Steering & Suspension Service in Fresno, CA
If you enjoy smooth handling and an even smoother ride, you can thank your vehicle’s steering and suspension systems. These systems include a variety of components that all work together to ensure that your vehicle is easy to steer and doesn’t bounce while driving.
On the other hand, poor handling, excessive bouncing, stiff steering, and accelerated tire wear are all signs that there could be something wrong with your vehicle’s systems.
If things start to get bumpy or your vehicle’s handling feels different, bring it into your closest Goodguys Tires & Auto Repair location. One of our certified, skilled technicians can evaluate your shocks, struts, and other suspension components to ensure they are not causing any dangerous or costly damage. We can also inspect your steering system components to pinpoint any issues that may be present.
You can trust our ASE-certified mechanics to perform the necessary service and repairs and we’ll have you back on the road safely and as quickly as possible. Get the best handle on your steering repair and suspension repair — speak to our experts at Goodguys today.
The Local Specialists in Vehicle Front-End Assemblies
At Goodguys, our technicians are experienced in all aspects of the maintenance and repair of steering and car suspension systems. Some of the services we offer include:
- Suspension and steering system inspection
- Power steering fluid flush
- Strut service and repair
- Shock repair and replacement
- Ball joint lubrication and repair
- Tie rod service and repair
- Sway bar link service and repair
If you notice that your vehicle is pulling to one side, the steering feels stiff, there is excessive vibration or swaying while driving, or if you experience issues while braking, it would be best to bring your vehicle in for an inspection as soon as possible.
The best way to ensure your vehicle’s steering and suspension systems are performing optimally is with regular preventative visits. Another way would be to have your vehicle inspected the moment you notice it’s performing abnormally.
What Exactly is the Front-End Assembly?
The steering system and suspension system make up a group of components referred to as the front-end assembly. We’ve included more information on each of these critical systems below:
Steering system: This system allows you to direct the vehicle in one direction or another. The two basic types of steering systems in cars are the rack-and-pinion system (which is the most common) and the steering box system. With either of these systems, “power steering” can come from a hydraulic pump, or introduced more recently, an advanced electronic power steering (EPS).
Suspension system: This system sits on top of the vehicle’s frame and carries the weight of the vehicle. It connects the chassis to the wheels and uses shock absorbers, springs, link bars, and control arms to cushion impact and enable relative motion.
For optimal performance, these systems should be solid and secure, with all of the metal and rubber components in good condition.
Components of the Steering & Suspension Systems
Steering components:
As mentioned above, there are a couple of different types of steering systems that can be found in a vehicle. So, depending on the model, parts of the steering system can include:
- A steering wheel
- A steering column or shaft
- A steering gear
- A power steering pump
- A power steering gearbox
- A pitman arm
- A steering knuckle
- Ball joints
- A stub axle
- The tie rod ends
- Tie rods
- An anti-sway bar
- A center link
- A control arm
- CV axles
Suspension components:
Like the steering system, the specific parts that make up the suspension system can vary depending on the type of vehicle, but they commonly include:
- Coil springs
- Shocks (or struts, depending on the type of vehicle)
- Strut mounts
- A strut bar
- Ball joints
- Stabilizer bars
- Upper and lower arms
- A Knuckle arm
- Bearings/bushings
What Can Cause Steering & Suspension Issues
Of course, normal wear and tear over time will mean that parts of your steering or suspension system will need to be serviced or replaced along the way. But, there are some specific things to be aware of that can cause further problems within these systems such as:
- Low or old/dirty power steering fluid
- A bad or loose power steering pump
- A leaking power steering rack
- Over worn bushings
- Hitting a pothole, curb, or large bump that causes a sudden jolt
Keep in mind, even though the steering and suspension parts are exposed to the same mileage at the same time, some components can wear out faster than others. This is especially true for the more weight-bearing components.
Worn components within either of these systems will reduce the stability of the vehicle and your ability to control it. Because these components all work together, suspension or steering issues that go untreated can increase stress and wear on other components, which can cause a need for extensive repairs down the road.
Extend the Life of Your Steering & Suspension Systems
As with the other systems of your vehicle, regular maintenance of your steering and suspension systems can help ensure everything is working properly and extend the life of the components.
Many vehicle manufacturers recommend that you have your steering and suspension system checked every 50,000 miles. Your car owner’s manual will provide the exact service schedule for your specific vehicle. Keeping up with the recommended service interval can ensure the vehicle stability, control, and safety that you are counting on.
How To Know If Your Steering or Suspension May Need Maintenance
In most cases, your vehicle will let you know if there’s a suspension or steering problem. Here are some warning signs to be aware of:
- The vehicle pulls to one side while driving
- You experience increased difficulty while steering
- The vehicle is riding much rougher than normal
- The steering wheel feels stiff
- You experience shakiness in a wheel while driving
- The front of your vehicle nosedives when braking
- The vehicle feels like it drifts when turning a corner
- The vehicle continues to bounce excessively after hitting a bump
- The vehicle is swaying after hitting a bump
- You hear excessive/odd noises while turning or after going over a bump
- The tires are wearing unevenly
If you are experiencing any of the above warning signs, bring your vehicle to your closest Goodguys Tires & Auto Repair location as soon as possible. We’ll inspect your steering and suspension systems, pinpoint the problem, and make the necessary repairs that will have you back on the road safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your vehicle’s power steering fluid is one of the most important parts of the steering system. As the fluid is pumped through the system, it is done so under pressure. This helps power the movement of the steering piston, making it easier to steer the vehicle. But, while the fluid is under significant pressure, it experiences high temperatures and will gradually be contaminated with dirt and other debris over time, rendering it almost useless.
So, that’s why it is highly recommended to have your power steering fluid flushed around every 30,000 miles. Check your owner’s manual for the specific mileage interval recommendation for your vehicle.
If your power steering fluid has passed its useful lifespan, it will put excess stress on the pump system, which can lead to a pump failure.
You do not have to take your vehicle to the dealership for service to maintain your warranty and receive exceptional service. Our experienced, ASE-certified technicians will provide high-quality service and repair, usually at a much lower price point than you typically find at the dealerships.
Yes, it is usually recommended to have an alignment done after any steering or suspension parts are replaced on your vehicle. This is because the replacement of any of these components can often impact the existing wheel angles. In order to prevent excess wear on the components of your front-end assembly and tires, you will want to ensure your wheels are still in proper alignment in relation to the vehicle and the road’s surface.
