In the recent wake of thousands of Volkswagens being recalled due to faulty rear springs, it’s important to recognize the crucial role that a properly-functioning rear spring plays in your vehicle’s suspension and the damage that a faulty one can cause. Here’s some information on what the purpose of rear springs is, what causes them to become damaged, and how to recognize a failing rear spring as soon as possible.

What do rear springs do?

As a major part of your Volkswagen’s suspension system, the rear springs are responsible for absorbing the impacts to your vehicle caused by bumps, small potholes, and other road defects. Rear springs also help to lift your Volkswagen up off the ground, which prevents your vehicle from dragging and causing damage to its underside.

How do rear springs become damaged?

Though damage to your Volkswagen’s rear springs can’t always be avoided, many of the causes of a malfunctioning rear spring can be attributed to rough driving conditions and a lack of care and maintenance on behalf of the owner. These are the three most common reasons why rear springs become damaged:

Poor Driving Practices

Remembering to take good care of your vehicle when you’re out on the road is a crucial step in maintaining your car’s performance. Avoid driving your Volkswagen over large bumps at high speeds, as this can damage your car’s rear springs.

Rough Road Conditions

Volkswagen vehicles are not commonly manufactured for the purpose of driving across rough terrain or for enjoying the thrills of off-roading. By continuously allowing your Volkswagen to experience difficult road conditions, you run the risk of seriously damaging your rear springs.

Lack of Maintenance

Because suspension is directly related to the maintenance of your tires, it’s very important to make sure that you take good care of your wheels. Something so simple as having your wheels regularly aligned will ensure that your tires wear evenly, leaving your suspension unaffected by a lack of maintenance.

What Are the Symptoms of a Damaged Rear Spring?

It’s very important to pay close attention to your Volkswagen and the way it feels and sounds while on the road. By watching for the following symptoms of a failing rear spring, you can identify and fix the issue before it does extensive damage to your vehicle.

A Rough Ride

Because the rear springs work to absorb the impacts from bumps in the road, you can suspect that a rear spring is damaged if your ride becomes rough while driving.

A Tilting Vehicle

When a rear spring becomes damaged, it’s no longer able to properly lift and keep your Volkswagen up off the ground. As a result, you may begin to notice that one side of your vehicle sags lower than the other.

Uneven Tire Wear

When your wheels are not properly aligned, your tires will wear unevenly. This will cause your vehicle to pull away from you while you’re driving. If it seems like you’re constantly fighting with the steering wheel, this could indicate that a rear spring is damaged and needs to be repaired.

Concerning Noises

It can be unnerving when your Volkswagen starts to make strange noises that it never did before. Grinding. Clunking. Creaking. If you hear any of these noises you may have an issue with your suspension.

Trick of the trade: Try pushing down on the front end of your car. Listen to the noises it makes. If your car creaks, then you have a problem with your suspension. Also, pay attention to how much your car bounces after you release it. It should hardly bounce, unless your suspension is damaged.

We Offer Solutions

Your Volkswagen’s suspension is vital for having a properly-functioning vehicle that performs well and is safe to drive. Take good care of your rear springs by driving carefully across rough road conditions and by maintaining your vehicle. Keep an eye and an ear out for all of the above-listed symptoms that may point to a damaged rear spring, and fix the issue before it causes extensive damage to your vehicle.

At Das European Autohaus, we have decades of experience repairing Volkswagen rear springs and are skilled at being able to diagnose and repair other issues that you, as a driver, trust us to fix. Located conveniently to Spring and Houston, TX, we are dedicated to providing your Volkswagen with the special care that it needs and deserves. If you have a damaged rear spring or are interested in knowing more about the other services we offer, contact Das European Autohaus today.