Steering and Suspension Service
Steering and Suspension: What is it?
The steering and suspension systems are key safety-related systems. Car suspension is vital for determining your car’s ride and handling. Comfort in your car is everyone’s preference. But car suspension goes to safety considerations as well.
That said, every motorist should see to their car’s steering and suspension “checkup” at least once every year. Unfortunately, many people let this aspect of vehicle safety “slide” without giving a second thought to car suspension, until any one of many possibilities actually occurs, such as …
- A wheel bearing “goes” … and $600- later you’re wondering what happened. Car suspension maintains the relationship between the wheels and the frame, thus needing wheel checks regularly.
- A tie rod wears out and breaks. Note: new tie rods on most newer vehicles are not serviceable, greased, or lubricated. Bottom line: Car suspension NEEDS to be checked.
- A strut can be leaking. Note: This happens over time usually, and your car bounces losing stability; “cornering” can be compromised or lost. You can then lose proper feel of the road. Experienced car suspension technicians make checkups that catch these kinds of issues.
- Tires can wear out prematurely. Again, car suspension maintains the relationship between the wheels and the frame, necessitating regular wheel checks.
- An alignment problem has developed; tires are thus compromised, with possible loss of safe drivability. Proper car suspension maintains the relationship between the wheels and the frame. Checking steering and suspension usually catches this problem.
The “10 Minute Oil Change”… Is it a Problem?
There are many automotive service centers that offer you a “10 minute oil change” … and they may be doing you a great DISSERVICE.
Why? The answer is simple.
They train individuals to do the quick oil change … but, most often, such individuals are not experienced or trained to spot problems which an experienced technician would see in a normal Vehicle Safety Check accompanying the oil change.
- A spring can break affecting car performance, stability, fuel economy, tire wear, braking effectiveness and safety.
- Travel over a crack in road can maneuver your vehicle away from your driving course in that direction …often dangerously so.
- Ball joints are worn. Note: Ball joints on most newer vehicles are not serviceable, greased, or lubricated. Bottom line: Car suspension NEEDS to be checked.
- The stabilizer bar can crack or break. Note: You’ll never know unless you have it checked… or you increasingly face a vehicle which does NOT handle correctly. Failure here affects stability and tire performance, handling and safety. Steering and suspension checkups will catch this problem.
NONE of this can happen under normal circumstances, if you get your steering and suspension systems checked. This checkup should include the two main systems involved: both the steering system itself as well as your car suspension system. Additionally, is customary to add a wheel alignment to the service mix, as that affects suspension elements directly.
Steering and Suspension: What does it do?
Car suspension maintains the relationship between the wheels and the frame (or unibody). The car suspension system interacts with the steering system to provide vehicle control. When working properly, your car suspension system helps absorb the energy from road irregularities such as potholes. This helps to maintain vehicle stability. The steering system transmits your input from the steering wheel to the steering gear and other steering components to control the car’s direction.
Steering and Suspension: Typical Wear and Tear
Over time, steering and suspension components wear out and require replacement. Regular checks are critical to maintain a safe car. Factors that affect wear include:
- Type of steering and suspension system
- Operating vehicle conditions
- Personal driving habits
- Vehicle type
- Frequency of regular car suspension maintenance such as chassis lubrication and wheel alignment
Steering and Suspension: Symptoms
- Pulling
- Uneven tire wear
- Noise and vibration while cornering
- Loss of control
