Suspension Repair Services

Bumpy ride? Uneven tire wear? Your suspension might be the culprit. At Cowden Automotive in San Francisco, we’re experts at diagnosing and fixing suspension issues. Your comfort and safety are our priorities.

Suspension problems can be dangerous. They affect handling, braking, and tire wear. Let’s explore the seven most common suspension issues we see at our San Francisco shop, along with how we fix them.

The Bouncy Menace: Worn Shock Absorbers
Shock absorbers wear out. It’s inevitable. They control your car’s movement over bumps and dips. When they fail, your ride gets bouncy. But how do we address this?

We start with a bounce test. We push down on each corner of your car and observe how it rebounds. A properly functioning shock should allow only one or two bounces. We also look for signs of fluid leaks or physical damage.

If replacement is needed, we don’t cut corners. We use high-quality shocks that match or exceed your vehicle’s original specifications. Take a 2019 Toyota Camry. Replacing both front shocks takes about two hours. We use specialized spring compressors to safely remove the old units and install the new ones.

After installation, we check the wheel alignment. Why? Because new shocks can slightly alter your car’s ride height, affecting alignment. We make any necessary adjustments to ensure even tire wear and proper handling.

When was the last time you had your shocks checked? Don’t wait for that bouncy feeling. Regular inspections can prevent more serious issues down the road.

The Silent Sufferer: Damaged Ball Joints
Clunking noises when you turn? Your ball joints might be worn. These components connect your wheels to the suspension, allowing for smooth steering. But how do we diagnose and fix this issue?

We start with a visual inspection. We look for torn boot covers, which can allow dirt and moisture to enter the joint. Then we perform a jack test. We lift the wheel and check for any play in the joint. Any movement here indicates wear.

Replacing ball joints is intricate work. On a 2020 Honda Accord, it takes about 1.5 hours per side. We carefully separate the joint from the control arm and steering knuckle. Then we press in the new joint, ensuring it’s seated correctly.

After installation, we grease the new joint to ensure smooth operation. Then we perform a road test to check for any unusual noises or handling issues.

Are you hearing clunks when you turn? Don’t ignore them. Worn ball joints can lead to loss of steering control if left unchecked.

The Lurking Danger: Broken Coil Springs
Does your car sit lower on one side? You might have a broken coil spring. These components support your vehicle’s weight and absorb road shocks. But how do we tackle this crucial repair?

We start with a visual inspection. Sometimes we can see the break. Other times, we need to remove the spring for a closer look. We also check for uneven ride height, which can indicate a weakened or broken spring.

Replacing coil springs is potentially dangerous due to the high tension. We use specialized spring compressors to safely remove the old spring and install the new one. For a 2018 Ford Fusion, this job takes about two hours per side.

We always replace springs in pairs. Why? Because replacing just one can lead to uneven handling and ride height. After installation, we check and adjust the wheel alignment to ensure proper handling and tire wear.

Have you noticed your car leaning to one side? Don’t delay. A broken spring can damage other suspension components and affect your vehicle’s safety.

The Subtle Saboteur: Worn Control Arms
Feeling a vibration in your steering wheel? Worn control arms could be the issue. These components connect your frame to your wheels, allowing for up-and-down movement. How do we diagnose and fix this?

We start by checking for loose or worn bushings. These are the rubber components that allow the control arm to pivot. We also look for any bends or cracks in the arm itself.

Replacing control arms is complex. On a 2021 Subaru Outback, it takes about 1.5 hours per arm. We carefully disconnect the old arm, noting the position of alignment cam bolts. Then we install the new arm, making sure all fasteners are torqued to exact specifications.

After installation, a wheel alignment is crucial. Control arms directly affect your car’s alignment, so this step ensures proper handling and tire wear.

Is your steering feeling loose or imprecise? Don’t wait. Worn control arms can lead to unsafe handling and accelerated tire wear.

The Quiet Quitter: Failing Struts
Notice your car nose-diving when you brake? Your struts might be failing. Struts combine the functions of shocks and structural support. But how do we address this vital component?

We begin with a visual inspection, looking for signs of fluid leaks or physical damage. Then we perform a road test, noting any unusual noises or handling issues. We also check for uneven tire wear, which can indicate strut problems.

Replacing struts is a job we take seriously. For a 2017 Mazda CX-5, it takes about two hours per side. We use spring compressors to safely remove the old strut assembly. Then we install the new unit, ensuring all mounting points are secure and properly torqued.

After installation, we always perform a wheel alignment. New struts can change your vehicle’s ride height, affecting alignment angles. This step ensures your car handles correctly and wears tires evenly.

Is your car feeling less stable than usual? Don’t ignore it. Failing struts can significantly impact your vehicle’s safety and handling.

The Hidden Culprit: Worn Sway Bar Links
Hearing a knocking noise over bumps? Your sway bar links might be worn. These components connect your sway bar to the suspension, reducing body roll during turns. How do we diagnose and fix this?

We start by visually inspecting the links for any signs of wear or damage. Then we perform a physical check, grasping the link and attempting to move it. Any movement indicates wear.

Replacing sway bar links is relatively straightforward. On a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu, it takes about 30 minutes per side. We remove the old link, taking care not to damage the sway bar or control arm. Then we install the new link, torquing the bolts to exact specifications.

After installation, we perform a road test to ensure the noise is gone and the car handles properly in turns.

Are you hearing clunks over every bump? Don’t wait. Worn sway bar links can lead to increased body roll and reduced handling performance.

The Underappreciated Hero: Tie Rod Ends
Experiencing uneven tire wear? Your tie rod ends might be failing. These components connect your steering system to your wheels. But how do we tackle this critical repair?

We begin with a visual inspection, looking for torn boots or signs of wear. Then we perform a steering linkage test, checking for any play in the tie rod ends.

Replacing tie rod ends requires precision. For a 2020 Nissan Altima, it takes about an hour per side. We carefully remove the old end, counting the turns as we unscrew it from the inner tie rod. This ensures we install the new end to the same depth, maintaining the steering alignment.

After installation, a wheel alignment is crucial. Tie rod ends directly affect your steering geometry, so this step ensures your car tracks straight and wears tires evenly.

Have you noticed your steering feeling loose or your car pulling to one side? Don’t ignore it. Worn tie rod ends can lead to loss of steering control.

At Cowden Automotive, we take suspension repair seriously. Our San Francisco shop has state-of-the-art equipment and experienced technicians. We handle everything from worn Toyota Camry shocks to complex Subaru Outback control arm replacements.

When was your last suspension check? Don’t wait for that bumpy ride. Schedule an inspection with us today. We serve the entire Bay Area, ensuring your vehicle rides smoothly and safely.

Regular maintenance prevents bigger issues. Trust Cowden Automotive with your suspension. Your comfort and safety are our top priorities.