Shocks & Struts

Suspension Maintenance and Repair: The Key to a Smooth and Safe Ride

Your car’s suspension system is vital for a smooth and safe ride. It absorbs shocks from bumps and potholes, ensuring passenger comfort, and maintains optimal tire contact with the road for precise handling and braking. However, constant use wears down components like shocks, struts, and bushings, compromising performance and safety. Over time, this wear can result in a rougher ride, reduced handling, and increased stopping distances. Regular inspection and maintenance are crucial to prevent these issues and ensure a consistently comfortable and secure driving experience.

Master AutoTech: Your Suspension Experts

At Master AutoTech, we specialize in comprehensive suspension diagnostics and repairs. Our skilled technicians will thoroughly assess your suspension system, identifying any worn or damaged parts and recommending the necessary repairs.

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Suspension: Critical for Vehicle Performance

Your suspension system is vital for a smooth, safe, and comfortable ride. Understanding its components and how to care for them can save you from costly repairs down the road. Here’s what you need to know:

Ball Joints

Think of these as the flexible hips of your suspension, allowing your wheels to move freely while staying properly aligned. Regular inspections are crucial. Our expert technicians check for looseness or worn-out rubber boots that could trap dirt and moisture. If worn out, we can replace ball joints individually or in pairs to ensure balanced handling.

Control Arms

Like the strong arms of the suspension, control arms connect the wheels to your car’s body, keeping them steady and aligned. Our team can inspect for bent or worn bushings and replace damaged control arms as needed.

Bushings

These rubbery cushions help reduce noise and vibration, ensuring a smoother ride. Regular inspections are key. We can press out and replace worn bushings to restore your ride comfort.

Springs

The heavy lifters of the suspension, springs support your vehicle’s weight and absorb shocks. If your car sits lower than usual or feels unstable, have our technicians inspect the springs for signs of sagging or broken coils. We’ll replace worn or broken springs, often in pairs to maintain even handling.

Shocks (Dampers)

Working in tandem with springs, shocks control their movement and prevent excessive bouncing. Be mindful of unusual noises like rattling or clunking, especially over bumps, and watch for leaks or damage. If your shocks are worn out, we’ll replace them in pairs for optimal performance.

Struts

These units combine the functions of shocks and springs, often playing a structural role in the suspension. Pay attention to the same signs of wear and tear as with shocks and springs. Our skilled mechanics can replace worn or damaged struts in pairs for your safety and comfort.

Wear, Tear and Repairs

While regular wear and tear typically necessitates suspension component replacement around the 50,000-mile mark, factors like accidents, heavy towing, off-road adventures, or even hitting a pothole can accelerate wear and necessitate earlier repairs. If your vehicle exhibits any signs of suspension trouble, prompt inspection is crucial. Ignoring these signs can lead to a cascade of damage to other components, compromising your safety on the road.

Warning Signs From Your Suspension

Your suspension is the unsung hero of your daily commute, absorbing the constant punishment of the road. However, this tireless work takes its toll, and a neglected suspension can lead to numerous issues. Here’s what to watch out for:

Uneven Tire Wear:

If your tires are wearing unevenly, it could be a sign of misalignment, tire imbalance, or worn-out suspension components.

Vibrations or Shaking:

A trembling steering wheel or a bumpy ride can indicate worn shocks or struts, loose steering parts, or unbalanced tires.

Rattling or Clunking Sounds:

These ominous noises often signal loose or damaged suspension parts like ball joints, bushings, or stabilizer links.

Pulling to One Side:

If your vehicle drifts to one side, it could be due to uneven tire pressure, misalignment, or worn suspension components.

Shocks Bottoming Out:

A harsh thud or bump when you hit a pothole or speed bump could mean your shocks or struts are worn out.

Excessive Bouncing:

If your car keeps bouncing after hitting a bump, it’s a telltale sign of worn shocks or struts.

Nose-Diving/Squatting:

Does your vehicle lurch forward when braking or squat back when accelerating? This could indicate worn shocks, weak springs, or other suspension problems.

Oil Leaks:

If you notice oil leaking from your suspension components, it’s likely a sign of a leaking shock or strut that needs immediate attention.

Regular Inspection and Maintenance:
A Wise Investment

In order to avoid suspension problems, and to catch any damage early, it’s best to have your suspension system inspected at least once a year. Having the inspection done at the same time that you have your alignment done each year is an easy and convenient way to increase the performance and safety of your vehicle.

Don’t let a worn-out suspension compromise your driving experience. Contact Master AutoTech today to schedule a suspension inspection and ensure a comfortable, safe, and controlled ride.