Suspension - what can we do?

Suspension inspections & safety checks – full visual/mechanical check.

Did you know? Regular checks can catch worn parts before they affect braking distance, steering control, or tyre life.

Shock absorber replacement – restores ride comfort and reduces stopping distance.

Value add: New shocks improve ride comfort and can shorten stopping distances by up to 20% in wet conditions.

Strut assembly replacement – for vehicles using integrated strut-and-spring designs.

Did you know? Struts carry both spring and damping duties - if worn, they can cause nose-diving under braking and uneven tyre wear.

Coil spring replacement – including emergency repairs for broken or sagging springs.

Tip: Coil springs can corrode and snap, especially after harsh UK winters; replacement keeps your ride height correct and safe.

Leaf spring servicing & replacement – for vans, pickups and some older vehicles.

Did you know? Common on vans and pickups, leaf springs sag over time, reducing load-carrying capacity and stability.

Suspension bush replacement – renewing worn rubber bushes to remove knocks and restore stability.

Value add: Fresh bushes quieten knocks and improve steering precision without a full suspension overhaul.

Ball joint replacement – essential for safe steering and even tyre wear.

Tip: Worn ball joints lead to wandering steering and uneven tyre wear - catching them early saves on tyres and alignment.

Track control arm & wishbone replacement – correcting excessive play and alignment issues.

Did you know? Damaged wishbones affect wheel geometry and can fail an M.O.T for excessive play.

Top mount & bearing replacement – removing clunks and vibration at the strut tops.

Value add: Replacing noisy or worn top mounts eliminates clunks and restores smooth steering rotation.

Anti-roll (sway) bar link replacement – tightening cornering stability and reducing body roll.

Tip: New anti-roll bar links reduce body roll in corners, improving handling and passenger comfort.

Steering rack, tie rod & end replacement – fixing play or leaks that affect handling.

Did you know? Play in these parts can make the steering feel loose and cause M.O.T failure - early repair keeps handling sharp.

Wheel alignment & tracking – restoring correct geometry after suspension work or pothole damage.

Value add: Correct alignment prevents premature tyre wear and improves fuel economy, especially after pothole impacts.

Air suspension diagnostics & repairs – testing compressors, airbags and ride-height sensors.

Did you know? Leaking air bags or compressors can cause uneven ride height and increased tyre wear - our checks prevent costly damage.

Electronic damper & adaptive suspension servicing – for vehicles with adjustable damping systems.

Value add: Keeping sensors and actuators in top condition ensures smooth automatic adjustments for ride comfort and performance.

Suspension height adjustment or levelling – for modified or load-carrying vehicles.

Tip: Essential after fitting heavy-duty springs or when carrying frequent loads to maintain correct headlight aim and handling.

Post-accident or pothole damage assessments – identifying hidden suspension or steering damage.

Value add: Hidden suspension bends or cracks can appear after even a small pothole impact; early checks stop long-term tyre and steering issues.

Noise and vibration diagnostics – pinpointing knocks, creaks or rattles from worn parts.

Tip: Knocks, creaks or vibrations often point to worn bushes or joints - quick diagnosis prevents further costly damage.

Got a Question About Suspension?

Please reach us at craggsrecovery@gmail.com or give us a call 01913385383 if you cannot find an answer to your question.

What are the signs my suspension needs attention?

Common symptoms include knocking or creaking noises over bumps, uneven tyre wear, a bouncy or harsh ride, or your car pulling to one side.

How often should suspension components be checked?

We recommend an inspection at least once a year or at every M.O.T/service - and immediately after hitting a large pothole or kerb.

How long do shock absorbers and struts last?

Typically 50,000–60,000 miles, but UK road conditions and heavy loads can shorten lifespan. Regular checks catch early wear.

Can worn suspension affect braking or tyre life?

Yes. Weak shocks or broken springs can increase stopping distances and cause uneven tyre wear, leading to extra costs.

Why does my car sit lower on one side?

Likely a broken or weakened coil spring, or a leaking air-suspension bag on vehicles with air ride. We can diagnose and replace faulty parts.

What’s the difference between shocks and struts?

Both control bounce, but struts are structural and also support the vehicle’s weight and alignment, so they’re critical to steering stability.

Do I need wheel alignment after suspension repairs?

Yes. Any work involving springs, shocks, or steering components can change wheel geometry—alignment ensures proper handling and tyre wear.

My steering feels loose or wanders—could this be suspension?

Very likely. Worn ball joints, bushes, or tie rods can all cause loose steering and should be inspected promptly.

What is an anti-roll bar and why is it important?

The anti-roll bar links left and right suspension to reduce body roll in corners. Worn links or bushes can create clunking noises and less stable handling.

How does cold or wet weather affect suspension?

Winter salt and moisture can speed up corrosion on springs and bushes, making annual checks especially important in the UK climate.

What is air suspension and does it need maintenance?

Air suspension uses airbags and a compressor instead of springs. Leaks or sensor faults can cause uneven ride height and should be checked at least yearly.

Is it safe to drive with a knocking noise from the suspension?

Not recommended. Knocks often indicate a loose or worn part that can fail completely, risking steering loss or M.O.T failure.

Can pothole damage cause hidden suspension issues?

Yes. A single impact can bend control arms or damage bushes and steering geometry—issues that may not be obvious right away.