Did you ever get the impression that your Volkswagen is rolling more than it should during cornering? Some drivers might conclude that it is the road condition causing it, however, it could also be caused by a broken rear spring. Below are the typical symptoms of faulty rear springs in Volkswagens and how to solve this problem as soon as possible.
A Notable Reduction in Ride Height
One of the first and the most apparent indicators that may suggest that the rear springs of your Volkswagen are broken is a drop in the car’s clearance. If you are looking at your VW from the side and notice that the back end is lower than it used to be, you have a problem. The springs are meant to hold the weight of your vehicle and ensure that it does not tilt in any way. When a spring breaks, it is unable to support the weight and as a result, the back side of the car will droop.
This sagging does not only look unattractive; it may cause further problems to the health of the vehicle. A lower car has a tendency to drag on the ground, especially over humps or when one is loading many things in the trunk. This is dangerous to the underside and may end up costing you a lot of money in the future.
Strange Sounds from the Back
Any loud sounds that emanate from the back of your Volkswagen such as clunking, banging, or creaking may also be an indication that the suspension springs are broken. These noises are usually heard when the vehicle is passing over potholes, speed bumps, or other rough terrain. Springs are supposed to take the impact of driving on bumpy roads and when they are damaged, you will begin to hear those sounds as the worn suspension tries to manage the situation.
Failure to address these noises may compound the problem of your VW suspension system even more. The longer you drive around with a faulty suspension, the higher the chances that other parts of the suspension such as the shocks or struts will also be affected, leading to more repair costs.
Poor Handling and Control
If your Volkswagen does not possess the same level of maneuverability as it used to, then something has gone wrong somewhere. This may be an indication that your suspension springs have been broken. Springs are very important in maintaining the stability and handling of your VW, especially at high speeds or while driving on curved roads.
Every time a spring breaks, your car becomes unpredictable in the way it is steered on the road. Not only does this make driving less fun, but it also makes it less safe as well. This may lead to loss of control of the vehicle.
Uneven Tire Wear
Look at the rear tires of the vehicle in question. Are they showing signs of wear and tear, especially on one part than the other, or are the wheels wearing out more quickly than before? This could be an indication that your rear springs are bad. When the springs are not functioning properly the weight of your car is not evenly distributed across the tires. This makes one side of the tire wear out more than the other.
In addition to being an indication of broken springs, uneven tire wear is also a safety issue. Wheels with worn-out treads are not very responsive and take longer distances to be stopped especially when the road is wet or icy. The problem should be resolved before it results in a blowout or other problems that may be associated with tires.
What to Do If You Think Your Rear Spring Is Broken
You should take your Volkswagen to a professional mechanic or an authorized service center for a check-up. They will be able to raise the vehicle to check the suspension system and see whether a spring is busted or if there is any other cause of the symptoms.
Call Us For Affordable Volkswagen Repairs
Damaged rear springs can cause a number of problems with Volkswagen’s stability and comfort. If you experience any of the signs above, you should seek the services of an auto mechanic. At Kruse Lucas Imports, we have the skills to assess and sort out any issues with the suspension of your Volkswagen. Our ASE Certified Mechanics have been helping Volkswagen drivers in Modesto, CA where we are located, and even those from surrounding areas like Manteca, Ripon, Turlock, and Oakdale, CA. It is better not to wait for a small problem to turn into a big one—give us a call right now to set up an appointment with our Volkswagen mechanics.