Suspension Repair

Jan 15, 2020

As a full-service mechanic shop an expertise of ours is suspension repair and maintenance. If your vehicle’s suspension system is acting up in any way, you’re not just feeling a less comfortable ride, but less control of your car, which can put you at a huge safety risk. So, let’s cut the suspense a bit and look at how auto suspension systems work. Time to get to know the various parts that may need service or replacement to maintain the ease and integrity of your vehicle’s suspension performance.

The How & Why of Auto Suspension Systems Suspension Repair

The main job of your car’s suspension system is to structurally support for your vehicle while it maintains a comfortable riding condition. It does this by using suspension system components built to help tires maintain firm even contact with the road. Vehicle suspension compensates for bumps, potholes, dips, and sudden turns. Components include ball joints, coil springs, leaf springs, tie rods, torsion bars, shocks, and struts, all working together to absorb bounces and unexpected motion from the road’s surface.

Suspension Repair & Maintenance Services

Eventually, the parts of your suspension system will wear down and malfunction, simply due to time. Signs you need suspension service include leaking shocks and struts, heavy dives when stopping, and bottoming out on driveways and speed bumps. You’ll probably experience bouncing, swaying, squeaking, shaking, and stiffness while driving, especially when encountering rough uneven road. Irregular tire wear is another potential sign of a suspension problem. All these symptoms indicate the need for a suspension system inspection and diagnostic to determine the exact cause of the issue and to fix it correctly.

Our Suspension Repair & Maintenance Services Include:

  • Suspension System Inspection
  • Ball Joint Replacement
  • Coil Springs Replacement
  • Leaf Springs Replacement
  • Inner Tie Rod & Outer Tie Rod Replacement
  • Shocks Replacement
  • Struts Replacement
  • Sway Bar Link Replacement

Rough Ride? Call Us Today!

Because suspension system components all work in tandem and rely on one another, suspension issues have the potential to increase the breaks in other suspension components, ending in the need for more expensive suspension repairs down the line. So, don’t hesitate—if your suspension system isn’t performing, call us today! Put an end to the suspense, and enjoy a more tranquil and safer ride.

vehicle brake

Hearing your car make a grinding sound when you start, turn or stop can be very disconcerting. When you hear your car grinding it means something is wrong with one or more of its parts. This can make driving your car unsafe, because you never know when the car part that is making the grinding sound will break or otherwise fail. If you hear a grinding noise coming from your car, your first step should be to determine what is causing it. You can either take it to an auto repair shop to have a thorough diagnostic workup done or, if you are mechanically inclined, you can try to figure it out yourself.

The Right Tools, Training and Technology

In order to safely and accurately determine why your car is making a grinding sound when you start, turn or stop, you need the right tools, training and technology. At our auto repair shop, we have a wide range of top of the line tools designed to fit and fix every part or system in your car. We also have well-trained, highly skilled, experienced, auto repair technicians with the expertise to repair or replace the part that’s making the grinding sound. We also have the latest diagnostic machines and technology that can quickly and accurately identify the cause and location of the grinding sound in your car. 

The Most Common Causes

When your car is making a grinding noise, most often that means there is a problem with the:

  • Brakes
  • Wheel Bearings
  • Power Steering Pump
  • Water Pump
  • Alternator

Transmission grinding can also be the problem at times. If you have some experience working on cars, you can investigate to get a better idea of the source of the grinding sound and if it’s safe to drive your car to the shop to have it repaired or you need to have it towed. There is a simple 4 step process you can follow that can help you figure out where the grinding sound is coming from and how safe it is to drive the car.

A Simple Four Step Diagnostic Process

To get an idea where the grinding sound in your car is coming from, follow this simple four step diagnostic process. All you will need is a two- or three-foot piece of rubber hose or some other firm, hollow tube.

Step One

Open and prop up the hood of the car. Start the car. Does the grinding noise begin right away? Is it constant as long as the car is running? If the grinding sound has already started, go to step two.

Step Two

Standing in front of your car, locate where the alternator, power steering pump and water pump are in your engine. Check the owner’s manual if you need help identifying these parts. Once you have found the parts from which the grinding sound is most likely to come, put one end of the rubber tubing to your ear. Take the other end and put it close to the alternator, the water pump and the power steering pump, one after the other. This can help you pinpoint which one of them is making the grinding noise. Make note of which one the noise is coming from so it can be repaired or replaced.

