Steering & Suspension Services in Renton, WA

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 #2385 in Renton, WA to learn more or to schedule an inspection.

Steps in Solving Your SAS Problems

Evaluation is always the first step in any vehicle repair process, especially when it comes to steering and suspension. Since your car's SAS systems are comprised of hundreds of different parts and elements, it is important to have a thorough inspection in order to determine the proper cause of the symptoms. This inspection should include the front and rear end, the shocks, struts and coil springs, the wheel bearings and chassis parts, as well as the power steering and power steering fluid. The next step is the repair plan. Depending on the root of the problem, you will be presented with different options for repairs or replacements. Choosing the right repair plan is critical, which is why at Meineke, you can rely on our expert recommendations to get your car on the road stronger and for longer.

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 #2385 in Renton, WA and we'll help you understand more about what can be fixed and what needs replacing in your SAS system.

A Hassle Free Experience

Whether it's your steering and suspension that needs servicing or any other part of your vehicle, Meineke is here to get you back on the road and on with life as quickly and hassle-free as possible. We do things right the first time around, so you don't have to worry when it comes to your vehicle. Our expert technicians will conduct a thorough inspection and evaluation to make sure there's no hidden damage or cause of your car's symptoms. You'll get a detailed report and repair plan and we won't move forward until we have your approval. It's as seamless as it gets! Contact us today or schedule an appointment and we'll be happy to answer any questions you may have and discuss your car service options.