Auto Vanadium, garage mécanique

Suspension, steering & alignment

Inspection and replacement of shocks and ball joints, and wheel alignment.

Service description

Suspension and steering include shocks, ball joints, tie rod ends and control arms. Alignment adjusts the wheel angles so the wheels sit perfectly in line with the road.

Why does it matter?

The suspension is designed to absorb shocks from potholes and other bumps, and lets you steer your car precisely. Alignment, for its part, makes sure the vehicle drives straight. Keeping the whole system in good condition means safe driving, optimal braking and no premature tire wear.

Close-up of a suspension shock absorber and spring

When to plan this service?

ItemRecommendation
Component inspectionWe usually suggest a visual inspection every 20,000 km or once a year (often during spring maintenance).
Wheel alignmentIdeally once a year, and always after installing a new set of tires or after a hard impact.
Shock replacementDepending on road conditions, wear on these components usually shows around 80,000 to 100,000 km.

What we do

  • Full inspection of suspension and steering parts on the lift
  • Replacement of damaged shocks, springs, ball joints and sway bar links
  • Wheel alignment
  • Road test

When to see a mechanic?

  • Knocking or squeaking noises when going over bumps
  • Vehicle drifting or pulling to one side on a straight road
  • Steering wheel off-centre, vibrating or feeling loose
  • Tires with heavy wear on one edge only

FAQ

How can I tell if my vehicle needs an alignment?

The most common signs are a steering wheel that is not straight while driving, a vehicle that pulls to one side, or tires wearing unevenly.

Can hitting a pothole really throw off my alignment?

Yes. A sharp impact can knock your wheel angles out of line, or even damage or bend some steering parts.

Do I have to replace my shocks in pairs?

Replacing them in pairs (on the same axle) is strongly recommended to keep the vehicle balanced and handling safely.

Find us

Hours and contact

Opening hours

Monday9 AM – 5 PM
Tuesday9 AM – 5 PM
Wednesday9 AM – 5 PM
Thursday9 AM – 5 PM
Friday9 AM – 5 PM
Saturday9 AM – 5 PM
SundayClosed

Address

525 Le Breton Street
Longueuil, Québec J4G 1R9
Directions
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