Symptoms
- Front of the car dips noticeably more than it used to when braking
- Feels like the nose is diving even under moderate braking
- Longer stopping distances noticed
Likely causes
- CommonWorn front shocks or strutsStruts resist the weight transfer under braking; once worn, they allow more dive.
- PossibleWorn front springsSagging springs can also contribute to excessive front-end dip.
What to do
- Compare how the car dips now versus how you remember it braking when it was newer or had fresh suspension parts.
- Do a bounce test on the front corners; excessive bounce suggests worn struts.
- Check for visible fluid leaks on the strut bodies.
- Have a mechanic inspect the struts and front springs.
- Replace struts (and springs if sagging) as recommended, generally in pairs.
Tools and parts
Front strutsSearch: “front struts for [your car model]”
When to call a pro
A mechanic can confirm through inspection and a road test whether worn struts or springs are causing the excessive dive.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.