Step Three

If the noise is not coming from the alternator, power steering pump or water pump, the next step is to take a short test drive to see when the grinding sound occurs. Driving

slowly and carefully in a safe area, step on the brakes and listen carefully. If you hear the grinding sound, you may have worn brake pads or a damaged rotor. Replacing your brake pads and/or machining or replacing your rotor is something we can do quickly, easily and inexpensively at our shop.

Step Four

If the source of the grinding sound is not the brakes, there is one more simple test you can perform. Continuing to drive slowly and carefully, make a right turn and then a left turn. Should you hear the grinding noise when making these turns, the wheel bearings is probably the problem area. This is a major safety issue that you should have one of our professional mechanics address immediately.

Safety First

While it is possible to save some money by attempting to address brake grinding or any of the other causes of the grinding sound in your car for yourself, unless you are properly trained and have the right tools and equipment, to protect your safety and the safety of others in your car and on the roads, it is best to bring your car to a reputable auto mobile repair shop like our to have the repairs done professionally.

Brakes, wheel bearings and transmission grinding are serious issues that are safest if handled by specially trained, experienced, auto repair technicians like the members of our team.

Very Important Components

The alternator, brakes, power steering and water pump and transmission parts that most often make grinding sounds are very important components. Making sure they are in good working order requires professional mechanics with advanced skills and the appropriate tools and equipment to make the necessary repairs. Our automobile repair specialists will quickly and accurately pinpoint the source from which the grinding noise is coming and take the right actions to get rid of it and make sure that those very important components are in good working order.

Fast Service

Most people need their automobile to be repaired as soon as possible. Our team of experienced technicians and our well stocked automobile repair shop with all the latest, most effective, diagnostic and repair equipment, enable us to provide the fast, high-quality, repair services customers want. We can identify and solve the car grinding problem in a flash and make the repairs necessary to have it running safely and delivering optimal performance. When you want car repair done right and right away, we are the company to call.

The Most Common Problem

Brake grinding is a common automotive problem that causes cars to make a grinding sound. We can take care of the brake grinding problem by thoroughly checking the brake pads, rotors and disc brakes in your automobile. We will replace the worn pads, make any needed adjustments to your brakes and machine, repair or replace your rotors if necessary. When our brake service is completed, the grinding noise will be gone, and your car will be able to stop on a dime and improve the safety of its occupants and everyone and everything around it.

Affordable Service

Getting rid of the grinding noise your car is making doesn’t have to be expensive when you come to us for car repair services. We offer quality car repair services at easily affordable prices. Call us for a price quote on the repair services you need, and you will be pleasantly surprised when you hear our prices. We provide high quality, affordable, car care services that can fit into any budget. Price doesn’t have to prevent you from getting the quality repairs necessary to get rid of that maddening grinding sound when you get your auto repair services from us.

Warranties, Guarantees and Superior Customer Service

We stand behind out work. The replacement parts we use have manufacturer’s warranties and we guarantee the quality, effectiveness and accuracy of our work. Superior customer service is our goal and we go the extra mile to ensure your car is safe, sounds great and delivers tiptop performance. Call us today.

alternator

Automobiles are pretty complex things. They consist of all sorts of essential parts and features. If you want your car to run in a dependable and effective manner, then it has to have many different elements that work together harmoniously. It has to have a strong and reliable alternator on its side as well.

How Alternators Function

Alternators, in a nutshell, are indispensable parts of vehicles of all kinds. They’re responsible for producing vehicle electric power. They handle a lot for vehicle charging matters, too. If you have any reason to think that your vehicle’s alternator just isn’t doing its job correctly, then you need to take prompt action. You can do so by reaching out to our credible local auto repair center. We’re an auto repair business that can provide you with alternator repair service that’s effective, efficient and thorough.

Should You Get Alternator Repair Service From Our Auto Repair Business?

