Description: A ball joint consists of a hardened-steel, bearing stud and socket enclosed in a steel housing. The bearing stud is tapered and threaded and fits into a tapered hole in the steering knuckle. A protective boot prevents dirt from entering the joint assembly. Ball joints are used on the front end of virtually every car and light truck. Vehicles with conventional suspension systems use two ball joints per wheel: an upper and a lower ball
Purpose: Ball joints serve as the pivot points between the tires and suspension. Ball joints also support weight. On some vehicles, the ball joints may be used to make wheel alignment settings.
Maintenance Tips/Suggestions: Many cars use "lubed for life" ball joints that can't be lubricated. Replacement ball joints often come with lubrication fittings. If your car has lubrication fittings, the ball joints should be lubricated at every oil change. Ball joints, along with other suspension components, should be inspected annually along with a complete wheel alignment. The most common vehicle symptoms associated with worn ball joints are wandering, uneven tire wear, and erratic steering. Ball joint inspection methods and specifications vary, so have your vehicle inspected by a qualified service professional.
joint. Cars with MacPherson strut suspension systems use a lower ball joint and an upper strut bearing rather than an upper ball joint.
Steering and Suspension: Springs
Description: Automobiles and light trucks use different types of springs, depending on the suspension design. The coil spring is most common, and may be used at both the front and rear. The leaf spring is the oldest type of spring and is most commonly used at the rear. The torsion bar, although not a traditional spring, is used on the front of some cars and light trucks. Some vehicles have air suspension systems and use air springs, which combine a coil spring and a flexible air chamber.
Purpose: Springs support the weight of the vehicle and allow the suspension system to move and adapt to road irregularities, compressing when the wheels hit a bump and expanding when the wheels encounter a dip. Vehicles with air springs also have the ability to change ride height based on driving conditions.
Maintenance Tips/Suggestions: Springs weaken gradually over time and may sag, causing your car's ride height to drop. Springs can also break as they age. Ride height influences steering and suspension operation, so it's important to have it checked along with a thorough visual inspection of the springs. Have this done once a year, at the same time as a wheel alignment. Weak or damaged springs can cause "bottoming out", abnormal tire wear, improper handling and increased wear of steering and suspension parts. You may want to consider upgrading the springs on your vehicle to increase its load-carrying abilities. These springs provide increased capacity without affecting ride quality. If your car needs its MacPherson struts replaced, it may also be a good time to replace the coil springs. Since they usually need to be removed when changing struts, you can save labor costs by installing new springs at the same time. For the best handling, ride and performance, have your vehicle's steering and suspension system maintained by a qualified service professional.
Reliable
Honest
Reasonable
We Warrant Our Work
Any Vehicle Foreign & Domestic
We Will Beat Any Written Estimate
Steering and Suspension: Tie Rods
Description: The tie rods connect the center link to the steering knuckle on cars with conventional suspension systems and recirculating ball steering gears. On cars with MacPherson strut suspension and rack-and pinion steering gears, the tie rods connect the end of the rack to the steering knuckle. A tie rod consists of an inner and an outer end.
Purpose: The tie rod transmits force from the steering center link or the rack gear to the steering knuckle, causing the wheels to turn. The outer tie rod end connects with an adjusting sleeve, which allows the length of the tie rod to be adjustable. This adjustment is used to set a vehicle's "toe", a critical alignment angle.
Maintenance Tips/Suggestions: Your vehicle's steering and suspension systems should be checked regularly, at least once a year along with a complete wheel alignment. A worn tie rod end can cause wandering, erratic steering, and excessive tire wear. If tie rod replacement is necessary, a wheel alignment is also required because tie rod replacement disturbs the toe setting. For best results, consult a qualified service technician for professional advice and service on your vehicle's suspension and steering systems.
Steering and Suspension: Suspension Components
Description: Suspension components typically include springs, shocks, struts, bushings, control arms, strut rods, and the sway bar.
Purpose: Suspension components are responsible for maintaining the relationship between the wheels and the frame or unibody. The suspension system interacts directly with the steering system to provide vehicle control.
Maintenance Tips/Suggestions: Your vehicle's suspension system should be checked regularly, at least once a year, along with a complete wheel alignment. Worn or damaged suspension system components can cause wandering, pulling, erratic steering, excessive tire wear, leaning, bottoming out, or poor ride and handling. To get professional help with your car's suspension system, contact a qualified service technician.
