TOWNSVILLE SUSPENSION, BRAKES & STEERING REPAIR
Vehicle Suspension & Steering Repairs in Townsville
Problems with your vehicle’s road control and ride comfort can usually be traced back to issues with your steering or suspension components. Whether it’s play in the steering wheel caused by worn steering system parts, body roll when going through corners, or poor control on varying road surfaces caused from sagging suspension.
You may encounter under or oversteer, struggle with handling, have unwanted body rock when braking, decreased vehicle control at higher speeds, body lean, and an uncomfortable ride in general. All of these are dangerous and reduce the control and safety of your car.
Our auto technicians can repair 4wd suspensions, power steering modules and steering columns issues. We replace worn car springs, bushes, shock absorbers and other key suspension parts for your 4WD, work vehicle, Trailer and Caravan to keep is running safely.
Steering and Suspension Services
Steering Repair Services in Townsville
Power Steering Pump Replacement: Over time, power steering pumps can wear out due to fluid contamination or mechanical wear and tear. Replacing a failing pump ensures that the steering system functions correctly, providing the driver with the necessary power assistance to control the vehicle safely and comfortably.
Power Steering Hose Replacement: Power steering hoses carry high-pressure fluid from the power steering pump to the steering gearbox or rack and pinion. When these hoses develop leaks, age, or get damaged, it can result in a loss of power steering fluid and, consequently, a loss of power assistance in steering.
Steering Gearbox Replacement: The steering gearbox is a critical component in the steering system that converts the rotational motion of the steering wheel into the lateral motion of the wheels. When it becomes worn or damaged, it can result in poor steering responsiveness and control.
Tie Rod End Replacement: Replacing worn tie rod ends is essential for maintaining proper steering control and alignment. Failing tie rod ends can result in wandering or loose steering, which can lead to poor vehicle handling and compromised safety.
Rack and Pinion Replacement: a failing rack and pinion system is essential to restore steering control and responsiveness. Issues with the rack and pinion can result in stiff or unresponsive steering, which can be dangerous and affect the driver’s ability to manoeuvre the vehicle.
Steering Column Repairs: The steering column houses various parts, including the intermediate shaft, which connects the steering wheel to the steering gearbox or rack. Problems can result in a lack of responsiveness, strange noises, or steering wheel play, which can impact the driver’s control of the vehicle.
Wheel Alignment: Proper alignment is essential to ensure the vehicle tracks straight, tyres wear evenly, and the vehicle handles properly. Proper alignment improves safety, reduces tyre replacement costs, and enhances overall driving comfort.
Steering Linkage Inspections: Steering linkages connect various steering components, and issues with linkages can result in poor steering control. Damaged or worn linkages can lead to loose or imprecise steering, negatively affecting vehicle handling and safety
Steering Fluid Flush: Flushing and replacing old power steering fluid is necessary to maintain the system’s performance and longevity. Fresh fluid ensures smooth operation, reduces the risk of pump and component damage, and keeps the power steering system in good working condition.
Townsville Suspension Services & Repairs
Shock Absorber Replacement: Shock absorbers dampen the up-and-down motion of your vehicle. When they become worn or damaged, ride comfort and handling are compromised. Replacing them helps maintain a smooth ride, reduces bouncing, and improves control during braking and cornering.
Strut Replacement: Struts are a vital part of the front suspension system. They serve both as a shock absorber and a structural component, supporting the weight of the vehicle. Worn or damaged struts lead to reduced stability, and difficulty in handling the vehicle properly.
Spring Replacement: Coil or leaf springs maintain the vehicle’s ride height and provide support to the suspension. When these springs break or sag, the vehicle’s ride height can become uneven, leading to a range of issues such as poor handling, bottoming out, and uneven tyre wear.
Bushing Replacement: Suspension bushes act as cushions between various suspension components, reducing noise, vibration, and harshness. Worn-out bushes lead to excessive play in the suspension, causing handling problems and discomfort.
