Case study
Suspension and Rear-End Rebuild on a Jensen Interceptor
The Jensen Interceptor, a legendary British grand tourer, came into our workshop showing signs of significant wear in its suspension and rear-end components.
Read moreCase Study: Worn Toyota Camry Control Arms Causing Serious Wheel Movement
When Worn Suspension Becomes a Safety Issue
At Barry Cooper Auto Repairs, we’ve had a run of vehicles requiring lower control arm and suspension strut repairs lately. One recent high-kilometre Toyota Camry was a particularly good example of why suspension problems shouldn’t be left too long.
The customer had reportedly been driving the Camry with the issue for around four months before having the necessary repairs carried out. By the time we inspected the vehicle, the movement in the front suspension was significant.
What Was Happening?
One problem we can see on higher-kilometre vehicles, including Toyota Camrys, is excessive wear in the lower control arm bushes and associated suspension components.
In this case, when the vehicle was braking slowly, there was so much movement that the front wheel was able to move backwards within the wheel arch. The movement was severe enough for the tyre to contact the wheel arch.
This isn't simply an annoying noise or minor suspension issue. Excessive movement like this can affect:
- Braking stability and vehicle control
- Steering and handling
- Tyre wear
- Wheel alignment
- Overall vehicle safety
Continuing to drive with badly worn suspension components can also place additional stress on other parts of the vehicle.
The Repair: Replacing the Lower Control Arms
After inspecting the Camry and identifying the extent of the wear, the lower control arms needed to be replaced. Replacing the worn components removed the excessive movement and restored the front suspension so the wheel remained correctly located during braking and normal driving.
It was certainly a repair we would have preferred to carry out much earlier!
Don't Ignore Changes in Your Suspension
Suspension wear often develops gradually. Because of this, drivers can become accustomed to changes in the way their vehicle feels and may not realise just how much movement or wear has developed.
Signs that your suspension or control arms may need attention can include clunking or knocking noises, unusual tyre wear, changes in steering, instability under braking, vibration, poor handling or the vehicle feeling less settled on the road.
If your car doesn't feel right, particularly when steering or braking, don't wait several months hoping the problem will go away.
At Barry Cooper Auto Repairs in North Hobart, we can inspect your vehicle's steering and suspension components, identify excessive wear and recommend the appropriate repairs.
Concerned about your suspension? Book your vehicle with Barry Cooper Auto Repairs and let our experienced team take a look.
Related articles
Article
Why is it important to service your car regularly?
Through regular servicing at Barry Cooper Auto Repairs you can extend your car's engine life, save fuel, ensure safety, slow down the wearing process, remain roadworthy, and even increase its resale value.
Read more
Article
Car service in North Hobart
Established in 1964, the North Hobart car service Barry Cooper Auto Repairs features a remarkable 167 years combined motor industry experience of our owners and employees.
Read more