Trusted in West Seattle for 55 years
Services: Steering & Suspension
Is your steering wheel shaking? Learn about common suspension problems and get expert suspension system repair in Seattle at Tom’s Automotive.
Full Service Auto Repair in West Seattle Since 1971
Steering & Suspension Service in Seattle
Let’s talk about steering and suspension in your vehicle. These are two closely related elements that contribute so much to your vehicle’s handling and comfort when you’re on the road. When you feel like you have good, steady control in your steering and a solid, smooth ride, it feels safe.
When, however, it’s tough to turn the wheel, or if you don’t trust the accuracy of the turn of your steering wheel, that’s scary.
At Tom’s Automotive, our ASE-certified technicians know exactly how to keep your car suspension system and steering components working together the way they should. Whether you’re dealing with suspension problems, steering issues, or just need routine maintenance, we’re here to help.
Understanding Your Steering & Suspension System
Your vehicle’s steering and suspension system is designed to do more than just make your ride comfortable—it’s also crucial to keeping your tires connected to the road and your vehicle stable while driving. Together, these systems:
- Absorb shock. Suspension springs and shocks dampen bumps and potholes, giving you a smoother ride.
- Maintain control. Steering components help you change direction safely and with precision.
- Keep tires aligned. Proper geometry ensures your tires wear evenly and maintain traction.
Without a properly functioning suspension, even the best tires and brakes can’t perform their jobs effectively. And your ride won’t just be bumpy without good suspension or steering—it won’t be as safe.
Key Components of Your Suspension & Steering System
Both systems include a variety of moving parts that work in sync. When even one of these parts wears down, your driving experience—and safety—can be affected.
Suspension Components
- Shocks & struts: Control bounce and absorb road impact.
- Springs: Support the vehicle’s weight and cushion against bumps.
- Control arms & bushings: Keep wheels aligned with the frame while allowing movement.
Steering Components
- Steering rack & pinion (or gearbox): Converts your steering wheel movement into actual wheel movement.
- Tie rods: Connect steering components to the wheels.
- Power steering pump & fluid: Makes steering smooth and effortless. (And yes, a power steering fluid flush is part of keeping things working properly!
Common Suspension Problems & Warning Signs
Your car has a way of telling you when it’s unhappy. “Why is my steering wheel shaking?!” is something we hear a lot. If the steering wheel shakes when braking or driving, some likely culprits are suspension wear, tire balancing issues, or wheel alignment. Warped brake rotors are also a possible explanation if the steering wheel only shakes during braking.
Uneven tire wear is another hint that you might have poor alignment or worn suspension parts, since these affect the vehicle’s weight distribution and can cause your tires to wear out faster on one side.
Any time your ride isn’t as smooth as it used to be, you’re likely looking at a suspension problem. Excessive bouncing or drifting, for example. We all know that jarring feeling of going over a pothole, but if you’re getting that with even minor bumps on the road, it’s probably worn shocks or struts. Worn suspension parts can also make your car unstable around corners, and make for a noisy ride—clunking and squeaking are never good sounds.
Suspension Maintenance & Car Suspension Repair
Like most parts of your vehicle, steering and suspension systems benefit from routine maintenance. At Tom’s Automotive, we recommend:
- Regular inspections. During maintenance visits, we’ll check for worn shocks and struts or loose steering components. That way, we can catch deteriorating parts before you get to the teeth-rattling phase.
- Fluid checks. A power steering fluid flush at recommended intervals helps your power steering system work smoothly.
- Wheel alignment and balancing. Wheel alignment ensures your wheels are angled correctly relative to the road and each other. Tire balancing makes sure the weight is distributed evenly around each wheel.
When repairs are needed, our team can handle everything from replacing shocks and struts to fixing tie rods, control arms, and steering racks. We use quality parts and expert workmanship to ensure your vehicle handles like it should.
Why Choose Tom’s Automotive for Car Suspension Repair in Seattle?
For over 54 years, we’ve been serving West Seattle with trusted auto repair services—and suspension and steering are no exception. Our team is made up of experienced technicians who understand all makes and models, including hybrids and electric vehicles. We all take yearly training to stay up to date on evolving technology. Consequently, we have the tools and knowledge to provide comprehensive diagnostics, pinpointing the root of your suspension or steering issue, and effective repairs.
With Tom’s Automotive, you’ll always get friendly service with clear explanations—no jargon or guesswork. Our commitment to you is making car maintenance less stressful and complicated, while always keeping you safe on the road.
Schedule Steering & Suspension Service Today
If you’re having trouble steering, or if it seems like you are feeling every little rock or tiny bend in the road, consider asking about your suspension or steering when you’re next in the shop. We’ll have a technician test drive your car with you, and we’ll make sure all is running smoothly and safely in your vehicle.
At Tom’s Automotive, we make car suspension repair straightforward, stress-free, and dependable. Schedule your appointment today, and let’s keep your ride smooth and safe for the road ahead.
