Your steering and suspension system controls how your vehicle handles, brakes, and stays stable. When parts wear out, you may notice clunks over bumps, pulling, vibration, or uneven tire wear. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to faster tire wear, poor handling, and in some cases safety concerns.
Here’s a simple, practical guide to steering and suspension maintenance—what it includes, what causes wear, and how to spot problems early.
What Does the Steering & Suspension System Do?
These components work together to:
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Keep tires planted for traction
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Absorb bumps and potholes
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Maintain proper alignment
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Control steering precision and stability during braking and turns
When anything gets loose or worn, the vehicle can feel unstable and the tires can wear out quickly.
Common Signs You Need Steering or Suspension Service
If you notice any of these, it’s time for an inspection:
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Clunking over bumps (often sway links, ball joints, bushings)
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Squeaking or creaking when turning or going over small bumps
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Vehicle pulls left/right while driving or braking
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Steering wheel off-center after driving straight
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Vibration at highway speeds
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Loose or wandering steering
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Uneven tire wear (inside edge wear is common)
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Bouncy ride or excessive nose-dive during braking
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Knocking when turning (can be CV axles or steering components)
What Parts Wear Out Most Often?
Steering Components
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Tie rod ends (inner/outer)
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Rack and pinion boots/leaks
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Power steering hoses/lines (vehicle dependent)
Suspension Components
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Ball joints
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Control arms and bushings
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Sway bar links and bushings
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Shocks/struts and mounts
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Wheel bearings (often humming/growling with speed)
Why These Parts Wear Out Faster Than You Think
Common causes include:
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Potholes and rough roads
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Curb impacts
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Winter salt and corrosion
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Worn tires or incorrect tire pressure
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Driving with worn shocks/struts (accelerates other wear)
Even small looseness can snowball—one worn part can stress the next.
What “Maintenance” Means (Because Most of It Isn’t Scheduled)
Unlike oil changes, steering and suspension service is usually condition-based:
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Inspect regularly (especially after winter or pothole hits)
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Replace worn parts when play/noise shows up
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Align the vehicle after certain repairs
Recommended inspection timing
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Twice a year (spring + fall) is ideal
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Immediately if you notice clunking, pulling, or vibration
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After any significant pothole impact or curb hit
The Big Money Saver: Alignment and Tire Wear Checks
A slightly off alignment can destroy tires quickly. If you see:
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inner edge wear
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feathering (sawtooth feel)
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steering wheel not centered
…get it checked early. Alignment often saves you more money than it costs.
What a Shop Checks During a Steering & Suspension Inspection
A proper inspection typically includes:
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Checking wheel play (ball joints, tie rods, bearings)
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Inspecting bushings for cracking/tearing
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Checking shocks/struts for leaks and bounce test
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Road test to confirm noise/vibration/pull
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Measuring tire wear patterns
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Alignment check if needed
FAQ
Is it safe to drive with a clunking front end?
It depends on the cause. Some clunks are minor (like sway links), but others can indicate looseness in critical steering parts. If it’s getting worse or the steering feels loose, inspect it soon.
What causes vibration at highway speeds?
Common causes include tire balance, bent rims, uneven tire wear, or worn suspension parts. Diagnosis starts with tires and progresses to suspension/steering checks.
Should I replace shocks/struts even if they aren’t leaking?
Yes—some are weak without obvious leaks. If the ride is bouncy, the vehicle nose-dives when braking, or tire wear is uneven, they may be worn.
Need Steering or Suspension Service?
If your vehicle is pulling, clunking, vibrating, or wearing tires unevenly, a steering and suspension inspection can pinpoint the cause and help you avoid bigger repairs later.
Call Heritage AutoPro & Tire: 403-258-3030
Heritage Dr SE.:
8304 Fairmount Dr, SE
Calgary, AB, T2H 0Y8
