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Suspension system: What will fail the Virginia State Inspection?

In Suspension by HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire

The Virginia State Inspection allows us to perform a thorough evaluation of your vehicle.

This annual requirement is meant to point out any safety concerns as well as future problem areas.

One of the systems our inspectors check is the suspension and the many parts that make up it.

As we look over the suspension system, our biggest concern is making sure the system is working the way it’s supposed to. Is anything bent, broken, or out of place?

Are shocks part of Virginia State Inspections?

Yes, shocks and struts are among the many suspension parts that are checked during the Virginia State Inspection.

What do control arms need to be inspected for?

When performing a Vehicle Safety Inspection, we make sure the control arms can’t be moved by hand. Our inspectors also see if they’re cracked or torn. 

Can you pass an inspection with bad ball joints?

No, ball joints can fail the Vehicle Safety Inspection if they have movement.

Cotter pin missing on Acura TLX.
Cotter pin missing on Acura TLX

What will fail a Virginia State Inspection?

Here are some suspension system problems that will can cause a vehicle to fail the state inspection:

  • Play in the ball joints
  • Broken coil springs
  • Moving control arms
  • Shock absorber issues (more information below)
  • Struts that have play or don’t work correctly
  • Sway bars that move by hand
  • Tie rods with play at the ball joints (inner or outer)

Our inspectors want to make sure the shock absorbers aren’t missing, broken, worn or disconnected. They also confirm that the shock absorbers work correctly.

New front struts were recommended for a Chevrolet Spark. The strut mounts were moving, which would have caused the car to fail the Virginia State Inspection.

If the shocks or struts are leaking or we have doubts about any suspension parts, we have to perform a bounce test. If the vehicle bounces too much and the components aren’t functioning properly, it will fail the inspection.

Another reason why a car may not pass the inspection is if any pieces from the suspension system are missing – even something as small as a cotter pin. This actually occurred on an Acura TLX. While performing a Virginia State Inspection on the car, we saw the cotter pin was missing.

What are symptoms of a failing ball joint?

Movement is one problem we look for while inspecting ball joints. A Jeep Wrangler we worked on had play in an upper ball joint and sway bar link. 

Knocking and squeaking noises can also appear when it’s time to replace them.

You might notice that the steering wheel is uncentered or other indicators of an alignment problem when the ball joints are on their way out. 

What happens when a control arm goes bad?

Drivers could experience some symptoms when it’s time to replace control arms. The vehicle pulling one way can be an indicator.

Chevrolet Spark strut replacement.
Chevrolet Spark strut replacement

What are the symptoms of bad shocks and struts?

You may notice a few problems with your shocks and struts when they are going bad.

These indicators include:

  • Uneven tire wear
  • Vehicle bouncing more
  • Squeaking noises
  • Nose diving while braking

What happens when a tie rod goes bad?

Bad tie rods can impact your steering capability and wheel alignment.

You might hear different sounds, as well.

Whether your vehicle is due for a state inspection soon or you’re just trying to keep up with the maintenance, taking care of any suspension problems that arise can keep your car running safely.

HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer located near Dale City, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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Control arms and problems that can occur

In Suspension by HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire

Have you ever heard the term “control arm” when talking to someone about your vehicle?

This is one of various items that can be found in the suspension system. Its primary function – though it varies from car to car – is to link the frame with the steering knuckle.

Control arms feature bushings that are on the inside (the frame side). There are also ball joints located on the outside (the steering knuckle side).

Like other suspension parts, control arms eventually become worn from daily use. 

Signs that you need new control arms

How do you know when there’s a problem with this item?

Some road manners and various sounds can tell you that it’s time to replace your vehicle’s control arms.

The car might pull to one side, a symptom that could also appear when a tire alignment needs to be performed.

Lower ball joint leaking grease.
Lower ball joint leaking grease

Ball joints and control arm bushings sometimes have similar symptoms. They may create squeaking or knocking noises. Issues with these parts can also result in a crooked steering wheel and poor alignment quality.

Bushings and ball joints are considered safety items, meaning they will be looked at every time you bring your vehicle in for a Virginia Safety Inspection.

It’s important to keep in mind that if you experience one of the indicators we mentioned it doesn’t necessarily mean that something is going on with a control arm.

There’s not one way to drive a car and say, “You’ve got a control arm problem.” You would have a symptom and investigate, and it would lead you to that component.

What can cause a control arm to go bad?

Earlier, we talked about how control arms can experience normal wear and tear. It’s also possible for them to become bent due to an impact. This includes hitting potholes and curbs.

