How to Diagnose Suspension Issues in Your 4WD

When it comes to suspension issues, knowing what to look for is only half the battle. Suspension problems don’t just show up out of nowhere—there’s always a hint, a noise, or a dodgy feeling in the way your 4WD handles. You want to spot it early and save yourself from a rough ride—both literally and financially.

What’s causing the trouble? How do you identify and fix it? Let’s break things down, so your 4 wheel drive suspension system won’t get in the way of your next weekend adventure.

The Tell-Tale Signs Your Suspension Needs Attention

Some suspension problems are subtle, while others are as obvious as a kangaroo on the bonnet. Here’s what to look out for:

• Uneven tyre wear – If one side of your tyre looks more worn than the other, your suspension isn’t doing its job properly.
• A sagging stance – If your 4WD looks like it’s carrying an invisible load on one side, your springs might be shot.
• A rougher ride than usual – Feeling every bump and rut? Your shocks might be on their way out.
• Nose-diving when braking – If your front end dips dramatically when you hit the brakes, your shocks or struts could be failing.

Listen to What Your 4WD is Telling You

Your suspension makes noise when something’s wrong—it’s just not always polite. Strange noises can be the first clue that something’s wrong:

• Clunking or knocking – Usually means worn-out bushings, ball joints, or control arms.
• Squeaking or creaking – Often caused by dry or damaged suspension components.
• A groaning sound when turning – Could be a sign of worn shocks or a struggling steering system.

These sounds won’t go away on their own. The longer you ignore them, the worse (and more expensive) they might get.

The Bounce Test: A Quick DIY Suspension Check

If you suspect your shocks or struts are failing, try the simple test below. This old-school test isn’t foolproof, but it’s a quick way to confirm your suspicions before heading to a mechanic.

1. Park your 4WD on level ground and give the front or rear a firm push down.
2. Let go and see how many times it bounces.
3. If it bounces more than once or twice, your shocks are likely worn out.

Checking for Leaks and Damage Underneath

A leaking shock absorber is a dead shock absorber. If you see oil stains on your shocks or struts, they’re no longer effective. Other things to check include:

• Cracked or split rubber bushings – These can cause excessive movement and knocking sounds.
• Bent or damaged suspension arms – If you’ve hit a rock hard enough, something might be out of alignment.
• Rust and corrosion – Not all rust is a problem, but excessive corrosion can weaken suspension components.

Pro tip: Conduct regular visual checks. They can help prevent small issues from turning into major failures.

Handling and Steering Feels Off? Here’s Why

Your 4WD’s handling should feel predictable and controlled. If it suddenly feels off, pay attention:

• Loose or vague steering – Could mean worn tie rods or ball joints.
• Excessive body roll in corners – Your sway bars or shocks might be on their last legs.
• Pulling to one side – Often an alignment issue, but bad suspension can also be the culprit.

A worn or faulty suspension setup doesn’t just affect off-road performance—it makes highway driving more dangerous too.

When to Fix and When to Upgrade

If you find yourself frequently replacing suspension parts, it might be time for an upgrade. Consider upgrading in the following scenarios:

• You’re carrying heavier loads than your stock suspension can handle.
• You’re tackling tougher terrain and need better durability.
• Your factory suspension is simply worn out and underperforming.

The right setup makes all the difference—better ride comfort, improved handling, and peace of mind when tackling rough tracks. In the end, remember that the sooner you diagnose issues, the less damage they’ll do to your 4WD (and your wallet). And when you need an upgrade, choose a reliable brand like Ironman 4×4.