Your suspension takes a beating. Every bump, pothole, and sudden stop wears it down. And when it starts to fail? You feel it. The ride gets rough. The steering gets sloppy. The tires wear unevenly. Ignore it long enough, and you’re looking at serious damage—not to mention a safety risk.
At M & R Auto, we don’t just fix suspension problems. We make your car feel brand new again. Here are the five most common suspension issues and how we fix them.
1. Shock Absorbers And Struts—The First Line Of Defense
Does your car bounce like a trampoline after a speed bump? Does the front dip every time you hit the brakes? That’s worn-out shocks and struts.
Shocks and struts control how your vehicle handles road imperfections. When they go bad, you lose stability. The car sways in turns. Steering gets unpredictable. Braking takes longer. You might even hear clunking sounds when driving over rough roads.
We fix it by replacing worn shocks and struts with high-quality replacements. We use components designed to match your car’s specifications—because not all shocks are created equal. Whether you drive a 2015 Honda Accord or a 2020 Ford F-150, we make sure you get the right fit for maximum performance.
2. Sagging Or Broken Springs—When Your Car Sits Unevenly
Have you ever noticed your car leaning to one side? That’s a failing coil spring. Springs hold your car’s weight, absorb impact, and keep your ride level. But over time, they weaken, crack, or break completely.
A broken spring is bad news. It puts extra stress on the shocks and struts, making the suspension work twice as hard. You might also hear a metallic clanking noise when driving over bumps.
We replace worn springs with durable, high-performance options that restore your vehicle’s balance and stability. No shortcuts, no cheap parts—just expert repairs that last.
3. Ball Joint Failure—When Your Steering Feels Loose
Feel a vibration in the steering wheel? Hear a clunking noise when turning? That’s your ball joints giving out.
Ball joints connect the suspension to the wheels. They allow movement while keeping everything in alignment. But when they wear down, things get shaky—literally. The wheels start to wobble. Steering gets unpredictable. In extreme cases, a ball joint failure can cause a wheel to completely detach while driving.
At M & R Auto, we don’t wait for disaster to strike. We inspect ball joints for excess play, replace worn-out ones, and realign your suspension to factory specs. Drive with confidence, knowing your steering is solid.
4. Bushings—The Small Parts That Make A Big Difference
Bushings are rubber or polyurethane cushions that absorb shocks and reduce noise in the suspension system. They keep metal parts from grinding against each other. But when they wear out? You get a rough ride, excess vibration, and annoying squeaks.
If your car feels less responsive, drifts slightly when driving straight, or just sounds off, it could be bad bushings.
We replace old, worn-out bushings with high-quality rubber or performance-grade polyurethane options, depending on your vehicle’s needs. The result? A smoother, quieter ride and better overall handling.
5. Misaligned Wheels—The Silent Suspension Killer
Think wheel alignment is just about straight driving? Think again. Misalignment puts unnecessary stress on your suspension, wears down tires unevenly, and reduces fuel efficiency.
Ever notice your car pulling to one side? Or that your tires wear out faster on one edge? That’s a bad alignment. It happens after hitting potholes, curbs, or just from general wear.
We fix it with precision alignment. We adjust the camber, toe, and caster to ensure your wheels sit at the perfect angle for optimal handling and longevity. The result? A car that drives straight turns smoothly and doesn’t chew through tires.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
A bad suspension doesn’t just make your ride uncomfortable—it makes it unsafe. If your car feels off, don’t ignore it. M & R Auto in Menlo Park specializes in diagnosing and fixing suspension problems fast.
Call us today, and let’s get your car back to peak performance.
