SUSPENSION SYSTEM AND STEERING SERVICES
AAA Approved Auto Repair in Chicago
The steering and suspension system on your vehicle is responsible for maintaining comfortable riding conditions and driving performance.
The steering and suspension system 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.
Benefits of Steering and Suspension System
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 extensive repairs down the road. If you experience any of the above symptoms, contact us online or by phone today.
Why Your Suspension and Steering Are Critical to Your Safety
The suspension system does much more than give you a comfortable ride—it keeps your tires flat against the road, which is what makes braking, accelerating, and turning predictable and safe. When shocks or struts wear out, your vehicle's stopping distance increases (sometimes by 20% or more), handling becomes unpredictable, and tire wear accelerates unevenly. Worn steering components like tie rods and ball joints can make steering imprecise and, in severe cases, cause a complete loss of steering control. Chicago's pothole season is brutal on these parts. An annual suspension inspection is one of the best investments a city driver can make.
Signs Your Suspension or Steering Needs Service
- The vehicle bounces excessively after hitting a bump, or the ride feels noticeably rougher than it used to.
- The front end dips sharply when braking (nose-dive).
- The vehicle rolls or leans heavily in corners.
- Uneven tire wear—cupping, scalloping, or wear on the inner or outer edges only
- Steering feels loose, vague, or has excessive play.
- The vehicle wanders or drifts, requiring constant steering correction.
- Clunking, rattling, or knocking sounds over bumps or when turning
- Power steering feels stiff, or you hear a whining noise when turning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my shocks or struts are worn out?
The bounce test is a quick check: push down hard on each corner of the vehicle and release. If it bounces more than once or twice, the shocks or struts are likely worn. A more reliable method is a professional inspection, where we check for oil leakage and physical damage and measure performance. Worn shocks also show up as uneven tire wear.
Can a bad suspension affect my brakes?
Yes, significantly. Worn shocks and struts reduce tire-to-road contact, which increases stopping distance—in some cases by 20% or more. If your brakes feel like they're working harder than usual or stopping distances have increased, a suspension inspection is a good idea alongside a brake check.
What's the difference between shocks and struts?
Shocks (shock absorbers) dampen suspension movement and are standalone components. Struts serve the same damping function but are structural—they're also a mounting point for the steering knuckle and spring. Whether your vehicle has shocks or struts depends on the make and model. We'll tell you which your vehicle has and what condition they're in.
How often should suspension components be inspected?
We recommend a suspension inspection annually or whenever you notice any of the warning signs above. Chicago's roads accelerate wear significantly compared to smoother roads elsewhere. Any time you have an alignment done, we'll also inspect the key suspension and steering components as part of the process.
