SAFETY!
Your steering is made up of four tie rods, two inner and two outer. The inner tire rods are attached to the steering gear or rack. The outer tie rods attach the front wheels to the steering knuckle. The inner and outer tie rods are joined together by an adjusting sleeve, therefore, they move together. Over time and through normal wear and tear, the steering components become worn or damaged requiring them to be replaced. Small warning signs, like feeling your vehicle pulling in one direction, should be inspected as soon as possible in order to identify any steering components that have might be compromised before they become large, expensive problems. Properly functioning steering components are necessary to maintain control of your vehicle.

A vehicle’s suspension system is made up of springs, shocks and struts, control arms, and ball joints among other components. They work together to properly move the vehicle. The most common issues we see are with springs and shocks, so here is a little information. The springs support the weight of the vehicle, while the shocks or struts stabilize the load and absorb road shock. When a spring breaks, the car will sag on the corner where the breakage occurred, leaving only the shock to support the weight of the vehicle, which is something it was not designed to do.

Shocks or struts are made up of a rod with a cylinder sealed around it. The cylinder is filled with either a specific type of grease or it is gas charged in order to properly stabilize the load and absorb road shock.  However, over time the seals can begin to leak, making the shocks or struts weaker and no longer able to properly stabilize the load and absorb road shock. This makes the vehicle unstable at higher speeds or severe road conditions (not to mention a bumpy ride). A technician can easily check your steering and suspension during your oil change and can prevent costly breakdowns.

TIP: Have steering or suspension work done at a shop that can align it on sight – everything should be easier, especially if a problem arises.