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Category: Suspension & Steering

Home / Suspension & Steering (Page 2)
September 26, 2026 BY
IN Suspension & Steering

Sway Bar Replacement

A sway bar is a torsion spring — a piece of metal that resists twisting force. The sway bar is linked to each side of the suspension on a front or rear axle and designed to help the vehicle resist body roll, or sway, during turns or sudden emergency maneuvers. A sway bar does nothing unless the body of a vehicle leans to one side; if both wheels rise — as they would when the vehicle hits a bump — or fall at the same time, the sway bar doesn’t have to twist and has no effect. When to consider replacing the sway bar? Excessive rust, corrosion, or cracking. Sway bars are typically manufactured from high-strength steel and have special coatings to resist corrosion. However, sway bars are known to crack, particularly at the ends or at welded joints. If the sway bar has visible cracks or excessive corrosion it should be replaced. Crash damage. Sway bars are near the ground on the vehicle suspension system. Road debris, driving over parking stops, and crashes can damage the sway bar or the sway bar links to the suspension. How do mechanics replace the sway bar? The vehicle is lifted and supported by steel jack stands. Exhaust system, vehicle subframe, and suspension components preventing access to the sway bar are removed. The sway bar links to each control arm are removed. In most cases, all rubber mount components are discarded and replaced with new ones. The bar is then unbolted from the frame of the car. Rubber bushings are discarded as new ones are always used. Installation is the reverse of removal, taking care to install new rubber components and follow factory-shop, manual torque specifications. Is it safe to drive with a sway bar problem? Yes. Should you suspect that a sway bar is broken, you can still drive the car with utmost caution. You will notice the car will lean and sway more when changing lanes. Your car will feel “looser,” particularly when driving at high speeds. It is possible this will cause you to lose control of the car, resulting in a serious crash if you cannot overcome the loss of control that occurs with a defective sway bar. If you’re forced to drive with a broken sway bar, you need to drive slower than normal. Try to stick to surface streets and stay off highways and interstates where you might be required to change lanes. As long as you keep your speed down and don’t take turns too quickly, you should be safe driving until you can have it replaced at your earliest convenience. When replacing the sway bar keep in mind: Never reuse rubber components in sway bar replacement. The original equipment manufacturers sway bar will usually offer the best fit and function, although there are performance aftermarket sway bars for certain vehicles. Whenever a suspension component like a sway bar is replaced, the entire vehicle suspension should be carefully inspected. Although the sway bar does not factor into the adjustment of vehicle alignment, it is always a good idea to check and confirm vehicle alignment after performing major repairs on your car’s suspension.

 

 

 

 