Meanwhile, control arm bushings might dry out and crack, and ball joints could bend.

Control arm wear is based on where vehicles are driven, as well.

For example, those used in coastal areas are going to have more deterioration on rubber. So the bushings and boots that hold the grease into the ball joint would more than likely take a bigger toll.

Northern climates are also going to impact those components. The salt and sand that’s spread on the roads can be incredibly corrosive.

If your auto repair shop or mechanic recommends new control arms or related items, it’s a good idea to have them replaced. 

Worn suspension parts can affect your car alignment, and bad wheel alignments could lead to premature and uneven tire wear.

We worked on a Toyota Camry that passed Virginia State Inspection. The technician reported cracking control arm bushings and ripped boots on the ball joints on the front and rear control arms. 

Even though it was a safe vehicle to drive, we suggested replacing these components. The wheel alignment will never be true if you have worn bushings or ball joints that have a shelf life.

When deciding whether you want to replace a part, consider the potential outcomes – in the case of the Toyota Camry, they were tire wear and road manners.

HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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Steering and suspension components we check

In Suspension by HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire

We can address and even prevent car problems by taking the time to look things over.

Sometimes, a customer will complain about something that has to do with their steering and suspension. At other moments, we are simply performing a courtesy inspection as part of our oil change service.

In both situations, there are several problems we keep an eye out for.

Ball joints and bushings

When checking the steering and suspension components on a vehicle – especially as we get ready to conduct a car alignment – we’re looking for worn parts. 

These items include worn tie rod ends, where there can be some play, and the ball joints to determine if they are worn down. Some ball joints have indicators that show you, for some you just have to load up a certain way, which means support the lower control arm or let them hang. 

The process for checking them depends on the vehicle. But you want to make sure you’re looking it over correctly and making sure there isn’t any play. By “play”, we mean back and forth or up and down.

The other thing we’re looking for is the bushings, such as the control arm bushings. Depending on if they’re upper or control arm bushings. The Chevy pickup that we have included photos of in this article is a street strip vehicle. These are aftermarket upper control arms. 

The ball joint, upper control arm and upper control arm bushings on a Chevrolet pickup.

In this particular project, we performed a wheel alignment where we put shims between the control arm and the frame to bring the alignment back into specifications.

While looking at suspension components – whether they’re shocks or struts or a combination of the two – you’ll want to make sure that the mounting plates and bushings are good, because that’s what keeps the tire in contact with the road.

Checking on the coil springs

Our Woodbridge mechanics are also looking for springs and making sure they aren’t worn and causing body sag. If it starts to sag, that can throw off the alignment specifications because the vehicle is lower than it was originally.

Our customer replaced the upper and lower control arms, the tie rod ends and the springs. So we’re getting the alignment fixed up for them. The rear of this vehicle just has regular shocks that go to the differential. We also replaced the coil springs on the back to bring the height to a certain level.

A tie rod, pitman arm and sway bar link.

Over a period of time the springs can become worn. You want to look at springs – especially on older vehicles that are at 100,000, 200,000 or 300,000 miles – because they can start to compress. They’re not going to be able to hold the vehicle up to the correct ride height that they were designed for. This can impact handling and the way things work.

A shock absorber and coil spring.

All these steering and suspension components work together. You don’t have to replace all of them at the same time. It was just in this particular case that this was a project car and the driver decided to change the parts at once.

HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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Suspension noises and what they could mean for your vehicle

In Suspension by HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire

Contrary to what many people believe, a car’s suspension isn’t responsible for holding the vehicle off the ground. 

The shock absorber prevents the tire from bouncing, allowing it to stay in contact with the road. This enables drivers to maintain control.

On the strut system, the coil spring is built onto the shock absorber. There are gas charged shocks and struts and oil filled shocks and struts. The valving and how they’re made is based on how much dampening control they have. 

Suspension noises

Everything from the lower control arm with the control arm bushings – which connect the control arm with the frame of the vehicle – to the ball joints can cause suspension noises.

Some vehicles – due to age and wear – are more prone to a creaking or groaning noise when the wheel is turned. 

On older cars, almost all ball joints had a zerk fitting that would allow you to service it. Oil changes were called “lube, oil and filter” because you would put grease on the different components. A lot of automobiles nowadays don’t have them. So, if you need to replace a part, like a tie rod end or a ball joint, you can put in a piece that has a greased fitting and is serviceable, and it’s a little better than the component from the factory. 

