As an auto repair shop that has served Palo Alto since 1968, M & R Auto has seen our fair share of suspension issues over the decades. Our expert ASE certified mechanics have acquired extensive experience identifying, diagnosing and repairing all types of suspension problems in vehicles of every make and model. We find ourselves frequently performing repairs and replacements to address the following key suspension components:
Worn Shock Absorbers or Struts
Shock absorbers and struts are responsible for absorbing vibrations and impacts from the road surface, providing a smoother ride. But over years of use, they gradually wear out. As shocks and struts deteriorate, you’ll notice a rougher, bouncier sensation over bumps and potholes. Your vehicle may also feel less stable taking turns or corners. To restore a smooth, even ride, our technicians can expertly replace worn or damaged shocks and struts at competitive rates you’ll appreciate.
Damaged or Broken Springs
Springs support your vehicle’s weight and are essential for absorbing larger impacts and cushioning the wheels over inconsistencies in the road. However, after extreme stresses or simply accumulating years of regular use, springs can become fatigued and prone to breaking. Damaged springs often cause the vehicle to visibly lean or sag to one side. They can also lead to a bouncy ride and difficulty steering as the wheels lose contact with the road surface. Our shop has top-notch equipment to test springs and replaces any found to be damaged.
Worn Suspension Bushings
For most modern suspension designs, flexible rubber or polyurethane bushings act as cushions where suspension parts connect or pivot. But over time, these bushings crack, dry out and wear away. The result is clunking noises when going over bumps, improper wheel alignment, shaky steering, and sometimes scalloped patterns of uneven tread wear on the tires. Fortunately, our expert technicians know exactly how to inspect, diagnose and replace worn suspension bushings to renew that factory-smooth ride.
Failing Control Arms and Ball Joints
Both control arms and ball joints link a vehicle’s suspension components to its frame, allowing the wheels to smoothly traverse uneven roads. After enduring many years of strain, vibration, and exposure to the elements, ball joints and control arms eventually wear out and fail. Symptoms of their deterioration include knocking sounds from the wheels, steering wheel vibration, and wandering in the vehicle’s handling. Allowing these conditions to continue can lead to complete loss of control arm or ball joint structural integrity. Instead, have our ASE master certified mechanics thoroughly inspect these vital components. We’ll advise if replacement is needed to keep you safely on the road.
Uneven Tire Wear
Over time on the road, a vehicle’s wheels can fall out of proper alignment, causing the tread on the tires to erode unevenly. This not only shortens the usable life of your tires but also negatively impacts traction, stability and control behind the wheel. In addition to restoring proper alignment, our expert technicians will diagnose if worn shocks, damaged springs, faulty bushings or other suspension troubles are causing the issues.
Difficulty Steering
Multiple issues like low power steering fluid levels, leaking hydraulic lines, worn strut bushings and more can make vehicles harder to steer properly over time. Allowing steering difficulties to linger leaves drivers fighting to keep the vehicle controlled. We have state-of-the-art equipment to diagnose any factor causing substandard steering response. From there, we can expertly correct alignment, replace damaged components or repair leaks to restore safe responsive steering.
Bring your vehicle to our full-service auto repair and maintenance shop M & R Auto to keep your suspension in excellent working order. Our ASE master certified technicians have over 50 years of combined experience inspecting and repairing all types of suspension problems for residents of Palo Alto. Give us call today to discuss any symptoms of concern—we’re ready to get your vehicle alignment, shocks, springs, bushings and more back into trustworthy working condition!
