Suspension Services

Power steering helps you get the car where you need it to go. Without power steering, you have to apply a lot of pressure to get your steering wheel to turn. That is why it is such a problem when the power steering fails; drivers are often taken by surprise and have difficulty maintaining control of their vehicle. Accidents can occur as a result of an issue with this system. Learning about what power steering is, and what the signs of failure are, is important to ensuring that you stay safe while on the road.

What Is Power Steering?

The power steering pump and the rack and pinion work together to help you steer your car. Together, they make up your power steering system. The pump can develop leaks, so it is important to watch out for that going forward. In addition, it is crucial to check your power steering fluid every so often to make sure you have enough in your vehicle.

The rack and pinion is responsible for getting the wheels of your car to turn. If there isn’t enough hydraulic pressure, the rack and pinion system can develop problems. Tie rods are a crucial component of this part of the vehicle as well.

Signs That Your Power Steering Needs Maintenance

If you are concerned about your power steering, first look at the power steering fluid. The fluid should be reddish in color; if it isn’t, there may be a problem. In addition, if you see little bits of chrome in the liquid, it is important to get your pump checked to see if it needs to be switched out. Finally, if you notice that you don’t have much fluid but you know that you recently added some, you could have a leak somewhere.

Next, pay attention to what you hear when you are driving the vehicle. Is it making a noise when you turn the wheel quickly? That could be an indication that the pump needs to be replaced. In addition, another sign that it may have to be switched out is if you hear a strange noise when turning the vehicle on.

Are you having trouble getting the wheels to turn? That is a pretty strong indication that your power steering needs maintenance. For example, the power steering belt may need to be repaired or you might have a leak somewhere.

What Should You Do In The Event Of Failure?

If you are behind the wheel of your car, you need to get yourself and your vehicle to safety by pulling over to the side of the road. Put slight pressure on your brakes (you don’t want to push too hard or you may have trouble maintaining control of the vehicle) and maneuver the wheel so that you get the car off the highway. You will have to apply a lot of pressure to the wheel to get it to turn, and it may not be easy at first. It is always a good idea to put your hazard lights on so that other motorists recognize that there is a problem.

Should you notice any of the above issues, it is important to get your vehicle checked by an automotive technician. Your safety is important. If you suspect a problem, keep in mind that it probably will not get better on its own. Come in to see us at Ethan’s Honest Automotive; we are happy to check out your vehicle, determine if there is a problem, and take the necessary steps to fix it.

What are the parts of my suspension system?

Your vehicle’s suspension system is responsible for your comfort while driving. It also ensures that you can adequately control your vehicle by absorbing the bumps and other imperfections of the road.

Several parts make up the suspension system. All of these parts are located underneath the vehicle, between it and the road. The parts include your tires, springs, struts, shock absorbers, power steering, arms, bars, bushing, joints, and more. If any of these components fail, your suspension system will not be as effective. It may even stop working. In order to ensure that you have a suspension in top shape, you should schedule regular suspension checks with Ethan’s Honest Auto.

What does the suspension do?

The suspension system is one of the most important in your vehicle. It cushions the bumps and lurches of driving. Without it, you would be shaken half to death while driving through the Cache Valley.

Car suspension systems have been in place since almost the beginning of motor vehicles. Early manufacturers realized that the vehicle would not be safe or comfortable without them. As early as 1901, an automobile by Mors of Paris was given shock absorbers. Until the modern era, cars only had front suspension systems. Today all cars are given suspension systems on four wheels.

When does my suspension need to be maintained?

It is important to follow a regular maintenance schedule for your entire car. However, the suspension system is so crucial that you definitely want to have it looked over periodically. The different components of the suspension will need maintenance at different times.

Your tires will need the most maintenance. They should be rotated regularly and checked every 1000-3000 miles. The power steering fluid will need to be checked and topped off every time you change your oil. Every 15,000 miles or so (when you have the tires aligned), have your mechanic check the suspension components for wear. You shouldn’t have to replace a part of the suspension until 50,000 miles or more when it is checked regularly for problems.

What parts of the suspension wear out the fastest?

The part of the suspension that will need the most maintenance is the tires. They need to be rotated about every 10,000 miles. They will likely need to be replaced more often than the other suspension parts.

Problems with the power steering, shock absorbers, and struts are all common. However, you shouldn’t start seeing issues with these components until the vehicle reached 50,000-100,000 miles—unless you drive on unusually bumpy or rough roads.

Signs I have a suspension problem.
Sometimes our vehicles have problems, even with our best efforts to keep them in top shape. There are a number of signs that you may be having suspension problems. If you notice the following issues, bring your vehicle into Ethan’s Honest Auto immediately to have the suspension looked at.

-Excessive bumping, especially after hitting a rough patch of road.
-Pulling to one side of the road or the other.
-Drifting when you turn a corner.
-The front of the vehicle dives down when you use the brakes.

Other services provided by Ethan's include: