Steering & Suspension Services in Audubon, NJ

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

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 #205 in Audubon, NJ 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 #205 in Audubon, NJ 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.