Steering & Suspension Services in Kingston, NY

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.

Symptoms Of A Bad SAS System

Although in most cases mileage is a pretty good indicator of when to have your car checked, with regard to steering and suspension it is important to look for signs that indicate your SAS system is faltering. The sooner you get your vehicle inspected and fixed, the easier it will be. At Meineke #381 in Kingston, NY, we conduct thorough assessments so be sure to bring your car in as soon as you experience issues such as noise coming from under your car (whether it's clunking, grinding, or rattling), excessive sway or lean when you're turning, or vibration in your steering wheel. Other symptoms may include uneven or premature tire wear or fluid leak from seals.

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.

Benefits of Steering and Suspension Services

Sometimes, the issues you are experiencing with your SAS system may seem more of an inconvenience than a problem, but the truth is that these symptoms can quickly escalate and cause dangerous situations. Even if they don't, problems with steering and suspension can lead to other issues, which will end up costing you more when it's time to service your car. Therefore, there are many benefits of having your SAS serviced - one of the most important being better brake performance. A properly working steering and suspension also prevents uneven and premature tire wear and helps you better handle your vehicle which leads to a safer ride. Last but not least, a great suspension makes for a more comfortable ride, so you can enjoy driving again.

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.