Your vehicle’s steering and suspension are two separate systems that work together to provide a smooth and safe driving experience in Greer, SC. They also ensure the vehicle handles well, keeps it stable and absorbs bumps in the road. Eastside Automotive in Greer, South Carolina has the tools and equipment to repair the suspension & steering and to align the vehicle after repairs when necessary.
Two Types of Steering
Most of today’s vehicles have one of two types of steering. Rack and pinion steering is the most common. It uses a flat, toothed bar called a rack and a small, round gear called a pinion to convert the rotation from the steering wheel into a lateral motion that turns the tires.
Recirculating ball steering is less common for modern vehicles but is still found in some SUVs and trucks. This system uses ball bearings and a worm gear to convert input from the steering wheel to input for the wheels.
Two Types of Suspension
The suspension is a safety feature and provides comfort and handling at the same time. Most vehicles have one of two types of suspension. Independent suspension is more common in today’s vehicles. Each wheel has its own suspension system. This provides a smoother ride and better handling than solid axle suspension.
In solid axle suspension systems, the wheels on each side of the vehicle are connected so they move together. This type of suspension is typically found in off-road vehicles.
Suspension & Steering Maintenance
Keeping up with regular maintenance for the steering and suspension systems decreases the risk of accidents and increases vehicle longevity and fuel economy. Maintenance includes:
Wheel Alignment
Checking the alignmentregularly is a must. When the wheels are misaligned, tires wear faster, and you could also increase wear and tear on some suspension and steering parts.
Tire Rotation
Rotating the tires ensures they wear evenly, which increases the lifespan of the tires. When rotating the tires, you can catch issues such as uneven tire wear from worn suspension, plus it gives your tech the opportunity to inspect the brakes, suspension and steering.
Regular Lubrication
Control arms and ball joints need regular lubrication. You can extend the life of these suspension parts by making sure your auto tech lubes them at each oil change. The techs at Eastside Automotive in Greer, SC, always lube the suspension and other parts when you bring your vehicle in for an oil change.
Suspension Inspection
When you regularly inspect your vehicle’s suspension, you will catch issues before they become major problems and start affecting other components.
Common Suspension & Steering Issues
Knowing what to look for as far as suspension and steering issues allow you to catch issues before they become major problems. Some of the factors that let you know that something might be wrong with the suspension or steering include.
The steering wheel is misaligned. If you are driving straight, the steering wheel should be straight. If not, you may have a problem with the steering or suspension. If you ignore this problem, you could end up with tires that wear faster and poor handling.
An uncomfortable or bumpy ride could mean several things, including bad struts and / or shocks. If it seems as though every bump you hit bounces you all over the place, contact Eastside Automotive for an appointment to check the suspension.
Misalignment and suspension issues cause uneven tire wear. When you check the air pressure in your tires each month, be sure to check the tire tread to check for uneven wear.
If you hear knocking, creaking or clunking noises when you are driving over rough terrain or when you hit a bump, you may have suspension problems.
You can do this quick test to see if you have suspension issues, tire problems (wrong air pressure), or misalignment: When you get a straight road with very little crown, take your hands off the wheel for a few seconds. The vehicle should continue going straight. If not, Eastside Automotive can check for problems in the suspension or alignment.
At Eastside Automotive, we provide convenient services tailored to your busy work schedule. This includes after-hours pickup, text-to-pay, and early bird drop-off options, ensuring a hassle-free experience for our customers.
Take a moment to watch now and discover all the details for early bird drop-off and after-hours pickup.
FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE: We offer a
Shuttle
Service
within a 3-5 miles radius.
We have a comfortable waiting area, though we recommend not waiting due to potential wait times. We aim for same-day or next-day service whenever feasible.
Common Vehicle Issues
Some of the common auto repairs we see and services we provide include:
We are committed to providing our customers with superior service and peace of mind. To further this commitment, we are proud to offer the TechNet 36 months / 36k mile Nationwide Warranty, ensuring that your vehicle is protected against any deficiencies in workmanship or parts used in the service.