Johannesburg roads are hard on suspension. Potholes, speed humps and uneven surfaces gradually wear out shock absorbers, bushes and joints. Because it happens slowly, many drivers do not notice until the car starts knocking, wandering or wearing tyres unevenly.
Worn suspension affects more than comfort. It lengthens stopping distances, reduces grip in the wet and makes the vehicle harder to control in an emergency.
Common symptoms
- Knocking or clunking over bumps
- The vehicle bounces or wallows after a bump
- Nose dives under braking
- Steering feels loose or wanders
- Uneven or scalloped tyre wear
- The vehicle sits lower on one corner
What we repair
- Shock absorbers and struts
- Coil and leaf springs
- Control arm bushes and ball joints
- Stabiliser links and bushes
- Tie rod ends and rack ends (see steering system)
- Top mounts and strut bearings
Finish with an alignment
After suspension or steering work, the wheel angles often change. We recommend a wheel alignment to protect your tyres and keep the car tracking straight.
Common questions
How often should shocks be replaced?
There is no fixed interval. We check them at each service and tell you when they are worn.
Should shocks be replaced in pairs?
Yes, per axle, so both sides behave the same.
What is that knock over speed humps?
Often a stabiliser link, bush or ball joint. We inspect and confirm.
Will new suspension fix tyre wear?
It removes the cause. An alignment then sets the angles correctly.
