Why does my truck bounce when I hit a bump? This bouncing motion can be uncomfortable and even dangerous, especially when driving at highway speeds or on rough terrain.
Understanding the cause of these car bounces is crucial to maintaining a safe and smooth ride. Let’s dig in.
Why Does My Truck Bounce When I Hit A Bump?
A car feels bouncy over bumps can derive from worn-out shocks and unstable air pressure in the airbag suspension.
It can be caused by a faulty suspension system, incorrect tire pressure, and damaged U-joints or cat mount centers.
At The Front End
Worn Out Or Damaged Shocks
The shocks or struts in the truck’s front end are responsible for dampening the car bounce caused by the suspension system.
When they wear out or break, they cannot effectively absorb the impact of the truck’s movement, leading to a bouncy ride.
Too High/Too Low Air Pressure In The Airbag Suspension
Airbag suspension can also cause a bouncing problem if improperly adjusted or maintained.
Airbag suspension systems use compressed air to adjust the height and stiffness of the vehicle’s suspension.
The front end bounces while driving can stem from the air pressure in the bags being too high or too low.
At The Suspension
Faulty Suspension System
The suspension system is responsible for absorbing the impact of speed bumps and uneven road surfaces, and if it is faulty, the car feels like hitting bumps.
Worn-out rear shocks, struts, or damaged rear suspension components such as leaf springs, control arms, and ball joints can also contribute to a bouncy ride, with rattling noises from the engine compartment.
Incorrect Tire Pressure
Too low or too high tire pressure is also one of the reasons a car feels bouncy when driving. Tires that are too old will stretch, causing them to lose their shape and elasticity.
As a result, the tires can become stiff and inflexible, affecting their ability to grip the road properly. I can feel it when the car bounces up and down, especially on uneven or bumpy roads.
Other Damaged Parts
Worn brakes, transmissions, or tires can lead to the truck bouncing while driving. These issues will create vibrations that affect the overall ride quality of the vehicle.
For example, worn brakes result in pulsations when I press the brake pedal, while a faulty transmission can give me a shaking feeling when shifting gears.
At The Back Of The Truck
Leak/Not Inflated Airbag
The airbag suspension system is a possible cause of bouncing in the back of the truck. If the airbags are not properly inflated or there is a leak in the system, the truck feels like it’s bouncing.
Faulty U-Joints/Broken Cat Mount Center
U-joints are responsible for transferring power from the transmission to the rear wheels. If worn or damaged, they can cause vibrations that contribute to bouncing.
The cat mount center, which is a mount that secures the driveshaft to the vehicle, can also become broken or damaged, causing broken wheel alignment and bouncing off the rear wheels.
Worn tires or brake components also cause the back of the truck to keep bouncing.
How To Fix If My Truck Bounces When I Hit A Bump?
Deflate Your Airbags
You will need to locate the air valve to deflate the airbags on your suspension system. This is usually located near the airbags and is similar to the valve used for inflating tires.
- First, ensure the truck is on a level surface, and the parking brake is engaged.
- Use a tire pressure gauge to check the current air pressure in the airbags. This will help you determine how much air you need to release.
- Allow the air to escape from the airbags until you reach the desired pressure level.
Inflated Your Tires Properly
Ensure your tires are properly balanced according to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.
You should regularly inspect your tires for signs of wear and tear and replace them when worn out or damaged. This will improve your vehicle’s ride quality and ensure your safety on the road.
It’s best to avoid overloading your vehicle beyond its maximum weight capacity, as this can put additional strain on the suspension system and contribute to bouncing.
In addition, if you notice any damaged parts, replace them with new ones.
FAQs
How Do I Know If My Truck Has A Bad Suspension?
Do an extra bounce test: You can perform a simple bounce test by pushing down on each corner of the truck and seeing how many times it bounces before settling.
If the tires bounce when driving more than two or three times, it may indicate that the exterior of shocks or struts are worn out and need to be replaced.
Have a bouncy ride: If you notice that your truck has a bump in the road, it may be a sign of worn shock absorbers or struts.
You may also notice that the truck sways or leans when you turn or change lanes.
Is It Safe When Your Truck Keeps Bouncing?
No, it is not safe when your truck keeps bouncing. A bouncing truck can be difficult to control and can affect your ability to steer, brake, and accelerate properly.
Bouncing can also cause the truck’s tires to lose traction with the road, which can be especially dangerous in wet or slippery conditions.
In addition to the safety risks, a bouncing truck can be uncomfortable for passengers and can cause damage to the vehicle’s suspension system if left unrepaired.
Thus, if you notice your truck bouncing excessively, it’s important to have it inspected by a qualified mechanic to identify and fix the underlying issue.
Is Suspension Easy to Fix?
The ease of fixing a suspension issue depends on the specific problem and your truck’s type of suspension system.
Some issues, such as worn-out shocks or struts, can be relatively easy to fix.
Replacing or repairing the entire suspension system is more complex and requires specialized knowledge and equipment.
Conclusion
Why does my truck bounce when I hit a bump? One common cause is worn-out shocks, which can no longer effectively absorb the impact of bumps in the road.
Another factor could be unstable air pressure in the airbag suspension system, leading to an unbalanced ride.
Other potential culprits include a faulty suspension system, incorrect tire pressure, or damage to U-joints or the cat mount center.