Car Steering & Suspension Services
The steering and suspension system on your vehicle is responsible for maintaining comfortable riding conditions and driving performance. It also helps drivers remain in control of their vehicles at all times. The suspension system converts forward energy created by bumps in the road into vertical energy that travels up into the vehicle frame. Suspension system components, like coil springs and shock absorbers help to dampen the impact of this road force. While the individual components comprising each suspension system may vary, all suspension system components will weaken over time through stress applied during normal driving conditions. Similarly, off-road driving and erratic driving can wear down suspension components more quickly.
Regardless of your driving preferences, we have the necessary equipment to identify and correct any issue plaguing your steering and suspension system. Our staff is trained to inspect the steering and suspension components in order to determine whether your service will entail a minor adjustment or a replacement. Contact Ramona Tire today to learn more about our steering services.
Signs That Your Car Needs A Steering Service
Shaky, unsteady, off-center, and stiff steering are all cause for getting a steering system repaired, while excessive bouncing or swaying during bumps and intermittent control while driving and braking are cause for a suspension system inspection. Uneven tire wear is also a potential sign of a suspension problem, though this may also point to alignment issues. Have you hit a pothole recently? Potholes can cause damage to steering and suspension components. Worn suspension components will reduce the stability of the vehicle and the control of the driver. Because suspension system components combine into one working unit, suspension issues that go untreated have the potential to increase the wear on other suspension components, which may result in more expensive repairs down the road. If you experience any of the above symptoms, schedule an appointment for a steering service.
Steering Services At Our Shops
Ramona Tire provides a variety of steering services at our 17 locations. Some of the services that you can receive at our shops include:
Suspension Inspection
Over time, the components of your suspension system, like coil springs, shock absorbers, struts, shocks, tie rods, ball joints, and sway bar links, can weaken and malfunction, thereby decreasing your ability to maintain control of your vehicle. Besides being aware of the signs and symptoms of a worn suspension system, be sure to consult your owner’s manual when determining maintenance schedules and intervals for inspections of your vehicle’s suspension system. Regular maintenance can extend the life of your vehicle’s suspension components.
Car Strut Repair
Worn struts increase braking distance and increase body roll, sway, and bounce rate. The bounce test, wherein you bounce on each corner of your vehicle a few times, is a good way to determine whether you need to schedule a strut repair. If your vehicle bounces and settles, your struts are operating as they should. If your vehicle continues to bounce, you should seek to replace the struts on your suspension system as soon as possible. Other signs that your struts need to be replaced include excessive brake dive, acceleration squat, body roll or sway, and unusual tire wear patterns. Having your struts replaced will improve braking, handling, and the overall controllability of your vehicle.
Car Shock Repair/Replacement
Replacing car shocks can maximize the performance of your entire suspension system. The components in your suspension system interact and depend on each other. Cars absorbers and brakes work together to help your vehicle stop as soon as possible upon engaging the brake pedal. Worn shocks mean your vehicle is less likely to stop exactly when and where you want. In fact, bad shocks can increase your stopping distance by up to 10 feet. Worn shock absorbers will cause your vehicle to dive when braking. Healthy shocks improve braking and handling, making your vehicle easier to control. Repairing your car shock absorbers when necessary will help promote a safe road for everyone.
Ball Joint Replacement
Upper and lower ball joints are designed to fit snugly inside a lubricated casing. If the casing loses lubrication, dries out, or the linkage becomes loose, wheel alignment may be affected. A loose ball joint can also result in suspension noise and uneven tire wear. Because ball joints act as the link between the wheels and other suspension components, a bad joint can conflict with normal steering capabilities. In extreme cases, a worn ball joint that fails may fall out of its casing and cause a collapse of the suspension system. To avoid ball joint failure, be sure to consult your owner’s manual for the maximum allowable wear on your suspension system’s ball joints. Our replacement ball joints will restore full functionality to your suspension system.
Inner Tie Rod & Outer Tie Rod Replacement
Difficult, erratic, and unexpected steering are signs that your tie rods—inner, outer, or both—might need to be replaced. One indication that your tie rods may be loose is excessive and uneven tire wear. Steering that pulls or refuses to return to center are also signals that your inner and outer tie rods should be checked and possibly replaced by an ASE-certified technician. If you experience any warning signs of a malfunctioning tie rod, bring your vehicle in for an inspection. Our team will identify the issue and determine the appropriate repair.
Sway Bar Link Replacement
Because sway bar links are responsible for transferring the force of motion from the wheels to the sway bar and to the rest of the suspension system, if a sway bar end link is damaged, the controllability of your vehicle and the safety of your passengers are at risk. While some sway bar links have bushing that can be replaced, other sway bar links require replacements upon wearing out. Warning signs of a broken or bad sway bar link include clunks and squeaks. Over-steering or excessive lean through turns are also symptoms of worn sway bar links, but they can also be signs of larger problems with your vehicle’s suspension system. Do not let symptoms of bad sway bar links or other suspension components go untreated. Little problems with suspension systems have the tendency to turn into larger problems and more expensive repairs if not repaired or replaced.
If you’re having issues with your steering system, contact us today. Our team will have your vehicle back on the road in no time.
