Steering & Suspension Services in Sterling, VA

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 Do I Need Steering and Suspension Service?

A smooth and safe ride is greatly dependent on your SAS system, so be sure to have it checked if you notice signs of a troubled steering and suspension system. These signs can vary, from excessive noise coming from under your car when driving over bumps, to experiencing too much bounciness or sways. Other common symptoms may include vibrating or a crooked steering wheel, as well as premature and uneven wear of your vehicle's tires. All in all, if your overall ride is shaky, bumpy and harsh, or if you're finding your car to be particularly hard to handle and control, then be sure to contact our experts at Meineke #472 in Sterling, VA and 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.

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.

The Meineke Promise

We promise to get you back to your life as quickly as possible while ensuring you enjoy a smooth, safe and controlled ride with a properly functioning SAS system. We promise to conduct a complete system evaluation in order to correctly determine the root problem and design the best repair plan for you and your vehicle. We always have greatly experienced and expert technicians working on your car, conducting all the necessary repairs that you approved, and making sure to have you back on the road in no time. At Meineke, we believe in transparency and trust, so we will provide you with a detailed report of our inspection as well as different repair options and plans, so that you can decide what's best for you.