If you need any kind of alternator repair service, then you need to reach out to a nearby auto repair shop as soon as possible. We’re a full-service auto repair center that presents customers with alternator repair work that’s top of the line in caliber. Our alternator repair service can be suitable for all kinds of needs and applications. If you’re on the lookout for an auto repair shop that can blow you away with professional alternator repair service that’s thorough and detail-oriented, we’re on hand.

Indications That You’re Due for Professional Alternator Repair Assistance

Don’t ignore the need for alternator repair service from our acclaimed auto repair shop.

If you’re due for our alternator repair work, then you may notice that your lights just aren’t as bright as they were in the past. Dashboard lights and headlights that aren’t as bright as before can signify major issues. Pay close attention to headlights that may flash incessantly as well. If yours flash seemingly all of the time, then you may have an alternator that’s breaking down. Alternators are in charge of distributing power over to headlights. That’s the reason that flashing typically signifies alternators that are going through major troubles.

Odd sounds are never terrific news. They often point to the need for auto repair. They sometimes even point to the need for prompt alternator repair service. Alternator breakdowns occasionally lead to engine bearing woes. That’s the reason that they occasionally contribute to the presence of inexplicable sounds. If you hear any weird clattering, then alternative repair work could be in the cards for you.

Does your vehicle stall on a consistent basis? Is it a total headache to get your vehicle going day in and day out? If you’re frustrated by trouble that involves starting your vehicle daily, then you may need to invest in our professional alternator repair service as soon as possible. Our mechanics are auto repair powerhouses who know how to pinpoint and address all sorts of stalling woes. Cars depend on electricity and gasoline alike. Alternators give spark plugs sufficient power. These plugs work to manage engine gasoline ignition tasks. If you have an alternator that’s in the midst of breakdown mode, it may lack adequate amounts of power within its spark plugs. That’s the reason that the engine may cease operating as it normally does. This can lead to stalling that seems completely inexplicable to many drivers out there. If you have a vehicle that simply refuses to start, then you may be able to trace it back to significant alternator concerns.

Dead batteries can be a headache. If you have dead batteries, then it may be time for you to call our auto repair wizards. Our team members may be able to figure out the trigger. It isn’t unheard of for batteries to die out independently. It’s actually totally normal. That doesn’t mean that faulty alternators don’t exist, though. Problematic alternators have the ability to drain batteries. That occurs when they’re unable to charge them correctly. If you have a car battery that dies seemingly out of nowhere, then you should call us for auto repair work. Our mechanics will assess your alternator during the battery replacement process. They do this in order to stop future issues from rearing their ugly heads.

A host of electrical troubles can denote the need for alternator repair service from adept auto repair professionals. If you have an alternator that’s on its last legs, then you may realize that different elements that receive power from your alternator may being behaving abnormally as well. Look into your radio, cooling unit, dashboard lights, power locks and power windows. If they’re behaving out of sorts, then they may be behind the breakdowns that are interfering with things for you.

Think about your service engine light. If you notice it, then that means that your car is attempting to basically notify you of an issue. If you have an alternator that’s on its way out, then you may note the illumination of your check engine light. Look into your battery icon as well.

You shouldn’t only depend on your sense of sight and hearing. That’s because you should also depend on your nose, believe it or not. Your alternator essentially collaborates with a sophisticated network that consists of belts. If it includes a belt that just isn’t rotating in a liberated manner, then the immoderate tension will force the belt to essentially overheat. This overheating can bring on the introduction of an odor that’s reminiscent of rubber that’s burning. If you happen to detect any kind of smell that’s redolent of that, then you may need to contact an auto repair specialist for alternator repair work, plain and simple. Don’t ever brush off odors that may remind you of scary electrical fires in any way, shape or form.

Service tech using a laptop

Modern automobiles are more dependent on their electrical systems than ever before. That means the car electrical repair shop you choose is vitally important. With the far more complex electrical systems that are in automobiles today, your car electrical repair must be done by a shop with advanced electrical diagnostic tools and well-trained, experienced, highly-skilled, technicians. Being able to accurately troubleshoot and properly address any problem with the electrical components in your vehicle promptly is vital to ensure your vehicle performs properly for many years to come.

