibrating if the rack bushing has worn down. This can also lead to alignment problems which will, in turn, create more problems.
If your steering system is to blame for the extra bouncing, take your car to a mechanic for repairs. You may need to have the rack bushing tightened or loosened. You may need to have other repairs done as well. The steering system is critical for both the function and safety of your car, so don’t delay this repair.
Call Restored Auto, LLC for help with your bouncy car.
If your car is extra bouncy and you’re not sure why, Restored Auto, LLC can help. We’ll work to diagnose the issue and provide you with the best solution for your vehicle. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
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