Suspension parts hold the wheels where they belong and keep the tires pressed to the road. Steering parts let you point them. Both take a pounding on Toronto roads, especially in spring when the potholes open up after the thaw.
We start with a road test to hear the noise or feel the problem ourselves, then put the car on the lift. We check for play in the ball joints, tie rod ends, control arm bushings and wheel bearings, look for leaking shocks and struts, and inspect the springs for cracks and rust.
Many suspension repairs change the alignment. When yours does, the alignment is in the quote from the start, so you're not surprised by uneven tire wear later.
Why it matters
Control and braking
Worn shocks and struts let the car bounce and nose-dive. The tires spend less time pressed firmly on the road, which hurts both braking and cornering.
Salt breaks springs
Coil springs rust, and a pitted spring can snap on a cold morning or over a pothole. A broken spring end can cut into the tire.
Worn parts eat tires
Loose tie rods and ball joints let the wheel shift around. That wears tires unevenly and means an alignment won't hold.
Signs it's time
- Clunking or knocking over bumps
- Car keeps bouncing after a dip in the road
- Loose steering, or the car wanders on the highway
- Humming or growling that gets louder with speed
- One corner sitting lower than the others
- Cupped or scalloped tire wear
What's included
- Road test to reproduce the problem
- Ball joints, tie rods and bushings checked for play
- Shocks and struts checked for leaks and wear
- Coil springs and mounts checked for cracks and rust
- Wheel bearings checked for noise and play
- Sway bar links and bushings
- CV axles and boots
- Written quote, with an alignment when the repair needs one
How often
Yearly, and after a hard hit
Have it checked once a year, at the spring changeover, or after any pothole or curb strike hard enough to make you wince.
