Steering & Suspension Services in Happy Valley, OR

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.

Warning Signs of Bad Steering and Suspension

Your SAS system is made of many different parts, most of which will eventually wear out and need replacement. Even though mileage is usually the indicator for having your vehicle checked, there are certain signs that you can look for as to understand when you should have your steering and suspension evaluated. If your car nose dives when braking, that's a sign your suspension needs checked. Same goes for when you experience excessive bouncing while going over bumps. Other symptoms can be related to uneven tire wear or bad spring coils, which make your car lean heavily to one side. If your steering wheel is harder to turn than usual or you notice premature wear on your tires, then this may be a sign of bad tie rods. A shaking or vibrating steering wheel is another warning sign. Contact us at Meineke #720 in Happy Valley, OR to learn more or to schedule an inspection.

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 #720 in Happy Valley, OR 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 #720 in Happy Valley, OR. 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.