A Complex Electrical System

If you notice the headlights and dashboard lights in your vehicle are dim, the problem can be caused by more than just a weak battery. It can be an issue anywhere in your vehicle’s vast, complex, interconnected, electrical system. Getting good auto repair requires finding a shop with the right car electrical repair equipment and tools to deliver the appropriate electrical system diagnostics and repairs required. The right car electrical repair shop must have the technology, tools and trained technicians to properly troubleshoot and repair the computers, sensors, electrical connections, alternator, starter, battery and more that can be the source of the problem when the check engine light comes on. 

Proper Electrical System Maintenance

The key to preventing expensive car electrical repair is regular, proper, automobile electrical system maintenance. Making sure your vehicle’s electrical system is in optimal working condition is fundamental for making sure all the components in your vehicle have the power they need to deliver a good performance. Today, good car electrical repair and maintenance require far more complex services than simply having a shade tree mechanic check your battery, starter, and alternator. Proper auto repair and maintenance services require a shop with the appropriate electrical diagnostics and repair tools and equipment to properly check the computers, wiring connectors, and sensors.

Advanced Diagnostic Tools Required

Newer automobiles have complex, nuanced, electrical systems, including computers that are interconnected with and control vehicle functions like steering, braking, sensors and more. To get the appropriate car electrical repair as part of the regular auto repair services your vehicle receives, the automotive technician you use must have advanced diagnostic tools, proper training, and experience working with a variety of year make and models of foreign and domestic automobiles. Without this, the auto repair services and your car’s electrical repair will be inadequate and dangerous and can make driving your vehicle unsafe.

Properly Trained, Skilled Technicians

If you drive a late model car, truck or SUV, and it’s failing to start promptly, has lights that are dim or not working at all and sometimes runs out of power, the problem may not be your battery or alternator like your old-school mechanic may believe. To get the right car electrical repair you need to keep yourself, your passengers and the people with whom you share the road safely, you need to make sure your vehicle gets auto repair services from properly trained, highly skilled, automotive technicians. They are the only ones with the tools, equipment, and expertise to provide the quality car electrical repair your vehicle needs to operate safely and perform properly. 

Persistent Automobile Electrical Problems

If you have been taking your car, truck or SUV to your old mechanic, but your automobile’s electrical problems persist, you may need a new mechanic. Many auto repair shops don’t have the right tools, equipment or technicians to properly diagnose and deliver the car electrical repair services late-model vehicles need. Effective car electrical repair increasingly calls for high-tech tools and equipment and technicians with advanced training in the latest auto repair methods. Persistent need for car electrical repair could mean you and your vehicle have outgrown your old mechanic.

That Bothersome Check Engine Light

Modern automobiles are designed to let their owners know when there is a problem with one or more of their systems. Activating the check engine light is your automobile’s way of letting you know you may need to get an auto repair service. Some of the newest model vehicles have a check engine light that can let you know if you specifically need mechanical or car electrical repair. Some people find their check engine light bothersome. They may think the car electrical repair their friendly neighborhood mechanic did should have solved their auto repair problem. However, their mechanic may lack the tools or training to identify a problem with the sensor that activates that bothersome check engine light. 

Connecting to Your Car’s Computer

The first step in car electrical repair services is usually connecting a high-tech diagnostic tool to your car’s computer. This speeds up the auto repair process and saves you time and money by quickly and accurately identifying what mechanical problem or car electrical repair is needed. One important thing to look for when choosing an auto repair shop is if they have the latest diagnostic tools and equipment that can connect to your truck, SUV or car’s computer system. This makes identifying and addressing your car electrical repair needs faster, easier, more accurate and more affordable. 

The Right Troubleshooting Tools

The computer system in many late model cars, trucks and SUVs is very sensitive. Any variation in the voltage passing through the electrical system can trigger its check engine light. The right troubleshooting tools let you know if you need immediate car electrical repair or if the problem will allow you to safely drive your vehicle without doing further damage to any of its electrical or mechanical parts. Using the right troubleshooting tools can streamline the auto repair process and make sure you get the right truck, SUV or car electrical repair promptly.

