Steering and Suspension
Steering & Suspension Service in Steger, New Lenox, Schererville, and Crown Point
A faulty or worn suspension system can be one of the most dangerous problems in any car. The suspension system is responsible for keeping you in control of your vehicle on the road. It absorbs bumps, potholes, and other road hazards while keeping your vehicle stable around corners.
Steering components like tie rods ensure your car drives in a straight line. Like any part of a car, these components will eventually wear down over time and lose their effectiveness. Years of driving, rough road conditions, and harsh weather can lead to worn-out control arm bushings, blown struts, damaged steering end links, and many other issues.
Some suspension and steering issues can result in an instant impact on driving dynamics and comfort in the vehicle, while other issues can be less noticeable until they reach full failure. Keeping an eye (and ear) on your steering and suspension components is a good way to catch problems early on, but having your suspension inspected consistently is a surefire way to decrease the odds of failure and dangerous issues.
Some common suspension symptoms include:
The Components We Inspect and Repair
- Shocks and struts: control bounce and keep your tires planted on the road
- Ball joints: pivot points connecting the wheels to the control arms
- Control arms and bushings: hold the wheels in position and absorb vibration
- Tie rods: link the steering rack to the wheels
- Sway bar links and bushings: reduce body roll in turns
- Wheel bearings and hubs: let wheels spin smoothly and quietly
- Power steering: pumps, racks, hoses, and electric assist systems
Potholes, Pavement, and Your Suspension
Freeze-thaw cycles in Chicago’s Southland and Northwest Indiana create potholes every spring. One hard hit can bend a tie rod, damage a strut, or knock your alignment out of spec. If your car pulls, your steering wheel sits off-center, or you hear a new noise after hitting a pothole, have it inspected before uneven tire wear sets in.
Worn Suspension Affects Braking Too
Worn shocks and struts let your vehicle nose-dive when braking and roll more in turns. That can lengthen stopping distances and reduce stability in an emergency maneuver. Suspension isn’t just about comfort; it’s part of how your car stops and steers safely.
Repair, Then Align
Many steering and suspension repairs change your wheel angles, so we follow up with a wheel alignment when needed. That protects your tires and makes sure the car drives straight when it leaves our shop.
Steering & Suspension Service at Scott’s U-Save
Whether you need to replace worn-out bushings or diagnose a clunking noise, Scott’s U-Save can help. We have four convenient locations in New Lenox, IL; Schererville, IN;, Steger, IL; and Crown Point, IN, all staffed with ASE Certified technicians. Call or schedule online with us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do shocks and struts last?
Many last around 50,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on road conditions and how you drive. Rough roads, towing, and heavy loads wear them faster.
What does a bad ball joint sound like?
Typically a clunk or knock over bumps, especially at low speeds, sometimes with wandering steering or uneven tire wear. A failed ball joint can be dangerous, so get it checked promptly.
How can I tell if my struts are bad?
Watch for excessive bouncing after bumps, nose-diving when braking, body lean in turns, fluid leaking from the strut, or cupped tire wear.
Do I need an alignment after suspension repair?
Often, yes. Replacing tie rods, control arms, or struts typically changes alignment angles. We’ll let you know when an alignment is needed.
Why is my steering wheel hard to turn?
It may be low or leaking power steering fluid, a failing pump, a worn rack, or an issue with an electric power steering system. Have it inspected soon, since it can get worse quickly.