September 26, 2026 BY
IN Suspension & Steering

Tie Rod End Replacement

Your car’s steering rack or gearbox (depending on the vehicle) is bolted in a fixed position to the frame of your vehicle. But the car’s wheels move up and down to smooth out road irregularities, and also left and right as you turn the steering wheel. The tie rod end is connected between the track rod of the steering assembly and the steering knuckle. A tie rod has a ball-and-socket joint to accommodate these movements. Cars will typically have two tie rod ends on each side: one inner tie rod end and one outer tie rod end — four total with a set of two per side. Tie rod ends are usually permanently greased but some may have Zerk fittings for re-greasing, including aftermarket ones. Tie rod ends are adjustable and accuracy is critical for proper front wheel alignment. When to consider replacing tie rod ends: Vehicle wandering, pulling, or premature tire wear out. Loose tie rod ends may cause the vehicle to not track straight ahead. You may also notice excessive tire wear on the front tires. Missing, damaged, or leaking rubber boot or bellows. The grease in an outer tie rod end is retained by a rubber seal. If the seal has failed, the grease will leak out and the joint will be contaminated and worn down by road dirt. Inner tie rod ends are protected by extensible bellows. If the bellows has torn and is noticed early, only it needs to be replaced. Obvious looseness in the component. Mechanics use specified tests to determine if there is wear in a tie rod end. For example, the resistance to turning of the ball stud in the outer tie rod end can be measured and compared against the original equipment manufacturer’s (OEM) specifications. However, without the use of any instruments, any detectable play in the ball stud indicates the tie rod end must be replaced. Excessive play will also make it impossible to properly set toe alignment. Clunking noises, lack of smooth steering. Noise from the suspension on turning, or binding when you turn the steering wheel, could be due to tie rod end defects. Steering rack or power steering assist problems can account for these problems too. How do mechanics replace tie rod ends? The vehicle is jacked up and supported on steel safety stands. The tire and wheel assembly is removed. If possible, the existing tie rod end length is measured and recorded. Installing the new tie rod at the same length as the old helps in the alignment process. The tie rod end adjusting lock nut or sleeve is loosened. Then, a tie end removal tool is used to separate the tie rod ball stud from the steering knuckle. The tie rod is then unthreaded from its connection to the inner tie rod end. On a rack and pinion type steering system, if an inner tie rod end is being replaced, the tie rod steering shaft boot is removed and the tie rod unthreaded from the steering rack and the outer tie rod end. New tie rod ends are installed with all fasteners and the adjusting lock nut tightened to the required OEM torque value. During installation, the length recorded during removal is applied to aid the later wheel alignment process. With only a few exceptions, anytime a suspension component is removed and replaced on your car, the vehicle alignment must be inspected, measured, and adjusted to factory specifications. Using portable equipment, some mobile mechanics can perform a mobile alignment at your location. More likely though, the final step will be a trip to a local alignment shop for measurement, and adjustment as needed, of the vehicle alignment. Is it safe to drive with a tie rod end problem? No. Tie rods ends are a critical mechanical linkage in the steering system. If a known problem exists, such as wear, looseness, or binding, the possibility of sudden and unpredictable breakage of the tie rod remains, which would cause loss of steering control. Consequently, it is not safe to drive the car if the tie rod ends have a known deficiency. Tie rod ends should always be inspected per the maintenance schedule. When replacing tie rods keep in mind: It is recommended to replace tie rod ends in pairs. There are four tie rod ends on most vehicles. The outer tie rod ends — one per side — are most susceptible to wear and failure. If one outer tie rod end has failed, the other is probably not far behind. After the repair is performed the vehicle must be aligned, either on a mobile basis or at a good alignment shop. A good alignment job will provide you with pre and post-alignment printouts of your car’s alignment settings. A good shop will set the alignment to the “preferred” factory setting, not just the “allowed” settings. A job well-done will also have performed a careful inspection of the suspension beforehand to ensure the new alignment remains durable and stable. The best alignment results will be achieved if the tires on your car are not unevenly worn.

 

 

 

 

September 26, 2026 BY
IN Suspension & Steering

Tighten Wheel Lug Nuts

Whenever a car’s wheel has been taken off, it should be replaced and the lug nuts properly tightened. By properly, we mean with a torque wrench that tightens the nuts to the manufacturer’s specification. Many workshops simply use air wrenches that frequently over tighten the lug nuts. This is potentially dangerous and destructive, because it can damage the wheel, stud and lug nut, as well as warp the disc brake rotor.

 

Every car has a recommended torque figure for the lug nuts. | There is a sequence best followed for tightening the lug nuts. | Any kind of grease or anti-seize compound should not be applied to the threads | Even without a wheel removal, it’s advisable to check the lug nuts from time to time. | Adjusting a track bar affects your vehicle’s stability and suspension. Only trained technicians should adjust your track bar. | As with all suspension and steering components, an alignment needs to be performed after your track bar is replaced.

 

The vehicle is raised and supported on jack stands | The wheels are installed and the lug nut installed by hand then only tightened enough to hold the wheel snugly | The vehicle is lowered off of the jack stands till the wheel just touches the ground and torque the lug nuts to specifications in a star pattern | The vehicle completely lowered to the ground and completed till all wheels are done | The vehicle is lifted and supported on jack stands | The defective track bar is removed | The new track bar is installed | The vehicle is taken off the jack stands | The repair is verified and the vehicle is road tested for proper operation

 

Have your wheels checked at every routine maintenance service, and ask the mechanic to make sure the correct torque levels are being observed. What is a common symptom indicating you need to tighten the wheel lug nuts? Clunking or rattling sound from the wheels. Have your vehicle diagnosed if you suspect your track bar is loose or have similar symptoms. Have one of our expert mechanics replace the track bar if necessary and have a four wheel alignment performed.

