Fix Your Suspension Issues in San Francisco

You feel it, don’t you? The bounce. The rattle. The uneven steering. If you’re driving through San Francisco’s streets and something feels off, it’s likely your suspension system crying for help. At Cowden Automotive, we’ve seen it all when it comes to suspension issues. The potholes, the steep hills, the constant stop-and-go—it’s brutal on your car. So, what’s going on under the hood? Let’s dig into the five most common suspension problems and how we can get you back to that smooth ride you love.

1. Bumpy Rides from Worn Shocks and Struts
Your car feels like a trampoline? That’s your shocks and struts giving out. These bad boys are meant to absorb the bumps, but in San Francisco, with its notorious streets, they don’t last forever. If you’re rolling around in a 2015 Toyota Camry or a 2016 Honda Accord, you’re right on time to experience shock and strut wear. You’ll notice your car bouncing excessively or hear clunks when you hit a bump.

Solution: Swap them out. At Cowden Automotive, we replace shocks and struts with high-quality parts, ensuring you’re back to cruising those hilly streets without feeling every pothole in the city.

2. Sagging Suspension? It’s Probably the Springs
Notice your car leaning a bit? Does one corner sit lower than the others? It’s not your imagination. Sagging suspension, especially in older vehicles like the 2008-2015 Ford F-150 or 2010-2018 Chevy Silverado, is often caused by tired suspension springs. They’ve carried your vehicle for thousands of miles and, well, they’re worn out.

Solution: New springs. We’ve got them. Our team at Cowden Automotive ensures the sagging is history, and your car stands tall once again, ready for the steep slopes of San Francisco.

3. Shaky Steering Wheel? Look at Your Bushings
Your steering wheel shouldn’t feel like a paint mixer when you’re driving. If it does, especially at high speeds, you’ve got a bushing problem. Worn-out suspension bushings cause that uncomfortable shake. It’s common in SUVs like the 2012 Subaru Outback and crossovers like the 2014 Ford Escape. Bushings, made of rubber, crack and degrade over time, especially with the city’s harsh driving conditions.

Solution: Time to replace those bushings. At Cowden Automotive, we handle it efficiently, replacing the old bushings with new ones that absorb shocks and keep your ride smooth.

4. Tires Wearing Unevenly? Check Your Suspension Alignment
San Francisco’s streets can be unforgiving on tires. If you’re noticing one tire balding faster than the others, your suspension is likely to blame. Suspension alignment issues are notorious for causing uneven tire wear, especially in sedans like the 2014-2019 Honda Civic or the 2013-2017 Hyundai Sonata.

Solution: Alignment time. Our team adjusts the suspension to distribute weight evenly across all tires. This ensures a longer tire lifespan and a smoother ride. Why wear out your tires faster than you need to?

5. Clunking Sounds When You Turn? Ball Joints Might Be the Culprit
Turn the wheel and hear a disturbing clunk? Sounds like your ball joints are on their last legs. These joints connect your suspension to your wheels, and when they start to go, you feel it. This problem shows up often in larger vehicles like the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee or the 2010 Dodge Ram 1500, and it’s made worse by all the turning required on San Francisco’s winding roads.

Solution: Ball joints need replacing. Fast. At Cowden Automotive, we tackle ball joint issues head-on. Once replaced, your steering will be smooth, and the clunking will be history.

Keep Your Suspension Smooth with Cowden Automotive
Don’t let suspension problems turn your San Francisco drive into a bumpy nightmare. At Cowden Automotive, we handle everything from worn shocks to sagging springs, steering wheel vibrations, and clunking ball joints. We’ve got you covered whether you’re navigating the streets of San Francisco or heading out to Fremont. Ready for a smoother ride? Contact us today and say goodbye to suspension troubles.