Service – Shocks & Struts

Shocks and struts are essential for a smooth, stable ride, playing a key role in the safety, steering, and overall stability of your vehicle. Your suspension system not only keeps your car balanced on the road but also ensures comfort by absorbing bumps and vibrations, making every journey smoother for you and your passengers.

Components of Your Suspension System

The suspension system includes:

• Chassis: Holds the vehicle’s body and cabin.
• Springs: Support vehicle weight and absorb road shock energy.
• Shock Absorbers & Struts: Dampen movement and provide stability.
• Anti-Sway Bar: Stabilizes the car by transferring wheel movement, helping to reduce body roll.
  
  

On vehicles with SLA suspensions, worn or loose ball joints can cause clunks, squeaks, or groans when going over bumps. In strut suspensions, the upper mounting plate can wear out, causing similar noises and affecting stability.

Don’t Overlook Ride Height

Ride height affects tire wear, steering, and handling. If your car’s chassis is sagging, weak springs may be the culprit. Measuring the ride height and comparing it to vehicle specifications can determine if you need new springs. Springs should be replaced in pairs to ensure even ride height. Modern springs are coated to resist corrosion, but if the coating cracks, springs can corrode and eventually fail. Bushings, made of rubber or urethane, also wear out over time and may need replacement if they’re causing noise or handling issues.

The Upper Bearing Plate

A worn or damaged upper bearing plate in the suspension system may require strut replacement. Signs of a failing bearing plate include:

• Steering noises: Snapping, popping, creaking, or groaning sounds when turning
• Suspension noises: Clunking, rattling, or popping on rough roads
• Increased steering effort: Especially noticeable with manual steering, often caused by binding in the bearing plate
  
  

Why Replace Worn Shocks & Struts?

Replacing worn shocks and struts offers several benefits:

• Improved ride comfort
• Restored handling and safety
• Reduced braking distance
• Increased tire life
• Consistent tire-to-road contact
  
  

Signs of Suspension & Steering Issues

If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle may have suspension or steering issues:

• Shaky, unsteady, off-center, or stiff steering
• Excessive bouncing or swaying over bumps
• Loss of control while driving or braking
• Dented or damaged shocks and struts
• Fluid leaking from shocks or struts
  
  

For expert suspension and steering services, visit Kwik Kar Oil Change & Auto Care in Fort Worth. Our team is dedicated to keeping your vehicle safe, stable, and comfortable on the road.