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.

Benefit From Full Range of Services

While having options when it comes to your steering and suspension repair is important, it is also necessary to have a well-rounded inspection and service. SAS problems can create other issues as well, the most common ones being wheel angle changes and premature tire wear. At Meineke #720 in Happy Valley, OR, we offer wheel alignment and tire rotation services, which will take care of those issues for you. Misaligned wheels can cause a range of other problems, so it's best to have them properly aligned in conjunction with any steering and suspension repairs you may be doing. Tire rotation will help prevent premature tire wear, while also improving safe handling of your vehicle.

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.