How do I know if my rear struts are bad?

The Warning Signs Of Worn Shocks And Struts

Instability at highway speeds.
Vehicle “tips” to one side in turns.
The front end dives more than expected during hard braking.
Rear-end squat during acceleration.
Tires bouncing excessively.
Unusual tire wear.
Leaking fluid on the exterior of shocks or struts.

Will new struts make a difference?

Bad struts can increase stopping distance by sometimes as much as 12%. At highway speeds, this can literally be the difference between life and death. New shocks will help your car braking at ultimate efficiency, keeping you and your passengers safe.

What happens when a strut bearing fails?

When they do, they often make knocking or clunking noises over bumps or in turns, or the steering becomes stiff or snaps back toward center when the driver lets go of the steering wheel. Bad strut bearings can also cause alignment issues and uneven tire wear.

Can you drive with bad strut bearings?

Yes, it is possible to drive having bad struts. Worn strut mounts and bearing plates can cause noise, steering binding or even be the cause of steering pull. In the worst cases, worn strut mounts can allow the upper end of the strut to change position which directly affects wheel alignment angles.

Do bad struts make a rattling noise?

Rattles. A bad strut usually makes a sound–normally, a rattling, loose sound–that’s especially noticeable when driving over bumps or rough patches in the road.

Why is my strut rattling?

Lots of times, faulty struts that are worn will produce noises that should serve an alert that your strut assembly is declining and needs repair. Drivers speak of bad strut noises that sound like banging, rattling and even clunking sounds. Many front strut assemblies are equipped with a bearing located at the top.

Why is the front of my car rattling?

The most common cause of rattling noises from the wheel area being loose or a worn strut mount or the strut coming apart. Aside from the strut, which wouldn’t be typical for a vehicle of this age, you could have a hub cap that is broken or installed incorrectly. Another common failure is a sway bar link.