Steering & Suspension System

Your vehicle's steering and suspension system is responsible for maintaining comfortable riding conditions and driving performance. The steering and suspension system also helps drivers to keep control of their vehicles at all times. The suspension system converts the forward energy created by bumps in the road into vertical energy that travels up the vehicle frame. This road force is dampened by suspension system components like coil springs and shock absorbers. All suspension system components will weaken over time through stress applied during normal driving conditions, though the individual components comprising each suspension system may vary. Erratic driving and off-road driving can similarly wear down suspension components more quickly. We can identify and fix any steering and suspension issues you have, no matter what kind of driving you do. The steering and suspension components will be inspected by our staff in order to determine if your service will be a minor adjustment or replacement.​

Benefits

All of the following are reasons to get your steering system repaired: shaky or unsteady steering, feeling like the car is off-center or stiff steering. Excessive bouncing or swaying during bumps, or feeling like you have intermittent control while driving or braking, are all reasons to get your suspension system inspected. Suspension problems may cause uneven tire wear, but this can also be a sign of alignment issues. Did you hit a pothole recently? The damage that potholes can cause to steering and suspension components can be costly to fix. If the suspension components are worn, it will reduce the stability of the vehicle and the driver's control. Suspension issues that go untreated have the potential to increase the wear on other suspension components, which may result in more extensive repairs down the road. If you experience any of the above symptoms, please contact us online or by phone today.​

Steering & Suspension System Services

Ball Joint Replacement
Approximate Time:  120 Minutes
Especially on uneven surfaces like bumps and potholes, the suspension system allows your tires to maintain steady contact with the road, Ball joints are joints that allow movement in multiple directions between the control arm and the steering knuckle. The suspension system's pivot point between the wheels and the rest of the suspension system are the ball joints. They are designed to allow for movement in two planes simultaneously while providing ease of rotation in those planes. A vehicle's suspension system is able to move up and down while the wheels turn left or right due to them. Many vehicles with struts have only lower ball joints while vehicles with shocks have upper and lower ball joints. Normal ball joints will wear faster than some ball joints that are load-bearing. Ball joints are suspension components that are designed to wear down over time due to friction. Ball joints, like all suspension system components, have a maintenance schedule that can help prevent unexpected repairs or replacements.

Inner & Outer Tie Rod Replacement
Approximate Time: 60 Minutes
Inner and outer tie rods are used in all types of steering systems. Tie rods act as the link between your vehicle's steering system and the steering arm, which is attached to the steering wheel, making them an important part of your vehicle's steering and suspension system. The steering arm moves the front wheels through the steering system when you turn the steering wheel. The inner and outer tie rods are connected to the steering arm in order to move the wheels of your vehicle. The inner tie rods in a common rack-and-pinion steering system connect to the steering rack, while the outer tie rods connect to the steering arms. Steering and turning your wheels is possible with the help of tie rods moving them in the desired direction. If the tie rods did not function properly, the steering mechanism would not operate as intended. Overall vehicle maintenance is significant because inner and outer tie rods play a role. Therefore, it is necessary to replace tie rods.​

Shocks Replacement
Approximate Time: 120 Minutes
Your vehicle's shock absorbers are components in the suspension system that help the tires remain in contact with the road surface. They reduce the impact of road force and absorb the rebound of springs and other suspension components. Front and rear shocks are designed to adjust to driving conditions, such as bumps, potholes, and sudden maneuvers. They also reduce sway, brake dive or acceleration squat, and bounce rate. Modern day shocks are velocity-sensitive, providing more resistance the faster the springs and other suspension components are moving. The hydraulic shocks convert the kinetic energy from the springs into thermal energy, which the hydraulic fluid inside each shock absorbs and dissipates. Hydraulic fluid is forced through holes inside the piston when the suspension system bounces. This slows the compression of the piston, and as a result, slows down spring and suspension movement. Some vehicles use electronic and air shocks in addition to the more common hydraulic and gas shocks.​

Struts Replacement
Approximate Time: 120 Minutes
The biggest difference between shocks and struts is how they mount to your vehicle, though their functions are very similar. Other suspension components work with shocks to provide a smooth ride, while struts act as a support for the steering system. Struts help to absorb excessive bounce, acting as a dampening device. one working unit that combines coil springs, spring seats, strut bearings, and shock absorbers. Some strut designs also include the steering arm or steering knuckle. A piston is used in struts to absorb high lateral loads. The shock is able to pivot with the front wheels and the steering mechanism due to the spring seat and strut bearing. The suspension components in a struts help push tires back into place when the struts leave the road. Struts work with the suspension system to stabilize the vehicle and provide a comfortable and safe ride.​

Suspension Inspection
Approximate Time: 30 Minutes
Suspension systems provide structural support and comfortable riding conditions. Your vehicle's suspension system helps keep its tires in firm contact with the road at all times by compensating for bumps, potholes, and sudden changes in the road's surface. Components of the suspension system such as coil springs, leaf springs, torsion bars, shocks, and struts all help absorb bounce, shock, and unexpected motion from the surface of the road. If your suspension system is not fully functioning, your vehicle will be harder to control. Scheduling routine repairs and understanding the signs of an impending service are important parts of suspension system maintenance because regular wear and tear takes its toll on your suspension system. Signs that your suspension system should be inspected by a staff of professionals include experiencing unusual movements over bumps or through turns. If you think there may be an issue with your suspension, please reach out to us.​

Sway Bar Link Replacement
Approximate Time: 30 Minutes
The sway bar is a stabilizer bar that connects the wheels on opposite sides of the vehicle. The sway bar's purpose is to control "body roll" by distributing the weight of your vehicle evenly to both sides of the suspension. The sway bar keeps your vehicle level when you're taking a turn by minimizing body roll and transferring weight to the outside wheels. The suspension components on the inside wheels compress, maintaining solid contact with the road surface. A crucial component in your vehicle's suspension system are sway bar links. The sway bar links connect the suspension to the sway bar and transfer the force of motion from the wheels to the axles. The sway bar end links resist body roll and stabilize the force of motion and weight of the vehicle when the vehicle turns or corners.