Here are some suspension noises you may hear and what’s causing them:

  • Control arm bushings: The control arms where the control arm bushings connect is another possible area for noise. They can get dry and start to crack. You may hear a knocking noise while you’re driving down the road, or a thunk when turning. It takes a bit of force to create sound from the control arm bushings.
  • Tie rod ends: Tie rod ends will make more of a squeaking sound, but if it’s worn out or there’s a lot of play you can also get some clunking noise if you move the wheel left and right, even just a little bit. 
  • Sway bars and sway bar links: There are little rubber bushings there too that help when you’re going around a turn and with how much the body sways. When they break, a lot of the time they’ll make some knocking noises when you’re going over bumps because it’s banging against the lower control arm or the frame of the vehicle. Very rarely do they squeak, unless all the bushings are gone and it’s just a metal rod.
  • Pitman arms: On older vehicles, the pitman arm may connect to the center link, or drag link. That would make a squeaking noise too. Today, that’s usually found more on trucks than cars.
  • Struts: For vehicles with struts, the upper strut mount design varies. Upper end vehicles have a bearing while others have a rubber and a metal plate. As you turn the wheel, it turns. When they wear out or parts that aren’t equal to the original are installed, you may experience vibrating, thumping and some resistance while turning left to right. 
  • Coil springs and spring isolators: Between the strut mount and the strut itself are generally rubber spacers called “isolators” that help keep the spring in line. Sometimes, the spring wants to move as you’re turning and you can hear a big clanking noise when the rubber is gone. On the regular control arm and shock system – where the springs are separate – you might get some spring popping noise every once in a while, especially if you’re going over bumps, if the springs are worn or they aren’t doing their job because of age. Generally, however, you see it more on the strut system.    

HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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What kind of shocks or struts do I need?

In Shocks & Struts, Suspension by HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire

If you’re due to have your shocks and struts replaced, then it’s important to choose the right ones for your vehicle. Our certified technicians at HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire will recommend struts or shocks if your car is over 50,000 or shows some signs that they’re worn down – but how do you know which ones to choose?

Before you can move forward with deciding what kinds of shocks and struts you want, you first need to have a full understanding of what they are and how they work in your vehicle. Being informed about your car – including the parts in it – will ensure that you are confident in your purchase and that you’re caring for your vehicle.

You can find shocks and struts in your car, and while they do the same thing for your car, remember – you can not replace shocks for struts, and vice versa, as your car is designed to handle either one or the other. These components work to eliminate or at least minimize the amount of bouncing your car does, which will not only provider you with more control over the vehicle, but it will also avoid some potentially costly repairs.

Let’s go a little further and talk about what they look like, and where they are located in the car. A shock is attached to a coil spring and is located near the wheels. Struts are a little different, as they do not have the spring and they are actually mounted into the car’s suspension system.

Types of shocks and struts

Now that you know what shocks and struts are, and what they do, we can move on to looking at the types you’ll have to choose from.

The two most well-known shocks and strut designs are the mono tube and twin tubes.

When the monotube shocks and struts are placed in your vehicle, they use a gas charge that keeps the oil and nitrogen inside of them separate. What does this really mean? It means that your ability to ‘dampen’ or soften the force of breaking and running over bumps is enhanced and you have more driving control. Monotube are good with cars that need high quality performance or for drivers that like a slightly more aggressive ride. Mostly likely you’ll see these used with SUVs or light trucks.

Looking then at the twin tube shocks and struts, the most immediate difference is that they have two cylinders instead of one. Inside of these cylinders there are shafts and pistons that move, along with hydraulic fluid to again ‘dampen’ the force of breaking and driving over rough road. These shocks and struts don’t have same emphasis on performance as the mono tubes do, but they are an affordable option that provides good vehicle control for light trucks, SUVs and cars.

Ultimately, the shocks and struts you replace your current ones with need to coincide with driving conditions, your car and what you are looking for. Having a conversation with one of our technicians at HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire will help you make that important decision.

Factors to consider

Some things to ask yourself when selecting shocks and struts:

  • What do I use my car for?
  • Does my car regularly carry heavy loads?
  • Do I want shocks that are designed more for performance?
  • What are the driving conditions where I live?
  • What kind of car do I drive?
  • Will I need shocks that are adjustable?

You’re not expected to have full answers to these questions or know everything about shocks and struts – and that’s where we’re here to help. By making an appointment to get your car looked at, and talking to one of our guys in the shop, we can make sure you get the right shocks and struts in your vehicle so you can get back on the road.

HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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Why is my car making a knocking sound?

In Suspension by HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire

Trouble sometimes comes knocking.

In the case of a Honda Odyssey, it was steering suspension components.