Minimizing Auto Repair Costs

Automobiles cost more than ever before and auto repair can also be very expensive. No one wants to pay for expensive car electrical repair if they can avoid it. To minimize their auto repair costs, savvy automobile owners are proactive. They have their transmission, engine and electrical systems serviced regularly at a trustworthy auto repair shop. Smart automobile owners are aware of and follow their vehicle manufacturer’s service recommendations, keep meticulous maintenance records and minimize car electrical repair costs by getting their vehicles serviced regularly.

Diagnosing the Exact Problem

If you want quality auto repair, your mechanic must know the exact problem your vehicle is having. People often end up paying more for auto repair because their mechanic shop misdiagnosed the problem their vehicle was having. The quality of your auto repair is only as good as the diagnostic tools and repair skills of the technicians in the auto repair shop you choose. To consistently get quality auto repair services, choose an auto repair shop with the tools, technology, and technicians to accurately diagnose and address your vehicle’s exact problem.

Expert Electrical System Diagnostics and Repairs

When your vehicle’s check engine light comes on, you need access to expert automotive mechanical and electrical system diagnostics. This lets you look at several components and systems. They include:

  • Electric Power Steering
  • Ignition Control
  • Automatic Braking and All-Wheel Drive
  • Lighting System
  • Entertainment Systems
  • Heating and Air Conditioning 
  • Traction Control
  • Anti-Theft
  • Air Bags and Safety Systems
  • Wiring
  • Alternator and Starter Motor
  • Batteries

This must be followed by expert comprehensive auto repair services if you want your vehicle to deliver optimal performance. To consistently get expert automobile problem diagnosis and repair, you must choose the right mechanical and car electrical repair shop. 

two service techs working on alignment

Having your wheel alignment unimpaired and intact goes hand in hand with drivability. A vehicle is not drivable if the wheel alignment is off. A driver should always be controlling the car, and if the wheel alignment is off, you are driving a car that has the possibility of fighting your control and controlling you altogether. As a driver, there is no way to predict what someone else on the road will do, the only controllable factor is yourself. If your car’s wheel alignment is off, you are adding to uncontrolled factors on the road risking the safety of yourself and any one you are in contact with. Misalignment can result from a variety of daily driving occurrences which are important to recognize.

Common Driving Situation that can cause Misalignment

The possible causes that can affect your wheel alignment are very common daily driving occurrences. In fact, the act of driving itself is a cause because wear and tear on your tires can progressively influence your wheel alignment. Some other potential influences include:

  • Potholes
  • Speeding over speed bumps
  • Road accidents
  • Worn out parts
  • Hitting a curb

The more severe the occurrence of one of these potential alignment influences, the more severe your wheel alignment is affected. Similarly, a series or combination of the very common events over a duration of time can just as heavily influence your wheel alignment.

Warning Signs of Misalignment

There are some key warning signings to look out for. Signs you are dealing with problematic wheel alignment include:

  • Crooked steering wheel
  • Vehicle pulling
  • Unleveled tires
  • Tire wear
  • Tire squealing

Determining how to repair the wheel alignment of a vehicle is specific to the condition, situation, and type of vehicle being examined. The type of wheel alignment your vehicle needs to be determined professionally by a mechanic. This may be dependent on the specific damage done to your vehicle. When bringing your vehicle in, depending on these factors, the mechanic may have a series of manual processes he or she goes through and then should ultimately connect the car to an alignment machine that will specify the necessary type of adjustment needed to be performed. There are three different types of wheel alignment procedures.

3 Types of Wheel Alignment:

  • When the front axle is adjusted, a front-end wheel alignment was completed.
  • When all wheels are checked and a front-end alignment is conducted, it is a thrust alignment
  • When the rear axle angles are arranged and a front-end and thrust are conducted, it is a four-wheel alignment.

A professional will determine which alignment procedure is necessary for your vehicle. It is important as a driver or owner of an automotive vehicle to be proactive and aware of possible warning signs. Regardless if a warning sign is noticed, routine maintenance should include wheel alignment examination as it is a driving factor that is easily influenced.

