What to Expect With a Suspension Service
1. Schedule Your Appointment
Whether scheduling online or over the phone be sure and let us know what you're experiencing so we can provide fast and accurate service advice.
2. Diagnostics and Inspections
Drop off your vehicle and the shop will get to work with inspections and diagnostics using the same equipment as the manufacturers to determine issues and next steps.
3. Digital Vehicle Inspection Report and Estimate
Following the diagnosis we will text you a digital vehicle inspection report, containing pictures and videos of our findings and recommendations.
4. Review and Approval
A service advisor will reach out to walk you through the findings and recommendations to determine how you would like to proceed, or you can approve work directly in your DVI.
5. Work Performed or Scheduled
Most work can be completed immediately, or scheduled based on parts and customer availability.
Did You Know: It takes up to three football fields to safely brake in the rain?
Common Signs You Need Shocks or Struts Service
Recognizing the early warning signs of suspension failure can prevent more extensive damage to your vehicle. Ignoring these symptoms often leads to increased stopping distances and accelerated tire wear. If your ride feels different, it is time for a professional evaluation.
You should schedule an inspection if you notice:
- Excessive Bouncing: The vehicle continues to rock after going over a bump or stopping.
- Nose Diving: The front of the car dips forward significantly when you apply the brakes.
- Drifting or Pulling: The vehicle pulls to one side while driving straight, indicating alignment or suspension issues.
- Uneven Tire Wear: Bald spots or cupping on your tires suggest they are not maintaining even contact with the road.
- Oily Struts: Visible fluid leaking from your shock absorbers indicates the internal seals have failed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between shocks and struts?
While both components dampen the movement of the springs and stop oscillation, they are structurally different. Shock absorbers are independent components that strictly control the bounce of the vehicle. They are not structural parts of the suspension system, meaning the vehicle could technically support its weight without them, though it would be dangerous to drive.
Struts, on the other hand, are a structural part of the suspension system and the chassis. They support the weight of the vehicle and often replace the upper control arm. Because they are integral to the vehicle's structure, strut installation is often more complex and requires a wheel alignment afterward to ensure the car drives straight.
How often should I replace my shocks and struts?
Most manufacturers recommend inspecting these components every 50,000 miles, but replacement intervals vary based on driving conditions. Vehicles driven on rough roads or in extreme heat like we have in Buckeye may require service sooner. Over time, the internal gas or oil degrades, reducing their ability to absorb road impacts effectively.
You may not notice the degradation immediately because it happens gradually. Regular inspections at Christian Brothers Automotive Buckeye allow us to catch wear early. If you wait until the parts completely fail, it can cause a cascade of damage to other parts, like tires and control arms, making the repair more expensive.
What are the benefits of suspension upgrades?
Upgrading your suspension goes beyond simple repairs; it enhances how your vehicle interacts with the road. Suspension upgrade options can provide better handling for towing, off-roading, or spirited driving. Performance shocks and stiffer springs can reduce body roll during corners, keeping the vehicle flatter and more stable.
For those who carry heavy loads or tow trailers, suspension upgrades like load-leveling kits or heavy-duty shocks prevent the rear of the vehicle from sagging. This improves steering control and braking efficiency, making your vehicle safer and more capable of handling demanding tasks without compromising safety.
Do I need an alignment after suspension work?
Yes, a wheel alignment is almost always necessary after significant suspension maintenance. Replacing parts like struts, tie rods, or control arms changes the geometry of the wheels relative to the road. Without an alignment, your steering wheel may be crooked, and the vehicle may pull to one side.
Failing to align the vehicle after repairs will lead to rapid and uneven tire wear. This negates the benefits of the repair and costs you more money in premature tire replacement. We include alignment checks as part of our comprehensive service to ensure your vehicle drives straight and true.
Can I drive with a bad suspension system?
Driving with worn suspension components is possible but highly unsafe and not recommended. A failing suspension increases your stopping distance significantly, which can be the difference between avoiding an accident and being involved in one. It also makes the vehicle less stable during emergency maneuvers or in high winds.
Furthermore, driving on bad suspension causes a "domino effect" of wear on other parts. The extra vibration loosens bolts and wears out tires rapidly. Addressing suspension repair Buckeye needs promptly ensures your safety and protects the overall mechanical integrity of your vehicle.
Schedule Your Suspension Repair Today
At Christian Brothers Automotive Buckeye, we are dedicated to keeping your vehicle safe, comfortable, and reliable. Our expert team combines local knowledge with technical expertise to deliver superior results for every customer. We invite you to experience the difference of a shop that prioritizes your needs and provides honest, high-quality workmanship.
Take the first step toward a smoother ride and better handling.
Schedule an appointment online or call (623) 263-2861 to speak with our friendly staff.
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FAQs
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Q. "How do I know if my suspension needs service?"Signs that your car needs suspension service include braking problems, abnormal noises, and excessive bouncing. If you are experiencing any of these problems, we recommend getting your vehicle looked at by our professional technicians.
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Q. "What is the difference between shocks and struts?"While one of them will be found in every one of your vehicle’s tires, a vehicle will either have a shock or a strut at each wheel, never both. A shock cannot be used to replace a strut and a strut cannot be used to replace a shock. Which one does your vehicle have? Depends on the make and model. Learn more here.
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Q. "How often should I have my suspension system looked at?"We recommend that you have it looked at once a year or every 12,000 miles along with your regular scheduled maintenance. If you want to learn more about signs that your suspension is worn click here.
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Q. "Do you offer a shuttle service?"Yes! we understand you have a full schedule. Whether you need to get to work, school, or need to attend to other responsibilities, we can take you where you need to go. Click here to learn more.
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Q. "Do you offer a warranty?"As part of our Nice difference.® commitment to providing our customers the best auto service experience possible, we also offer a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on all the work that we do. We offer this warranty at every Christian Brothers Automotive nationwide, and it will be honored at any location, regardless of which branch did the initial work.
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Q. "Can you provide service under my extended warranty?"Yes. At Christian Brothers Automotive, we work with all major extended warranty providers to make needed repairs for our customers. If you have an extended warranty, you can discuss your carrier with our team when scheduling an appointment and confirm that the work will be covered. You can find a partial list of the extended warranty companies we work with here.
Have more Questions?
Our friendly auto service experts have the answers.
Call your local Christian Brothers Automotive car shop today
Hear What Our Customers Had to Say About Us
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"I Took my car in for an oil change today. This was the very best customer service experience i ever had. Thanks to Joe bach and his team."
- Rey Rodriguez