How serious is a suspension?
Asked by: Catharine Larson | Last update: June 15, 2025Score: 5/5 (15 votes)
You may not think a lot about your car's suspension system, but if it fails, it can quite literally stop you in your tracks. Driving with a broken or worn out suspension system not only puts unnecessary wear and tear on your vehicle's tires, but it can put you—and others on the road—at serious risk.
Is it okay to drive with a bad suspension?
When a car's suspension breaks, there are multiple components that could be causing the problem - such as a broken coil spring or a broken shock absorber. However, regardless of what is broken with the car's suspension, you should not drive the vehicle.
Is suspension worth fixing?
A functioning suspension can help keep you comfortable and safe on the road. While car suspension repair can add up quickly, getting your suspension fixed promptly can keep the cost down and prevent other issues, like tires that need to be replaced because they were worn unevenly.
How serious is suspension damage?
Driving a car with a broken or damaged suspension system is like walking with a broken leg. It will feel unbalanced and unstable, which can cause you to lose control of your car or worse.
What happens when a suspension goes out?
If something in the suspension system goes wrong, you will likely feel it when you steer. You may notice your vehicle pulling to one side, for example. Suspension system issues can cause steering problems, but they can also come from several other factors.
How to Tell Shocks and Struts Are Worn - Guide to Test Signs and Symptoms
How much does it cost to replace suspension?
The suspension has many components, and, thus, you can expect the check to be around $1,000-$5,000. However, it's important to be aware of the more costly replacements and procedures: Shock absorber replacement: $200-$1,500. Coil spring replacement: $550-$700.
Will a suspension settle out?
If you let a suspension sit for long enough, however, the particles will settle out, leaving you with a heterogeneous mixture.
How long does suspension damage take to fix?
The duration of suspension repair depends on the complexity of the issue and the availability of parts. Here's a general timeframe: Basic repairs may take a few hours. Extensive repairs, such as full suspension replacement, may take a day or more.
What noise does a broken suspension make?
The first indication of any trouble with suspension will probably come from an unusual noise. There'll be a knocking, creaking or clanking from under the car. In extreme cases, your car might not want to drive in a straight line without you constantly making adjustments with the steering wheel.
Does suspension affect transmission?
The greatest, and generally last effect, of a worn suspension system is damage to your vehicle. This damage can extend to something as simple as a bent drive shaft to something as extensive as bent control arms, sheared tie rods, a busted transmission or a dead differential.
How much does suspension cost to fix?
A suspension repair will typically cost between £100 and £600. It depends on the design of the suspension system, the part that needs replacing, and the make/model of your car. The average price on FixMyCar is £134.33.
What causes a car suspension to go bad?
Overloading your car or truck can strain the suspension system, leading to premature wear of springs, shocks and other suspension components. This excess weight compresses the suspension beyond its designed limits, resulting in a rougher ride and potential component failure.
Do mechanics fix suspension?
Our qualified auto service mechanics will thoroughly check your suspension system, and let you know if any of its components are damaged or in need of replacement. We'll talk you through the work required and costs charged upfront, so you can get your car in perfect working order for the price you expect.
How long will bad suspension last?
Signs Your Suspension Is Bad
Your vehicle's suspension system can last from 50,000 to 100,000 miles if properly maintained. However, erratic driving and other factors can shorten the life of the system.
Does driving fast damage suspension?
Speeding Over Speed Bumps
The damage that you do to your suspension when you hit a speed bump too fast can literally blow out a tire, break a suspension spring, or even the axle if it's old. Speed bumps and dips are designed for slow driving, so take heed and protect your vehicle when you navigate them.
What do bad struts sound like?
Bad strut sounds are usually described as a hollow clunking or banging type of sound. You'll typically hear the noise when the vehicle is traveling over irregularities in the road.
What happens if the suspension breaks while driving?
You may not think a lot about your car's suspension system, but if it fails, it can quite literally stop you in your tracks. Driving with a broken or worn out suspension system not only puts unnecessary wear and tear on your vehicle's tires, but it can put you—and others on the road—at serious risk.
Why is my car banging over bumps?
Worn Shock Absorbers or Struts
These components are crucial for dampening the impact of bumps. When they wear out, they can't absorb shocks effectively, leading to metal-on-metal contact that produces a knocking sound.
Is it safe to drive with noisy suspension?
You should not drive with a creaking suspension. Continuing to drive with a squeaky suspension could result in premature tyre damage, poor handling and reduced stability. Put your safety first and have your suspension inspected by a professional mechanic.
How much should it cost to replace suspension?
The average cost for a Suspension Shock or Strut Replacement is between $984 and $1,102. Labor costs are estimated between $218 and $275 while parts are priced between $766 and $827. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.
Will a body shop fix a totaled car?
Yes, a body shop can repair a totaled vehicle if the insurance company deems the repair cost less than the car's value before the accident. The shop will assess the damage and provide an estimate to the insurance provider.
Is replacing suspension worth it?
Enjoy benefits of replacing worn shocks and struts
Replacing these worn components will restore the ride control and handling the vehicle demonstrated when it was new. It also means longer tire wear.
Is suspension serious?
Suspension does not mean an employee has done anything wrong, and should not be used to discipline someone. Being suspended can be stressful for an employee, so it's important that employers: consider the wellbeing and mental health of anyone they're thinking of suspending.
Can I drive my car if the suspension has gone?
Regardless of whether it's a broken coil spring or a broken shock absorber, you cannot drive a vehicle which has any element of the suspension that is broken. This is because driving with a damaged or collapsed coil spring can cause sagging, which could cause more damage to your vehicle in the long-term.
What settles out of a suspension?
A suspension is a heterogeneous mixture in which some of the particles settle out of the mixture upon standing. The particles in a suspension are far larger than those of a solution, so gravity is able to pull them down out of the dispersion medium (water).