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.

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 #2588 in Hopkins, MN, we offer a complete vehicle inspection to assess the steering and suspension system of your car and draft a detailed repair plan.

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.

Save Money With Meineke

Whether it's through the special financing that we offer with our Meineke Credit Card, our Meineke Rewards system, or our available coupons, you can save a lot of money when having your car serviced at Meineke #2588 in Hopkins, MN. The steering and suspension system is complex and intricate, and can sometimes require a lot of work - not to mention that additional services may be required as a result of replacing SAS parts. Keep your costs low and be in full control of your repairs with our detailed evaluation report and repair plan, and use one of the many options we offer for further savings. Contact our customer service to also learn more about how you can save with Meineke or schedule an appointment to discuss your car's steering and suspension needs.