The vehicle was brought in when the driver heard a knocking sound that seemed to be coming from the engine.

After quite a bit of investigation, our technician figured out the cause: The timing belt tensioner had gone bad.

On top of replacing this component, he installed a new timing belt and related parts. Sometimes, these components come together as a set and it’s best to replace them all at once.

Timing belts ensure that the crankshaft and camshaft have the correct timing. You can read more about timing belts and when to replace them in this article we wrote recently.

A tensioner, which keeps the belt tight, is needed in order for the timing belt to function properly.

A timing belt tensioner.
Timing belt tensioner

Causes of a knocking sound

A knocking sound can occur for a variety of reasons.

In addition to timing belt tensioners, it can be the result of other components, including sway bar end links, struts, control arms and tie rod ends. These parts simply wear out overtime.

Newer vehicles that are being manufactured don’t have serviceable ball joints or tie rod ends anymore. They have these pieces called zerk fittings, which lubricate parts. 

Whenever our technicians are replacing steering or suspension components, we make sure that they’re serviceable.

Spark plugs are another part that, when failing, may lead to a knocking sound. They can also be the culprit behind engine misfires.

Other than components going bad, engine knock is sometimes the result of more complicated issues. 

Engine sounds may occur if the gas you put in your vehicle has a different octane level than it requires. Octane ratings are the type of fuel, such as regular, mid-grade and premium. It’s important to confirm and use the correct one.

Carbon deposits building up in the cylinders is another possible culprit. Having a fuel induction service performed regularly – we recommend them every 30,000 miles, depending on the type of vehicle you have – can clear out carbon build up and prevent engine damage.

What to do if you hear knocking sounds

If you hear knocking sounds – or any other strange noises – don’t be alarmed. 

It’s OK to continue driving it, but you should have it looked at by a mechanic or auto repair shop as soon as you are able to.

Putting off or ignoring the problem won’t cause it to go away. In fact, it will become worse the longer you wait to have it addressed. Having it checked out early on could prevent additional damage and unnecessary expenses.

Pay attention to where it’s coming from and when it occurs. Make sure to share that information with the mechanic or repair shop, as this can help them narrow down the issue.

HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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Why you should replace shocks and struts

In Shocks & Struts, Suspension by HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire

While everyone wishes that their car could stay in perfect condition forever, oftentimes that doesn’t really happen. Parts and fluids in everyone’s car wear over time – at different rates – and require replacement and maintenance. 

Some parts of vehicle maintenance, like oil changes, need to be done more often. There are some replacements that need to be done over a longer period of time – like shocks and struts.

If you are noticing that your car is bouncing a lot, or nose diving, and you take it in to an auto technician, they may come back and tell you that you need your shocks or struts replaced. 

Many people don’t know what they are, and what they do in your car, so let’s look at that first.

Shocks and struts both absorb pressure from running over potholes, bumps and rough roads. Shocks are placed near the tires and have a coiled spring near them, as well as hydraulic fluid and a piston that help to absorb that shock. Struts are very similar, except that they’re built into the suspension system, and they have a coiled spring directly on the strut as one part.

There are different types of shocks and struts available.

So why should you be replacing these when they begin to wear out or go bad? Below are a few reasons:

Why replacing shocks and struts is important

It’s what the industry standard and manufacturer recommends

Our auto technicians follow the industry and manufacturer’s standards on all cars that come in. It is currently recommended that shocks or struts be replaced every 50,000 miles. Even though this can vary from car to car – and some vehicles can go longer than that – we still recommend and look for any issues with these components once you’re over that mileage.

Replacing them will give you more control while you drive

When your shocks or struts start to go, you’re going to see it when you’re accelerating, turning and braking. So once they start to degrade, you’re really going to see a decline in the control you have of your vehicle. Everyone has a different preference on the level of vehicle control they want when driving, but when you begin to have issues with braking or turning on a curve, then it’s time for new shocks and struts.

The life of your tires increases

Like we mentioned before, the job of the shocks or struts help to absorb shock you have from running over things like potholes. So when your shocks and struts begin to go, you’re going to see more bouncing, even when you’re not running over things. This bouncing will actually harm your tires. Because of the increased bouncing, your tires are hitting the ground hard and unevenly. This means that you’re going to possibly see pieces of tire worn off and even smooth patches from where the tires have worn down. This can actually minimize the life of your tires, which is an additional cost down the road if you don’t replace your shocks or struts.

Driving on the road is safer when you change the shocks and struts

When your shocks or struts are wearing down and you’re having problems with braking and bouncing, it becomes less safe for you to drive. By getting them replaced, you’re investing in the safety of your life, your passenger’s lives and everyone else out there on the road.

