Signs something is worn
- A clunk or knock over bumps, potholes or railway crossings.
- Steering that feels loose, or a car that wanders on the highway.
- A squeak or creak when you turn the wheel in a parking lot.
- The car bounces more than once after a bump, or the nose dives when you brake.
- Tires wearing in patches or on one edge.
Parts we replace most
Sway bar links are the most common source of a light rattle over bumps. Control arms and their bushings wear out and let the wheel shift under braking. Ball joints hold the wheel to the car, and a badly worn one can separate, so we take them seriously. Tie rod ends wear and make the steering loose. Shocks and struts fade slowly, so most people do not notice until they drive a car with new ones.
How we find the noise
We road test the car with you if we can, so we hear what you hear. Then it goes up on the lift and we check every joint for play with the weight off the wheels and again under load. A clunk can travel through the car, so we find the part that is loose before we quote.
After most steering and suspension work, the alignment needs to be set again. We check it and tell you.
