Steering & Suspension Services in Rockville, MD

What is SAS?123

test demoSAS stands for Steering and Suspension system, which is an integral part of your vehicle chassis. SAS is mainly responsible for the balance and stability of your car, as well as the smoothness of your ride. The suspension system has multiple components, mainly hydraulics, and springs and struts designed to absorb and dampen the shock of the road. It does so by absorbing the motion of the wheels and granting additional stability. The steering system is comprised of conversion devices, levers, and joints, which are all connected under a complex chain that helps you guide your vehicle on the road and also control it with minimal effort. Together, the steering and suspension systems are what keep your vehicle's wheels firmly on the ground and keep your vehicle from veering to the side. What's more, SAS can affect not only the smoothness of your ride, but it can also impact other systems such as wheel alignment.

Warning Signs of Bad Steering and Suspension

Your SAS system is made of many different parts, most of which will eventually wear out and need replacement. Even though mileage is usually the indicator for having your vehicle checked, there are certain signs that you can look for as to understand when you should have your steering and suspension evaluated. If your car nose dives when braking, that's a sign your suspension needs checked. Same goes for when you experience excessive bouncing while going over bumps. Other symptoms can be related to uneven tire wear or bad spring coils, which make your car lean heavily to one side. If your steering wheel is harder to turn than usual or you notice premature wear on your tires, then this may be a sign of bad tie rods. A shaking or vibrating steering wheel is another warning sign. Contact us at Meineke #2071 in Rockville, MD to learn more or to schedule an inspection.

The Steering and Suspension Repair Process

SAS problems not only can cause a bumpy ride, but can also lead to other problems such as alignment issues. This is why the repair process always starts with a system inspection which covers the shocks and struts, bushings, the upper and lower ball joint, tire rod ends, the rack and pinion or steering gear box, and many other components of the steering and suspension system. This thorough inspection will help determine the cause of your vehicle's symptoms, and also help draft a detailed report. Based on this information, our expert technicians will be able to provide a repair plan and go over the results with you so you can approve any repairs. We always aim to provide a transparent, straightforward process to help you make the best decisions for your car.

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 #2071 in Rockville, MD and we'll help you understand more about what can be fixed and what needs replacing in your SAS system.

Why Choose Meineke?

Taking care of your car shouldn't be a stressful, money draining experience. Even more so when it comes to your steering and suspension system which is crucial for a smooth and safe ride. To make sure you are in full control of your car, you need a trusted technician to inspect and work on your SAS system and that's exactly what you'll find at Meineke - greatly experienced, knowledgeable and trusted mechanics who will make sure to get things right the first time around. We want to get you back behind the wheel in the most time-saving, cost-effective manner possible, so be sure to give us a call or schedule an appointment to discuss your steering and suspension needs with our experts. Having a properly functioning SAS system has many benefits down the road and will end up saving you money as it improves gas mileage, prevents premature tire wear and keeps your car out of the shop for longer.