Steering & Suspension Services in Auburn, ME

Steering and Suspension Explained

With so many more visible car problems and issues to address when servicing a vehicle, it can sometimes be easy to forget about steering and suspension systems. However, these are critical parts of your car's chassis and maintaining them is highly important for both a safe and smooth ride. The steering side is made up of the steering wheel, gears, linkages, and other components which help direct and control the motion of your car. The suspension side is aimed at supporting your vehicle's weight and absorbing the shock caused by the friction between the wheels and the road. The steering and suspension work together to help keep you in control of your car, facilitate the handling of the vehicle, and offer a smooth ride. They also impact other systems and parts such as your tires, and can cause misalignment or premature wornness.

Common Signs of Steering and Suspension Problems

A bumpy ride is the most common sign of a vehicle having SAS issues. If your steering and suspension system is faltering, then you'll be able to tell by these symptoms:

- your vehicle is hard to turn
- your car bounces too much
- you hear a noise when driving over bumps in the road
- your tires present uneven wear

Diagnosis is very important when it comes to solving steering and suspension problems, which is why it's essential to take your car in at the first signs of trouble. Here, at Meineke #360 in Auburn, ME, we offer a complete vehicle inspection to assess the steering and suspension system of your car and draft a detailed repair plan.

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 #360 in Auburn, ME 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.