When it comes to your vehicle's suspension system, the strut assembly plays a crucial role in maintaining stability, absorbing shocks, and providing a comfortable ride. However, like any other component, the strut assembly can wear out over time and develop problems. Identifying these issues early on is essential to ensure your safety and prevent further damage to your vehicle. In this blog post, we will discuss five signs that indicate a bad strut assembly.
Uneven Tire Wear
One of the most common signs of a failing strut assembly is uneven tire wear. When the struts are worn out or damaged, they fail to properly support the vehicle's weight, causing the tires to make uneven contact with the road surface. As a result, you may notice excessive wear on certain areas of your tires. If you observe cupping or bald spots on the tread, it's a clear indication that the strut assembly needs attention.
Excessive Bouncing or Vibrations
A healthy strut assembly ensures a smooth and comfortable ride by absorbing the impact of bumps and uneven road surfaces. However, when the struts wear out, they lose their ability to dampen vibrations and shocks effectively. As a result, you may experience excessive bouncing, especially when going over speed bumps or potholes. Additionally, you might feel vibrations in the steering wheel or throughout the vehicle. If you notice these symptoms, it's time to have your strut assembly inspected.
Nose Diving During Braking
The strut assembly also plays a crucial role in the braking system. If you feel your vehicle dipping forward significantly when you apply the brakes, it could be a sign of a failing strut assembly. When the struts lose their ability to control weight transfer, the front end of the vehicle tends to dip downward, known as nose-diving. This not only affects your braking performance but also poses a safety risk. Promptly address this issue to ensure optimal braking capability.
Difficulty Steering or Handling
As the struts wear out, they may struggle to provide the necessary support and stability to the vehicle. You may notice increased difficulty in steering, especially when making turns or maneuvering around corners. The vehicle might feel unstable or sway excessively, compromising your ability to control it effectively. These handling issues can be dangerous, particularly in emergency situations. If you experience any of these symptoms, have your strut assembly inspected and replaced if necessary.
Leaking or Damaged Strut
Visual inspection is another way to identify a bad strut assembly. Look for signs of leaking or damage to the struts. If you notice oil or fluid leaking from the strut assembly, it indicates a seal failure or internal damage. Additionally, physical damage, such as dents, bent components, or corrosion, can compromise the strut's performance and structural integrity. If you notice any visible signs of damage, it's crucial to have your strut assembly examined by a professional mechanic.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a bad strut assembly can negatively impact your vehicle's performance, handling, and safety. Uneven tire wear, excessive bouncing or vibrations, nose-diving during braking, difficulty steering or handling, and leaking or damaged struts are all signs that should not be ignored. If you observe any of these symptoms, it's essential to have your strut assembly inspected and replaced if necessary. Remember, maintaining a well-functioning suspension system is crucial for a smooth and safe driving experience.
High-Quality Loaded Struts From GSP North America
GSP has developed a line of loaded struts called Advantedge Loaded Struts. These struts bring an advantage that will outperform the competition and require half the installation time. Engineered to the highest standards, these loaded struts have been designed to OE specifications, are easy to install, and are offered for over 800 different makes and models. Each GSP Advantedge loaded strut carries a 2-year warranty or 30,000 miles, whichever occurs first, giving you the peace of mind that you are purchasing a high-quality part.
Fitment
To ensure quality, factory-like fitment straight out of the box, each GSP Advantedge loaded strut is designed to OE specification with performance and ride quality in mind. You can easily replace your old strut and spring assembly with a direct-replacement design with this all-in-one unit.
Quality
To ensure that each GSP-loaded strut is of the utmost OE quality and performance, each Advantedge strut is submitted to durability and endurance tests. At GSP, we only produce the highest quality products and ensure we test them thoroughly before giving them our approval.
Durability & Performance
GSP's dual-layered, chrome-finished piston rods provide superior corrosion resistance guaranteeing maximum seal life in even the most extreme environments. Where many cheaper and factory struts fail, GSP has ensured you will get great durability and performance from Advantedge struts.
Premium Materials
Each Advantedge loaded strut coil spring has been tuned for correct performance and ride height for your specific vehicle to give your vehicle the perfect strut and spring combination. This allows you to get factory-like ride height with industry-leading performance.