Service tech working underneath a vehicle

A catalytic converter is a key component in minimizing pollution and vehicle emissions. The catalytic converter works to convert harmful emissions into non-harmful gases. They essentially make engine exhaust gases less harmful and cleaner. It is important to note that a faulty catalytic converter is not only harmful to a vehicle’s performance, but to a driver’s overall health as well. Potential engine damage and reduced performance are a negative effect of a compromised catalytic converter. There are notable indicators a catalytic converter may be inefficient, at which point examination for an auto diagnosis by a certified mechanic is absolutely necessary.

How Does a Catalytic Converter Function

It is important to understand the pollutive damages vehicles cause to value the operative functions of a catalytic converter. Car exhaust is composed of 3 harmful compounds including the following:

  • Carbon Monoxide
  • Hydrocarbons
  • Nitrogen Oxides

Carbon monoxide can replace the oxygen in your red blood cells if too prevalent which can result in tissue damage and even be potentially fatal. Hydrocarbons, if inhaled, can is dangerous as it can cause irregular heartbeats which has the potential to be fatal. Exposure to Nitrogen Oxide can irritate the skin and eyes. Inhalation also compromises oxygen flow, and can perpetuate sweating, nausea, dizziness and even vomiting. In short, all three compounds compromise health and well-being.  Driving with a compromised catalytic converter is directly risking the state of your health and car efficiency.

Indicators of a Failing Catalytic Converter

Aside from the danger of inhalation, a failed catalytic converter will increase your fuel consumption as a catalytic converter is a crucial component of the emissions system so as it loses productivity, the engine’s power production is negatively impacted as well. With this being the case, it is useful to be aware of indicators catalytic converter repair by a specialized auto technician may be necessary. Noticeable indicators include:

  • Audible noise changes including Rattling
  • Check Engine Light Indicator
  • Noticeable Sulfur Odor
  • Smog Test Fail
  • Decreased Efficiency in Engine Performance

Rattling under your car can be due to components inside of the converter coming apart or collapsing. Rattling can be an indicator of damage occurring internally. If the converter is not catalyzing exhaust efficiently or correctly, the check Engine Light may turn on, which in any case upon turning on should prompt an immediate visit to an automotive shop. Similarly, any abnormal odor emitted from a vehicle should bring to action a repair shop visit. Being educated on potential indicators can reduce the need for repairs in the long run if small issues are identified promptly. Upon sensing a change in performance or your driving experience, schedule maintenance with your local auto repair certified technician.

Vehicle pedals

Your car’s clutch is the device that connects the rotating shafts, typically two or more. It transports the engine’s power to the vehicle’s wheels, so put simply it is absolutely essential to have your clutch working properly to power your car. Without a functioning clutch, you cannot shift gears. Upon sensing any issues, clutch repair by a certified mechanic should be performed.

How does a Clutch Function

Cars with a manual transmission contain a clutch pedal that can be found next to the brake pedal, typically to the left. When driving, a car needs to be able to fluctuate in speeds, obviously, and to do so the connection between the engine and wheel needs to come to a halt, temporarily. The clutch allows this movement to be smooth and, when used inappropriately, protects the drivetrain. The clutch is structured with the clutch disc and clutch cover. The disc functions so the engine torque can be halted and transmitted by engrossing to and from the flywheel. The cover works as a support system. It supports the system of rotation and transmits engine torque through its pushing of the disc.

Signs for Clutch Repair

There are warning signs that may indicate there is an issue with either your clutch disc or another part related to the clutch. The assembly of your clutch has multiple components and if any part is worn down or not maintained, clutch repair may be necessary. Signs that may indicate the need for clutch repair include:

  • Abnormal noises when you shift gears
  • Abnormal noises when in neutral
  • Abnormal noises when the pedal is pushed
  • A vibrating pedal
  • A pulsating pedal
  • Difficulty starting including slow start
  • Difficulty with Reversing

Clutch Repair Cost and Process

There are various factors that will determine the costliness and intensity of repair. Contributing factors include what type of vehicle you own including the make and model. The stance of your vehicle and its parts also play a role including whether or not the parts in place are remanufactures, new or used. Only some parts may need to be replaced as there may only be issues with a portion of the clutch which is way the range of an estimated cost for clutch repair can vary from a few hundred to a few thousand. Upon sensing the need for repair, visit a certified mechanic at your automotive repair shop as soon as possible to prevent any escalation in damage and ensure minimal need for repair.