 

Since there is a danger of wheels coming off or of damage being done to the wheels or their attachment studs, you need to be sure that the correct procedure for tightening the wheel lug nuts has been followed for your vehicle. If there’s any doubt, get an inspection from one of our expert mechanics as soon as possible. . xxxix Track Bar Replacement What is the Track Bar all about? Underneath your vehicle, the steering and suspension components mount together to hold your wheels steady. They need to maintain their longitudinal and lateral positions, lest you lose control of your vehicle. On vehicles with a coil spring suspension, a bar called a track bar or Panhard bar is used to maintain these positions. One end of the track bar mounts to the chassis or frame of your vehicle, and the other end fastens to the axle assembly. Both ends of the bar have pivoting fasteners called heim joints that can be adjusted. When the suspension travels vertically, the track bar maintains the lateral and longitudinal position of the wheels to help you maintain control of the vehicle. If the track bar is loose or broken, you can experience a wandering or loose feeling, a wobble in the steering wheel or body of the vehicle, or a clunk when going over bumps. The track bar is part of the suspension on your vehicle that helps you maintain control while driving. If the track bar is loose, driving becomes riskier. Have it replaced as soon as possible.

September 26, 2026 BY
IN Suspension & Steering

Universal Joint (U-joint) Replacement

In rear wheel-drive cars, a driveshaft is needed for the tires to rotate. The driveshaft transfers the power from transmission to the rear tires, enabling them to turn. U-joints hold the drive shaft in place. If the U-joints are not lubricated, the bearings inside the U-joints will wear out over time and the drive shaft will begin to vibrate, while the car is moving. You will feel vibration in the seat or throughout the car. You may also hearing clunking or banging noise when you put the car in a gear.

 

It is best to replace all U-joints at the same time, even if only one is broken. | If the height of your vehicle has been modified, the U-joints are more likely to give out.

 

Jack up the back side of the car. | Remove the drive shaft. | Remove and replace the U-joints.

 

A mechanic should lubricate the U-joints during regular maintenance service. Doing so will greatly improve the life of the U-joints.

 

U-joints are responsible for holding the driveshaft in place. Since the driveshaft transfers power from the transmission to the wheels, it receives a lot of force, and it depends on the U-joints to help it stay sturdy and in place. When the U-joints break, the driveshaft has nothing holding it in place, and so it vibrates heavily, which not only is detrimental to the driveshaft’s health, but also results in a very bumpy ride.

September 26, 2026 BY
IN Suspension & Steering

Wheel Bearings Replacement

A wheel bearing assembly consists of rolling elements, such as hardened steel ball bearings or roller bearings, that roll on and around hardened steel bearing races. The wheel bearings support the front and rear axle, and all the weight of your car. Wheel bearings are made with a high-precision technique using extremely hard steel in order to withstand all the normal impacts that occur to the wheel and tire assembly as you drive along the road. When to replace wheel bearings? Growling or grinding noise from a wheel. Failed or failing wheel bearings make a very characteristic growling noise which will grow louder as the bearing wear progresses. If you believe the wheel bearing noise is coming from one side of the car, you can self-diagnosis your wheel bearing as you drive the car by loading and unloading vehicle weight You can do this by “swerving” from side-to-side. For example, if the noise markedly increases when you swerve to left, which shifts the vehicle’s weight to the right, then it often indicates the wheel bearing on the right is failing. Axial or radial play in the wheel or wheel hub. Should the wheel hub move up and down or in and out, the bearing may be worn. Vibration in the steering wheel or vehicle body and/or wandering. Vibration and lack of directional stability could be consequences of loose or worn out wheel bearings. Tire and wheel assembly does not turn smoothly. With the wheel jacked up, and the car not in gear, the wheel should rotate smoothly. Rough or inconsistent movement, which is often accompanied by noise, can signify damaged bearings. Be sure the brakes are not dragging as you perform this check. How do mechanics replace wheel bearings? The complexity of wheel bearing replacement varies greatly depending on the vehicle make, model, year, the wheel position (front versus rear), and the drive type (AWD versus FWD): On vehicles with unitized wheel bearing/hub assemblies, the brake rotor and caliper are removed. The large axle nut is removed, the axle is pushed back through the center of the unitized hub assembly, and three (or more) bolts holding the hub assembly to the steering knuckle are removed. The hub assembly is then removed from the knuckle. On installation of the new hub assembly to the knuckle, the bolts are torqued to the factory specification. In many cases, it is required to discard the old axle nut and replace with a new one. Special attention must be given to tightening the axle nut to the exact factory specification because over or under-tightening can damage the newly installed bearing. All YourMechanic professionals use calibrated torque wrenches on these critical fasteners. Finally, the brake rotor and brake caliper are re-attached, the wheel installed and the car is road tested. On vehicles where the wheel bearing is pressed into a cavity within the steering knuckle, the steering knuckle must be removed from the vehicle in order to press out the old bearing and press in the new bearing. On some vehicles, the wheel bearing is pressed onto an axle shaft and thus the axle must be extracted from the axle carrier. This will apply to certain trucks. Is it safe to drive with a wheel bearing problem? No. Wheel bearing failure is usually gradual, although in some cases it starts immediately after the dramatic impact of the wheel and tire assembly with a deep pothole. Wheel bearings can sometimes make noise for quite some time before you experience a catastrophic failure that would result in complete separation of the wheel and tire assembly from the axle. Generally, the risk of sudden failure increases with the noise level. But strictly speaking, once the bearing has started to fail it is impossible to predict exactly when it will fail completely. So it should not continue to be driven. Were a failing bearing to seize or break while you are moving, you could experience loss of control of the vehicle. Once you receive a conclusive diagnostic that a wheel bearing has failed, replace the bearing promptly. When replacing wheel bearings, keep in mind: If the car has a substantial number of miles on the failed bearing (100,000 miles or more), it is a good idea to replace both bearings (driver and passenger) on the axle at the same time. Wheel bearing noise can be confused with tire noise from defective tires. In difficult cases, a mechanic will apply remote wireless microphones at all 4 wheel positions, and then drive the car while listening to a remote receiver, switching between wheel positions to pinpoint the location of the failed bearing.

