Clunks and creaks over bumps, a floaty or bouncy ride, steering that wanders or pulls, and uneven tyre wear usually point to worn suspension or steering parts: shocks, struts, bushes, ball joints, control arms, drop links or a steering rack. GVI Service Centre in Penrose diagnoses and replaces them on every make.
Suspension and steering parts wear slowly, so the car gets worse a little at a time and you stop noticing. Then a WOF, a tyre change or a wet corner finds the problem all at once. We diagnose and repair suspension and steering on every make, and we find the actual worn part rather than replacing things until the noise stops.
Signs of worn suspension or steering
- Clunks, knocks or creaks over bumps, speed humps or when turning.
- A floaty, bouncy ride, or the car keeps rocking after a bump.
- Wander or pulling: the car does not track straight and needs constant correction.
- Uneven or rapid tyre wear, especially on one edge of the tread.
- Vibration or a humming, roaring noise that changes with speed: often a wheel bearing.
- Loose or vague steering, or a steering wheel that is off-centre.
- Fluid leaking from a shock absorber.
What we repair
- Shock absorbers, struts and springs
- Bushes, the rubber and polyurethane joints that quieten and locate the suspension arms
- Ball joints, control arms and drop links
- Tie-rod ends and steering racks
- Wheel bearings
- Wheel alignment after the work, so the car tracks straight and the tyres wear evenly. See tyres and alignment.
Why it matters
Suspension and steering parts are a safety item, and worn ball joints, tie-rod ends and bushes are a common reason for a WOF failure. They also wreck tyres: a vehicle with loose parts cannot hold an alignment, so new tyres wear out quickly. Dealing with the cause protects your tyres, your handling and your braking.
How we find the fault
- We listen to you first. When and where it happens, at what speed, and whether it is worse hot, cold or loaded.
- We lift it and check every joint and bush for play, wear and leaks, rather than guessing from the noise.
- We quote the repair and explain what is worn and what can wait. You can choose genuine or quality aftermarket parts.
- We repair it and check the alignment so the work lasts.
Heavier cars, harder work: EVs and Teslas
Electric vehicles carry a heavy battery, which loads the suspension more than a comparable petrol car. We see creaks and clunks from worn control-arm and compliance-arm bushes on some Tesla models, among other EVs. If you drive a Tesla, our dedicated site has more detail on Tesla suspension repairs, all done in the same Penrose workshop.
Frequently asked questions
What causes a clunking noise over bumps?
The usual suspects are worn drop links, bushes, ball joints, shock mounts or control arms. A clunk can also be a loose component elsewhere. The only reliable way to tell is to check each part on a hoist, which is what we do.
Is it safe to drive with a worn ball joint or tie-rod end?
It is a safety risk. A severely worn joint can separate and cause loss of steering control. If you are hearing clunks or feel looseness in the steering, get it checked promptly.
How do I know if it is suspension or tyres?
Tyre problems such as uneven wear, flat spots or bad balance usually show as vibration that changes with speed. Suspension problems tend to show as clunks, creaks and a loose or bouncy feel. We inspect both so you do not pay to fix the wrong thing.
Why does my steering wheel sit off-centre?
It is usually an alignment issue, which can follow a kerb strike or worn parts. We check the suspension first, then set the alignment, so it holds.
How long do shock absorbers last?
There is no fixed life. It depends on the vehicle, the roads and the load it carries. We test them as part of a suspension check and tell you if they are leaking or no longer controlling the car properly.