Steering & Suspension Services in Hopkins, MN

Why Are Steering and Suspension Important?

Steering and suspension may not be at the top of the list whenever you think about servicing your car, but they definitely should be. These are systems that help your vehicle drive smoothly and precisely. Commonly referred to as SAS, the steering and suspension system share some components, but they provide different benefits. The steering side is a complex chain of joints, levers and conversion devices that help control and guide your car, while the suspension side is made of springs, struts and hydraulics which keeps your vehicle at the proper height in order to absorb shock. There are two main types of steering systems: "rack and pinion" and "parallelogram", and they each require different approaches when you experience steering issues. The same is also true for suspension systems as there are many different designs available.

When Do I Need Steering and Suspension Service?

A smooth and safe ride is greatly dependent on your SAS system, so be sure to have it checked if you notice signs of a troubled steering and suspension system. These signs can vary, from excessive noise coming from under your car when driving over bumps, to experiencing too much bounciness or sways. Other common symptoms may include vibrating or a crooked steering wheel, as well as premature and uneven wear of your vehicle's tires. All in all, if your overall ride is shaky, bumpy and harsh, or if you're finding your car to be particularly hard to handle and control, then be sure to contact our experts at Meineke #2588 in Hopkins, MN and schedule an inspection.

How SAS Evaluation & Repair Works

Having your steering and suspension properly serviced can save you a lot of money down the road as it could help eliminate uneven and premature tire wear, as well as alignment issues. Our certified technicians will conduct a thorough evaluation of your vehicle, including inspection of all struts, shocks and springs to determine any signs of wear or damage. Based on the results of the evaluation, we will prepare a detailed repair plan for you and go over all options, such as replacing or repairing parts, so that you can approve the entire process beforehand. When certain parts of the steering and suspension are replaced, existing wheel angles may change, so we always recommend wheel alignment with any SAS repair service.

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 #2588 in Hopkins, MN 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 #2588 in Hopkins, MN 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.