 

 

 

 

September 26, 2026 BY
IN Suspension & Steering

Power Steering Pump Pulley Replacement

Like many other systems on your vehicle, your power steering operates on pressurized fluid, and the power for pressurizing that fluid is delivered by the engine. Depending on the year, make and model, your car may have a single drive belt, or two belts. In both situations, a belt will operate the power steering pump via a pulley. The belt runs around the pulley, and spins it while the engine operates. When the engine is off, the pulley remains still and the pump does not work. As with any other pulley in the engine, the power steering pump pulley relies on a bearing to ensure that it operates correctly. Heat and friction will wear the bearings out and they will eventually need to be replaced. There are other instances that could cause problems with the power steering pump pulley, including serious auto accidents that bend or even break the pulley.

 

Power steering pump pulley and belt operation should be checked at regular maintenance (oil changes). | Bearing failure is the most common power steering pump pulley problem. | A broken belt can cause your power steering system to malfunction. | The belt can brake if bearings seize.

 

The hood is opened and the serpentine belt is removed | The power steering pulley is removed with a pulley puller | The new power steering pulley is installed using a pulley installer | The serpentine belt is installed and pulley alignment is checked | The engine is run and the power steering system operation is checked

 

Without an operational power steering pump pulley, your entire power steering system will be inoperable. The most common cause of problems here is wear and tear to the pulley bearing. The pulley will need to be removed, the old bearing pulled out, and a new bearing installed. Because of the importance of this system, we recommend having any power steering system problems be diagnosed by one of our expert mechanics.

 

Some power steering systems aren’t as critical as others, but this one plays an important role in the drivability of your vehicle. If you notice any of the symptoms above, or suspect there’s a problem with the pulley or the bearing, you should have the system inspected immediately.

September 26, 2026 BY
IN Suspension & Steering

Wheel Stud Replacement

Wheel studs are high-strength, threaded steel fasteners that securely hold the wheel and tire assembly to the axle hub. Typically, there are 4 to 6 studs per wheel pressed or threaded into the wheel hub. The wheel and tire assembly is mounted on the hub centering ring and the studs protrude from the hub through the wheel mounting holes. Lug nuts are threaded onto the studs to securely hold the wheel to the hub. When to consider replacing wheel studs: Wheel is loose or wobbling. The wheel and tire assembly must be held evenly and securely to the wheel hub by the lug nuts attached to the studs. If the lug nuts are not tightened securely, it can cause the wheel to vibrate, loosen and wobble, which can damage or even break the wheel studs and lug nuts, potentially causing the wheel to separate from the vehicle. Missing or broken studs, or damaged threads. If the stud is missing or broken, the lug nut attached to the stud will be missing and the wheel will hold securely. When the threads on the stud are worn, rusted away, or otherwise damaged, the lug nut may not achieve the required torque and could come loose while driving. Stud turns in place when fastening lug nut. When the stud spins in the wheel hub while tightening, it should be replaced. During replacement, the mounting hole in the wheel hub should be inspected for damage. How do mechanics replace wheel studs? The car is raised and supported on steel jack stands. The wheel and tire assembly, brake rotor, and caliper are removed. On vehicles where there is sufficient access at the back of the wheel hub, a compact tool is used to press the defective stud out of the hub. On vehicles where there is no access to use a compact stud remover, the wheel hub must be removed. When the hub must be pressed out of the steering knuckle, the wheel bearing is typically replaced in the process of removing the hub. Sometimes, the entire hub and bearing assembly with the studs included can be replaced. The new stud or studs are pressed into position from the back of the hub, the brake caliper and rotor are reinstalled, and the wheel is placed onto the studs. The wheel lug nuts are tightened to the factory specifications. Is it safe to drive with wheel stud problems? No, but you can temporarily drive a vehicle at low speeds and for short trips with one missing wheel stud. However, if more than two studs are broken, it is recommended to repair the car prior to further use. Having all wheel studs in place with evenly tightened lug nuts prevents distortion of the brake rotor. Over longer periods, missing studs can damage the brake rotor, the wheel, and the remaining studs. A car may vibrate when driving with missing wheel studs and can cause the other studs or lug nuts to loosen. This can lead to the wheel separating from your tire while driving. When replacing wheel studs keep in mind: Wheel studs are made of high-strength steel. If a stud has broken, it is typically due to previous overtightening. Lug nuts should be tightened using a calibrated torque wrench or a torque limiting device. Published torque values assume that studs are dry, clean, and free of all lubricants. Oil, grease, anti-seize or any similar compound should not be applied to the threads of a wheel stud or lug nut. Should a vehicle require removal of the wheel hub to add a new wheel stud, studs on the hub should be replaced. However, only defective studs need to be replaced if there is access from the back of the hub. Lug nuts should be tightened in a star or crisscross pattern specified by the original equipment manufacturer in order to avoid warping of the brake rotor or drum as well as damaging the wheel.

