Signs of Suspension Issues in Your BMW

by Mechanics Direct August 2, 2019

Aside from your BMW’s body work and engine, the suspension is undoubtedly the largest system in your car. It is essential that your BMW’s suspension is well maintained, not only so you achieve the amazing driving experience BMW is so well known for, but also to ensure your vehicle is road safe. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the signs and symptoms of suspension issues in your BMW and discuss how to repair and maintain your suspension to prevent problems in the future.

Veering Left or Right

When driving, if you find it is a struggle to maintain a straight path, and feel instead like your BMW wants to pull to the left or right, then it is likely your car is suffering from suspension issues. This is usually caused by poor alignment of your vehicle’s wheels. Symptoms of misalignment can often be seen by uneven tire wear. There are many causes for your vehicle’s suspension to become misaligned, from uneven tire pressure to poor tie rods to a bad steering rack or a brake caliper that’s sticking.

When suffering with a BMW that wants to pull to the right or left, before bringing your car to the shop, check the condition of your tires as well as their pressure. If the issue is something simple such as an underinflated tire, you could save yourself a servicing bill.

However, if your BMW’s suspension becomes misaligned and it is not due to an obvious issue, you need to seek professional help. The wheels could have become misaligned due to hitting a pothole, curb, or driving over rough terrain. This sudden misalignment is usually due to a breakage somewhere within the suspension system.

Rough Ride

If your shocks, struts, or bushing has failed, you will notice your BMW develops an incredibly rough ride. You will feel every little bump in the road, and put simply, your entire driving experience can be unpleasant.

You can test your suspension quite simply. When your BMW is parked, put all your weight on its front end and note the response of your car when you release the pressure. If it bounces several times, then it is likely you have a suspension issue on your hands.

Also, it is always advisable to check your shock absorbers after even the most minor of fender benders, as sudden impacts can cause your shock absorbers to leak, leading to a roughened ride.

A Corner Sitting Low

You may notice your BMW sitting low when your car is parked on level ground. If when looking at your BMW, you notice one corner of the vehicle is sitting lower to the ground than the others, then it is likely that one of your suspension springs has become damaged and needs repairing or replacing. A damaged spring can also make cornering more difficult, as the suspension struggles to support the BMW’s weight.

Noisy Suspension

One of the clearest signs of a suspension issue in your BMW is unpleasant noises coming from the underside of your car. A perfectly functioning suspension should make no sound at all, and if even minor screeches or clunks are heard, it is usually an early warning sign of a failure somewhere within the suspension system.

There are many causes for sound from your suspension, and below are listed some of the most common:

• Unlubricated Parts
• Worn-out Ball Joints
• Worn-out Bushing
• Damaged Springs
• Leaking Shock Absorbers

Where to Go For Help

If you suspect potential problems with your BMW’s suspension, no matter how minor, it is your duty as a responsible BMW owner to seek diagnosis and repairs from a professional. Damaged suspensions can cause all manner of dangerous accidents, and keeping your car safe for yourself and passengers should always be a driver’s number one priority.

Along with responding quickly to symptoms of potential failure, you should always ensure regularly-scheduled maintenance appointments for your BMW. That way, any issue that arises will be dealt with in a swift manner, saving you money in the process.

Luckily, if you live in or around North Chelmsford, Chelmsford, Dracut, Tyngsborough, Westford, or Lowell, MA, Mechanics Direct are on hand to help with any suspension issue your BMW is currently facing. Our dedicated team is on hand 8am-5pm Monday through Friday, and with our 3 year/36,000 mile guarantee, you’re all but certain to drive away happy and safe.