SHOCKS, STRUTS & SUSPENSION REPAIR NEAR ME
Has your vehicle recently become more difficult to handle? If you’re missing the days when your commute was smooth and comfortable, it may be time to replace components of your suspension system.
Here at Sun Auto Service, we employ highly-experienced ASE Certified technicians who can inspect your struts, shocks and suspension to make sure they are in proper working order.
According to the Motorist Assurance Program (MAP) experts have determined that the average strut or shock is most effective for up to 50,000 miles. Here at Sun Auto Service, we visually inspect your shocks, struts and suspension every time you have your vehicle serviced. Our Technicians inspect these vital elements of your vehicle to advise you of their condition and whether or not there are any problems that could affect the comfort or most importantly, the safety of your ride.
Shocks and struts are part of the suspension system, and help prevent unnecessary movement while driving. Once the vehicle has reached 50,000 miles, the shocks or struts have likely oscillated around 88 million times.
Car Suspension Repair Shops In Texas
Your car’s suspension can affect the comfort of your ride and your safety. That’s why it’s important to have your suspension system inspected routinely. At Sun Auto Service, we have the knowledge and equipment to ensure your vehicle’s suspension system is functioning properly. Our locations can be found all throughout Texas, including Austin, Houston, San Antonio, Cedar Park, and Georgetown
Car Suspension Repair Shops In Nevada
VVisit any of our locations in Las Vegas, North Las Vegas and Henderson. Your vehicle’s ride should be smooth and comfortable but when it’s not there could be a problem with your suspension. This means it’s time to get an inspection to check your suspension components.
Signs You Need to Repair Your Car Suspension
- Shaking while driving
- Uneven tire wear
- Stiff steering wheel
- Swaying or leaning when turning
- Front end dipping forward when braking
- Increased stop time
- Visually inspecting for oil leaks which indicate they have lost their charge.
If your vehicle is showing these warning signs, it’s best to have your vehicle inspected right away. There’s no reason to wait to replace the components of your suspension system. Because of new and improved technologies, in many cases, the aftermarket strut or shock is better engineered than the original factory installed parts.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR SUSPENSION SYSTEM
Your vehicle’s suspension system is made up of many different parts designed to connect the frame to the wheels. When working properly, the suspension system allows for the ideal amount of motion and stability between the wheels and the vehicle body. A healthy suspension system performs several additional important functions, including:
- Keeping tires firmly on the road’s surface to extend tire life
- Stabilizing steering for easy of handling and safety
- Minimizing road noises and vibrations for increased comfort
- Facilitating effective braking for maximum safety
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What Does a Car Suspension Do?
The suspension system is attached to the vehicle’s frame or chassis of the vehicle as well as the steering. Suspension influences the handling on the road by ensuring tires maintain contact with the road, support braking, and stabilizing steering for your safety and comfort. The suspension system also eases bumps and vibrations and blocks road noises.
The suspension system consists of springs, struts, shock absorbers and linkages that join the vehicle to its wheels and allows for relative motion between the two.
Signs To Inspect Shocks or Struts
- Noticeable swaying or bouncing while driving (rough ride)
- Leaning or “pulling” while changing lanes or turning
- Unusual sound originating from the suspension system
- Dipping forward of the front end when braking
- Original parts that have not been replaced for 50,000 miles
- Visually inspecting for oil leaks which indicate they have lost their charge
When Should You Replace Shocks and Struts?
If you notice your car is doing one or more of the things above, it’s likely time for replacement. At the very least, an inspection will let you know of their condition and when you should start thinking about replacement. Of course, there are other indicators that may clue you in as to when you may need to replace your car’s struts or shocks such as noticeable fluid leaks out of the strut or shock.
Every strut and shock houses a piston with hydraulic fluid that is activated when the vehicle travels over a bump. Over time and many compressions, the fluid may begin to leak out of the unit. While a minor amount of fluid is normal, shocks and struts that are completely covered in oil indicate a major leak which requires replacement.
Shock and Strut Replacement Process
Depending on your vehicle, shock and strut replacements can range in levels of difficulty which can affect the duration of the install. Some replacements can be completed in as little as one hour while some more complicated systems could take up to several hours and call for the use of specialty tools or equipment.
In some newer model vehicles, the interior trim must first be removed to gain access to the mounting brackets and/or bolts. In some cases, special equipment may be needed to support the vehicle’s suspension during the process. Shocks are installed with two different styles of mounts, stud or bolt. Stud shocks are mounted using rubber cushions and bolt style mounts require a bolt through the shock mount bushing, which is then secured to the vehicle.
There are also some vehicles with rear air shocks that must be adjusted externally with the use of pumps mounted on the underside of the vehicle which provides additional pressure to accommodate heavier payloads and leveling where necessary.
The latest technology in shock absorber technology is the Air Suspension system that is controlled solely by an onboard compressor system that has controls for height adjustments or suspension comfort. The difficulty with these kinds of systems is the risk for electrical or sensor troubles that can be mistaken as a shock issue. This kind of issue could create challenges during the diagnosis process and require the need for special tools or software to remedy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shocks and Struts
Q: Does a car need an alignment after replacing struts?
A: Vehicles that have received a new set of struts will require an alignment once installation is complete. Because most struts are connected to the suspension components that have the alignment adjustment built right into them, even the slightest variance can cause premature tire wear, pulling, or a crooked steering wheel.
Vehicles that use shock assemblies will not typically require an alignment once installation is complete, unless steering components were otherwise moved or affected to perform the replacement.
Q: How long do shocks and struts last on a car?
A: Many manufacturers or the original factory struts or confirm that their products are less effective once they reach the 50,000 – 60,000 mile mark. There are exceptions, however, that alter performance and greatly reduce mileage based on travel on conditions including frequent travel over rough terrain or exposure to excessive heat. At Sun Auto Service, we have seen shocks and struts that have required replacement as few as 30,000 miles.
Q: How much does it cost to replace car struts?
A: Every vehicle is unique in its design and suspension can vary from model to model. Cost requires confirmation of suspension characteristics, cost of the strut or shock assembly, plus the labor that is required for removal of old assemblies and installation. More complicated systems versus simplistic arrangements will affect the cost of the replacement. For the most accurate estimate for your vehicle, visit a car suspension repair shop such as Sun Auto Service in Nevada or Texas.
