Suspension

Shocks | Struts | Springs | Ball Joints, Idler Arm, Pitman Arm
 
Complete Car Maintenance: Shocks
In a conventional suspension system, shock absorbers help hold your tires to the road when going over rough surfaces or stopping suddenly.
 
Maintenance and Care:  
Shocks should be checked about once a year and are inspected as part of AAMCO’s ProtectCheck. Shocks generally wear gradually and you may not be able to detect noticeable changes in the vehicle’s handling or ride quality; a professional inspection can pinpoint any concerns.  
 
Signs that shocks are worn are the classic bouncing, swaying or rocking back and forth. SUV and light truck owners may want to consider an upgrade in shocks, which can significantly improve quality and handling in these vehicles. Bring your vehicle to the experts at AAMCO.

Complete Car Maintenance: Struts
Most front wheel drive cars and trucks use a strut suspension system rather than shock absorbers. Like conventional shock absorbers, struts help hold your tires to the road when going over rough surfaces or stopping suddenly. Struts are built into the suspension system and can affect vehicle control, wheel alignment, and tire wear.
Maintenance and Care:
Struts should be checked about once a year (and are inspected as part of AAMCO’s ProtectCheck). The shock absorber portion of the strut will typically wear out gradually and you may not be able to detect noticeable changes in the vehicle’s handling or ride quality; a professional inspection can pinpoint any concerns. Worn struts can be detected by symptoms such as bottoming out, bouncing, swaying or rocking back and forth. Bring your vehicle to the experts at AAMCO.

Complete Car Maintenance: Springs
Different springs are used in different suspension systems. Many vehicles have coil springs, and leaf springs and air springs are also common. Springs basically support the weight of the vehicle. Struts are built into the suspension system and can affect vehicle control, wheel alignment, and tire wear.
 
Maintenance and Care:
Springs should be checked about once a year (and are inspected as part of AAMCO’s ProtectCheck). Springs over time can gradually wear and break. Bottoming out, poor handling and wear of other suspension components are signs of a worn spring. Consider an upgrade in the quality level of the springs if your vehicle often carries heavy loads. Bring your vehicle to the experts at AAMCO.
 
 

Complete Car Maintenance: Ball Joints, Idler Arm, Pitman Arm
Ball joints are a suspension component used on the front end of almost all cars and light trucks. The idler arm and pitman arm are used in conventional suspension systems, typically on rear wheel drives and many light trucks.
   
Maintenance and Care:  
Ball joints, the idler arm and the pitman arm should be lubricated at every oil change, if applicable. All suspension components should be checked about once a year (and are inspected as part of AAMCO’s ProtectCheck). Typical signs of these components being worn are a vehicle that wanders or has erratic steering and uneven tire wear. Bring your vehicle to the experts at AAMCO.