Steering & Suspension Services in Bensalem, PA

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.

When Should I Check My Steering and Suspension?

When it comes to the steering and suspension system of your vehicle, there are many factors to be taken into account and many forces and angles that need to be maintained or acted upon. A properly functioning SAS is vital for the safety of your ride, but it can also greatly reduce the cost of operating your car. Therefore, it's best to take your car in at the first signs of trouble, which are usually issues with the way your car steers or steering wheel vibrations. Another common sign is a vehicle that's hard to control or bounces too much. You may think that you can live with a little bounce here and there, but that can actually increase the braking distance and therefore the chances of an accident. Learn more about common signs of bad steering and suspension by contacting Meineke #380 in Bensalem, PA.

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 #380 in Bensalem, PA, 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.

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.