SUSPENSIONS, SHOCKS & STRUTS
Suspension, Shock & Strut Services:
- Thorough inspection of shocks, struts, springs, control arms, ball joints, tie rods, sway bars, bushings, and related suspension components.
- Replacement of worn or leaking shocks to restore ride control, stability, and braking performance.
- Replacement of damaged or worn struts and strut assemblies to improve steering response and ride comfort.
- Diagnosis and repair of clunking, squeaking, popping, vibration, excessive bouncing, and other suspension-related concerns.
- Replacement of worn springs, control arms, ball joints, bushings, sway-bar links, and other steering or suspension components.
- Inspection of suspension components for damage caused by potholes, curb impacts, rough roads, accidents, or normal wear.
- Computerized wheel alignment following qualifying suspension repairs to restore proper handling and tire wear.
- Inspection and correction of uneven tire wear caused by worn suspension components or improper wheel alignment.
- Road testing and final inspection to confirm that the vehicle rides, steers, and handles properly after repairs.
You probably don’t think about your vehicle’s suspension very often. Suspension components typically wear out gradually, so you may not notice a problem until the ride becomes uncomfortable, the tires begin wearing unevenly, or another component becomes damaged. Central Auto Repair Shop provides suspension, shock, and strut service for many makes and models of cars, trucks, SUVs, hybrids, and electric vehicles.
Your suspension includes the components that connect your vehicle to its wheels. Shocks, struts, springs, tie rods, ball joints, sway bars, bushings, and other parts work together to provide ride comfort, steering control, and stable handling. These components support the vehicle’s weight and experience constant movement and stress whenever you drive.
If your ride no longer feels comfortable, worn shocks, struts, or other suspension components may be responsible. Squeaking or groaning while turning, clunking over bumps, excessive bouncing, poor handling, and uneven tire wear are all possible signs of a suspension problem. Ignoring these warning signs can cause additional tire and suspension damage while making the vehicle more difficult to control.
Functions of Your Suspension
- Maintain the correct vehicle ride height
- Reduce the effect of bumps on the vehicle and its occupants
- Help maintain proper wheel alignment
- Support the weight of the vehicle
- Keep the tires firmly in contact with the road
- Provide stable steering, braking, and handling
Typical Wear and Tear
Over time, shocks, struts, steering components, and other suspension parts wear out and may require replacement. Regular inspections are important for maintaining a safe and comfortable vehicle. Factors that can affect suspension wear include:
- Driving habits
- Potholes and damaged roads
- Vehicle type and weight
- The type of steering and suspension system
- Driving on rough or unpaved roads
- Towing trailers or carrying heavy loads
- Curb impacts or accidents
- Delayed wheel alignments or suspension maintenance
Warnings of Suspension Failure
- Uneven, cupped, or rapidly wearing tires
- Tire shaking, wheel shimmy, or vibration after hitting a bump
- A harsh, rough, or unusually bouncy ride
- Stiff or difficult steering
- The front of the vehicle dipping when the brakes are applied
- The suspension bottoming out on rough roads or driveways
- Excessive body sway while turning or driving in strong winds
- The vehicle pulling to one side
- Clunking, squeaking, popping, or groaning noises
- Fluid leaking from a shock or strut
- One corner of the vehicle sitting lower than the others
Your suspension, shocks, and struts are essential to your vehicle’s comfort, handling, and safety. If your vehicle makes unusual noises while turning or traveling over bumps, the tires are wearing unevenly, or the ride no longer feels as comfortable as it should, let the experienced technicians at Central Auto Repair Shop take a closer look. We can identify the problem and repair or replace worn shocks, struts, bushings, wheel bearings, and other suspension components to help restore a smoother, safer ride.