If your technician at HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire suggests that you get your shocks or struts replaced, take them seriously. It will help improve your driving experience, extend the life of your car, and keep you safe.

HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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Mercedes parts replaced after wheel falls off

In Brakes, Suspension by HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire

One of our customers was driving down the road when a wheel on their Mercedes fell off.

The impact resulted in damage to the steering knuckle, which connects suspension and steering parts.

Steering knuckle.
Steering Knuckle

It also damaged the hub bearing, which allows the wheels to rotate.

Old and new hub bearing.
Old and New Hub Bearing

One of our technicians changed them and the brake dust shield. These Mercedes parts were replaced last month.

Brake dust shield.
Brake dust shield

This is one reason why it’s important to torque lug nuts correctly.

We hand torque all of our lug nuts when putting wheels back on a vehicle after completing a project, such as a tire rotation or brake repair. 

Our technicians use torque limiters and torque wrenches.

If you don’t torque the lug nuts enough, it will leave the wheel loose and ruin the wheel, the wheel studs, and wheel bearing. 

Overtightening the lug nuts, however, will weaken the threads on the wheel studs, which can cause a failure.

HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics. 

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New subframe installed on Dodge Charger

In Suspension by HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire

A Dodge Charger came into HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire for a tire alignment earlier this month. 

Before performing an alignment, our technicians check the vehicle’s suspension.

During his inspection, Ray noticed clay on the lower ball joints on the left, front side and recommended a new lower control arm and a ball joint.

New subframe needed

When installing the lower control arm, he found the subframe was bent from some sort of impact.

Because the subframe holds the engine, Ray needed to use a special hoist to hold the engine while he put in the new subframe.

This situation is a good example of why you shouldn’t hide or leave out information when talking to a technician or service adviser.

You can save time and money by sharing as much information as possible.

Check out this article we wrote to learn about other reasons why you shouldn’t lie to your mechanic.

HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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What is making that car noise?

In Suspension, Tires & Wheels, Vehicle Maintenance by HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire

Updated May 17, 2024

Every once in a while, you might hear something out of the ordinary as you drive out of a parking spot or travel down the road.

There are many reasons why these sounds appear.

Car noise can come from anywhere, such as your suspension and tires. They may occur as engine components wear out, belts loosen, and your vehicle experiences normal wear and tear.

What you’re experiencing could be stemming from the air conditioning system or the brakes, as well.

Because they can be symptoms of car problems or indicate that maintenance is needed, it’s a good idea to pay attention to the noises you hear and have an expert look into them.

How we perform noise diagnostics

Determining the source of what’s heard can take time, especially if it can only be heard under certain circumstances.

There is a wide variety of sounds – grinding, squealing, groaning, clicking and others – and one of them could be associated with a number of parts.

Another challenge is the location of car noise, which is sometimes misleading. It might be generated in one part of the vehicle and seem to be appearing in a different spot.

Our diagnostic testing process starts with collecting information about any sounds and behaviors noticed from the customer.

 

Test driving a Toyota Venza.
Test driving a Toyota Venza

Then, we take the vehicle for a test drive and try to recreate it. That may mean traveling on certain road conditions, accelerating, slowing down, or making turns.

We also look for any surface level problems through a visual inspection 

Once our technicians are able to hear the sound for themselves, they can narrow down where it’s coming from.

When and where you are hearing car noise

The hardest part sometimes is trying to describe the noises to your auto repair shop. So, when something is irritating you, pay attention to when and where the noises are happening.

We’ve had instances when the car only made noises when it was below 45 degrees and they were turning left. Another common noise description is when a driver is in a parking lot and turning the wheel.

Information about how fast you’re going, how far you’re turning the wheel, and whether you’re pressing the gas pedal can help us find your problem faster.

Technician looking over car.

You should also note any other problems (even if they don’t seem related). Did any dashboard lights appear? Do you feel a vibration? Does the vehicle seem to be running rough?

Sharing details about recent events, like hitting a curb or repairs that have been performed, can also be helpful as we look into a car noise.

The other thing to consider when you’re bringing your vehicle into the shop is to schedule time to ride with the automotive technician. That way they can ride with you and you can make the exact condition that produces the noise — which saves time and money when repairing your car.

So, if you still hear noises, and you’re tired of turning the radio up to tune them out (Get it? Radio — tune … ) then try to be descriptive as you can and take a ride with your mechanic.Check out this fun video we created.

HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.