Suspension and Steering Systems

Does your vehicle make snaps, pops, squeaks, thuds, groans or clunks when you turn the wheel, go over undulations in the road, stop moderately hard or accelerate out of a turn?  Does the steering wheel shimmy going down the highway?  Does a light tap on the brake stop to shimmy for the moment?  Then you may Steering and suspension problems.  Depending how bad the problem is, a wheel may be getting ready to cave in or may be getting to go the way it wants to go, not where you want to go.  These failures can put you in a ditch, or worse, into a telephone pole or into on-coming traffic!

The primary function of your car's suspension and steering systems is to allow the wheels to move independently of the car, while keeping it "suspended" and stable. Any looseness or uncontrolled motion in these systems results in a deterioration of handling and accelerated tire wear. Vehicle alignment is closely tied to the condition of the suspension and steering systems.

Steering Systems

Worn or loose components affect the ability to control the toe angle, and may result in a loss of directional stability and accelerated tire wear. The main components of a Conventional system are:

• 1. Steering Gear Box
• 2. Center Link
• 3. Pitman Arm
• 4. Idler Arm
• 5. Tie Rods

The main components of a Rack and Pinion steering system are:

• 6. Rack and Pinion Assembly
• 7. Bellows Boots
• 8. Tie Rods

If any of these parts lets loose, one of the front wheels will go where it wants to go, not where you want to go.

Suspension System

Worn or loose components affect the suspension systems ability to control motion and alignment angles, resulting in a deterioration of vehicle handling and stability, and accelerated tire wear. The main components of the suspension system are: 

• 9. Control Arms
• 10. Ball Joints
• 11. Springs (Coil or Leaf)
• 12. Shock Absorbers
• 13. Struts

If any of these parts lets loose, the wheel will cave in bringing your trip to an abrupt halt.

If you think you have problems with the steering or suspension of your vehicle, bring your vehicle to Clearview Tire & Auto Service for a correct diagnosis and professional guaranteed repairs which includes our Certified Auto Repair Nationwide Warranty.  We're in Hopkinsville, not far from Ft. Campbell and we've been here since 1952. Most repairs include one year FREE towing and roadside assistance, good 24/7 coast-to-coast.