 

 

 

 

September 26, 2026 BY
IN Suspension & Steering

Differential/Gear Oil Replacement

Differential oil is a type of oil. Cars have a gearbox connecting the two axles. This gearbox is responsible for the conversion of engine power and its transmission to the wheels, allowing them to turn at varying speeds. This part of the car is called the differential, and lubrication is needed for it to function properly. Differential fluid, also called differential oil, provides the lubrication and cooling of the car’s differential. The fluid is there to protect the gears’ metal surfaces from friction, and to prevent overheating and burning.

 

Some vehicles have a front differential and others have a rear differential. | Some vehicles use a synthetic gear oil.

 

Check fluid level. | Inspect the rear housing for leaks. | Remove the cover (if the differential does not have a drain plug). | Install new gasket if needed. | Fill with new fluid.

 

Differential oil should be changed every 30,000 to 50,000 miles. You should aim to have the gear oil changed every 30,000 miles, but it’s a good idea to have a mechanic check the differential oil during regular maintenance services.

 

The differential is responsible for transferring the power from the engine to the transmission and the wheels, and for controlling how much power goes to each wheel. Like many aspects of your vehicle, the differential requires oil to act as lubrication. Differential oil allows the differential to move smoothly and consistently, which allows the vehicle to continue sending power to the wheels. If the differential oil is old, it may be contaminated with debris and metal shavings. This contamination will come into constant contact with the differential, which can cause severe long term damage to the differential.

September 26, 2026 BY
IN Suspension & Steering

Differential Fluid Service Replacement

The differential is a special gear box located between the drive wheels of your vehicle. It allows the drive wheels to turn at different speeds, as they must when turning a corner. Over time, high operating temperatures can cause the lubricating fluid in the differential to break down, developing a gummy texture that doesn’t properly lubricate the gears. Replacing the fluid can help you avoid premature wear on the gears in the differential, and can even help reduce wear on drive-wheel tires.

 

Some vehicles do not have a drain plug. In these vehicles, the differential cover must be removed to drain the fluid. A new gasket is installed and the proper amount of oil is then added.

 

Check the fluid level | Drain and fill the fluid | Add the correct amount and specification of oil | Test drive vehicle and check for leaks

 

You should follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for when to change the differential fluid. Usually this is anywhere between every 15,000 and every 50,000 miles. However, all of the fluids in your vehicle should be checked during regular maintenance services. What is a common symptom indicating you need a differential fluid service (rear axle oil service)? Car is louder than normal

 

When you turn your vehicle one way or the other, the wheels on one side of the car need to move at a different rate than the wheels on the other side of the car. The differential is a special gearbox that allows your wheels to do exactly that. It is located between the drive wheels, and helps the wheels turn at rates independent of one another. Like most parts of your car, the differential needs fluid to act as lubrication. When this fluid isn’t properly serviced, it can become contaminated. Contaminated differential fluid doesn’t work very well as a lubricant, and so your differential won’t be properly lubricated. This puts extra stress on the differential and wheels.

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