Auto Suspension Repairs in Colorado Springs

Auto Suspension Repairs

If your car or truck is in need of auto suspension repairs, Honest Accurate Auto Service is here to help. A fully functioning suspension system is a necessity for a safe and comfortable ride. Honest Accurate can diagnose and repair a variety of suspension issues to help get you back on the road fast – and keep you on it, too. 

How Does Vehicle Suspension Work?

Your vehicle’s suspension system serves two main functions: holding the car on the road and maneuvering on the road safely and comfortably. Your car’s suspension system is designed to protect your vehicle from uneven road conditions, potholes, speed bumps and other obstacles. 

When you hit an object like a speed bump, the energy generated needs a place to go. Your suspension system converts that energy from a shocking jolt or vibration to harmless heat that dissipates as you drive. Additionally, your suspension system also keeps you from steering left when you want to steer right, or veering off the side of the road any type you loosen your grip on the steering wheel. As you can see, any decline in suspension performance and condition are very real issues. 

The Parts that Make Up Your Car’s Suspension System

Ball joints are used on virtually every single automobile manufactured, these spherical bearings connect the control arms to the steering knuckles. Think of them operating similar to the human hip joint. A ball joint is made up of a bearing stud and socket made of steel, both of which are enclosed within a shell. The bearing stud fits into a conical hole in the steering knuckle. Protective casings (boot) keep dirt and moisture out of the joint assembly.

A control arm or wishbone (also referred to as an A-arm) is a triangular suspension member that hinges in two locations. The base of the triangle attaches at the frame and pivots on bushings. The narrow end attaches to the steering knuckle and pivots on a ball joint. A double wishbone suspension is made up of two of these devices per wheel. Cars with double wishbone suspension offer drivers a smoother driving experience and more control. 

Struts are comprised of shock absorbers that dampen the humps and bumps of the road and a coil spring that helps hold up your vehicle’s considerable weight and maintain its ground clearance.

Shocks use a piston system to stabilize your vehicle. Both shocks and struts are important parts of a vehicle’s overall suspension system; if they are worn or broken, they can impact your car or truck’s safety. 

Key Warning Signs that Your Car Suspension Components May be in Trouble

 If your car’s suspension is bad, it can cause problems when maneuvering over the road. Here are some common signs you may have car suspension problems or even a broken suspension. 

• Leaking fluid from the shock or strut
• Stiff (or loose), noisy steering
• Tire wear that is uneven
• Damaged shock or strut bodies
• Broken, damaged, or worn mounts or bushings
• Swaying or leaning during turns
• Bouncing after driving over a bump in the road
• A sharp jolt when hitting a bump or pothole

Common Issues that Can Damage Suspension

• Offroading with a vehicle that is not rated for offroad use. This is a very common suspension breaker in Colorado. A common sedan is not going to make it over Mosquito Pass or a muddy field without some damage.
• Hitting speed bumps without slowing down. The rounded edge of a speed bump does not make it any less damaging than a common curb if you hit one hard enough. There’s really no need to speed through the Costco parking lot anyway. 
• Putting off an alignment. Failure to keep your vehicle aligned to factory specs can put a huge strain on your suspension, damaging it from the inside out and vice versa. 
• Bent control arm(s). Control arms keep the wheels on and the front end control arms tend to suffer the most abuse. Bent control arms are a common cause of the need for front end suspension repair. If your mechanic tells you the control arms are bent or failing, keep in mind that they hold the wheels on the car’s frame and don’t wait to get the repair complete. 
• Riding on worn shocks and struts. As noted above, your shocks and struts are designed to absorb the slings and arrows of Colorado Springs roads. If you let yours deteriorate, your vehicle will begin to take the brunt of the power, causing undue stress on the vehicle. 
• Bad ball joints. Creaky, stiff joints do not absorb the impact of navigating the roads. That leaves your vehicle vulnerable to jolts and vibration that can loosen and damage components. 
• Accident
• Curb checks
• Potholes 
• Dirt roads

Why Choose Honest Accurate Auto Service for Your Auto Suspension Repairs?

• Great customer service
• Timely communication
• Complimentary shuttle service
• 3 year/36,000 mile nationwide warranty