Sway Bar Link Replacement: Sway bar links connect the sway bar (anti-roll bar) to the suspension components and help control body roll during cornering. Worn or broken sway bar links can lead to reduced stability during cornering, making the vehicle more prone to tipping or swaying.
Control Arm Replacement: Control arms are essential for maintaining proper wheel alignment and handling characteristics. When damaged, they can affect the vehicle’s alignment and lead to uneven tyre wear and poor handling. Replacing control arms ensures proper suspension geometry and improved handling.
Ball Joint Replacement: Ball joints connect the suspension components to the steering system, allowing for smooth and controlled steering. Worn ball joints result in steering problems, including poor handling and a potential loss of control.
Wheel Bearing Replacement: Wheel bearings enable the wheels to rotate smoothly. Worn or damaged wheel bearings result in noisy operation, reduced efficiency, and wheel balance concerns. Replacing them eliminates ensures wheels rotate freely and safely.
Air Suspension Repair: Air suspension systems are found in luxury or off-road vehicles and use air-filled bags or shocks to adjust ride height and comfort. These systems can develop leaks or fail over time, leading to an uncomfortable ride, uneven suspension, and potential damage to other components.
Common Steering and Suspension Problems
Abnormal Noise When Turning: Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when turning the steering wheel, often indicating issues with CV joints or steering mechanisms.
Wheel Wobble at High Speeds: A wobbling sensation in the steering wheel when driving at higher speeds, usually due to wheel balance or tyre issues.
Steering Wheel Vibration: Felt through the steering wheel, often caused by wheel balance issues, or misaligned wheels.
Excessive Steering Play: Free movement in the steering wheel before the wheels respond, indicating worn steering components.
Uneven Ride Height: The vehicle sits unevenly, which can be a sign of spring or suspension component issues.
Uneven Brake Wear: Uneven wear on brakes pads and discs can be caused by suspension or alignment failure.
Steering Wheel Off Centre: The steering wheel is not aligned straight when the wheels are pointing forward, suggesting a possible misalignment.
Excessive Bouncing or Bottoming Out: Occurs when the vehicle bounces excessively over bumps or hits the road excessively, indicating worn shocks or struts.
Drifting While Driving: The vehicle drifts to one side without steering input can be related to alignment or suspension issues.
Loss of Control on Bumpy Roads: Difficulty maintaining control on uneven or rough roads, often indicating suspension problems.
Leaning to One Side: The vehicle leans more to one side, potentially due to suspension component troubles.
Difficulty Turning: Steering feels unusually heavy or hard, potentially due to power steering problems or alignment issues.
Tyres, Wheels, Bearings & Alignments
Poorly balanced or miss-aligned wheels and tyres cause discomfort and handling issues. From increasing the deterioration of your steering system and suspension system to creating uneven wear in your tyres resulting in premature and expensive tyre replacement.
We recommend the right tyres for your vehicle, towing, and driving habits and can fit, balance, and align them for your vehicle, optimising vehicle contact with the road and minimising wear. From a car roadworthy to improving your car’s handling, quality tyres are a must for your car, Caravan and Trailer.
From sports cars, 4wd off road vehicles, to caravan and passenger vehicles, we can provide and fit the best tyres suited to your vehicle to ensure optimum safety, ride quality, and reliability on the road. For more about wheels alignments, wheel balancing, tyres, and what we can do to improve your vehicle’s handling, give us a Call Today.
Brake Repairs, Pad Replacement & Inspections
Brakes are an essential safety feature of your vehicle and being able to bring your vehicle to an abrupt stop or a smooth gentle halt is vital to safe motoring and your family’s welfare. Braking systems suffer wear faster than most areas on your vehicle due to the stop-and-start nature of city driving. This makes regular brake checks important.
We can perform a variety of services for your brakes, from servicing your brake pedal and hydraulics to replacing worn disc brakes, drum brakes, calipers and rotors, shoes, and pads, as well as machining and restoring brake discs for that extra bit of use from them.
People often forget about Trailer and Caravan braking systems and lighting. We can inspect and make sure they are working as the should in conjunction with your vehicle. Find out more on our complete list of Brake Repair Services.