Steering & Suspension Services in Damascus, MD

Understand Your Steering and Suspension Systems

Your vehicle's suspension and steering are actually parts of the chassis and are two very important systems for the stability and control of your car. The suspension system is in charge of supporting the weight of your car, helping maintain tire contact, and therefore absorbing or dampening the shock. Simultaneously, the steering system is the mechanism that allows you to direct and guide your vehicle. The suspension is comprised of three fundamental components: springs, dampers, and anti-sway bars which help absorb the motion of the wheels, control unwanted spring motion, and provide additional stability. It is therefore essential that your steering and suspension work properly and are carefully maintained so that you can have full control of your vehicle and also enjoy an "un-bumpy" ride.

Symptoms Of A Bad SAS System

Although in most cases mileage is a pretty good indicator of when to have your car checked, with regard to steering and suspension it is important to look for signs that indicate your SAS system is faltering. The sooner you get your vehicle inspected and fixed, the easier it will be. At Meineke #943 in Damascus, MD, we conduct thorough assessments so be sure to bring your car in as soon as you experience issues such as noise coming from under your car (whether it's clunking, grinding, or rattling), excessive sway or lean when you're turning, or vibration in your steering wheel. Other symptoms may include uneven or premature tire wear or fluid leak from seals.

Steps in Solving Your SAS Problems

Evaluation is always the first step in any vehicle repair process, especially when it comes to steering and suspension. Since your car's SAS systems are comprised of hundreds of different parts and elements, it is important to have a thorough inspection in order to determine the proper cause of the symptoms. This inspection should include the front and rear end, the shocks, struts and coil springs, the wheel bearings and chassis parts, as well as the power steering and power steering fluid. The next step is the repair plan. Depending on the root of the problem, you will be presented with different options for repairs or replacements. Choosing the right repair plan is critical, which is why at Meineke, you can rely on our expert recommendations to get your car on the road stronger and for longer.

Replacing or Repairing SAS Systems

Depending on the findings from your vehicle's evaluation, you may have different options when it comes to the repair process. Some parts of the steering and suspension system can be fixed, while others may need replacing. Bushings, for instance, play an important role in your car's suspension but they're made of flexible material such as rubber, which means they need to be replaced if they are worn or damaged. Coil springs on the other hand, are made with wide gap coils and they can be serviced, as can the steering gearbox or loose lug nuts. It's great to have options, but it's also very important to choose the proper repair plan, one that will keep your car and yourself safe. Contact us at Meineke #943 in Damascus, MD and we'll help you understand more about what can be fixed and what needs replacing in your SAS system.

We Steer You Right

Come to Meineke #943 in Damascus, MD for your steering and suspension service needs, or any other car trouble for that matter, and we will steer you right. That's our promise! Our experienced and trusted technicians will inspect your vehicle and properly determine the root problem, while also presenting you with options and solutions to get you back on the road. We'll make sure you understand all options available to you and recommend best course of action so that you're not back in the shop anytime soon. We'll identify exactly what repairs are necessary, but also inspect other parts such as wheel alignment, tires and brakes to make sure your car is safe to drive. We'll provide you with estimates and timelines so you're in full control of your repairs.