Steering Suspension
Steering and Suspension Repair Services in Surprise & Goodyear AZ

Steering system
The car steering system is defined as the parts and links that convert the rotation of your steering wheel into the left and right turning of your steering tires. The “steering tires” are usually the front tires but there are some vehicles that have rear steering tires.

Suspension system
Your auto suspension system includes all parts on your vehicle that suspend your vehicle off the ground and connect your vehicle to the tires. For example, this system includes your tires, the air in your tires, springs, shocks and all the linkage components. These parts are very important and should on occasion be checked for wear because the weight of your vehicle sits on your suspension.
The Champs Family Automotive in Surprise and Goodyear, AZ, team is always very passionate about helping you stay on top of your preventative maintenance. Here are a few things you can do to help ensure the longevity of your car steering and suspension systems.
- Rotate your tires at least every other oil change
- Have your alignment checked annually or if uneven tire wear is noticed
It is very important to maintain your auto steering and suspension systems because these systems affect your drivability, safety and comfort.
Common questions we are asked
Why does my vehicle sag or drop on one side of the vehicle or the other?
Why are my tires worn unevenly?
Why are my tires cupping?
Why does my car shake?
Why does my vehicle drift or pull?
Drifting is described as driving your vehicle down the road and if you let the steering wheel go it should stay going straight for a little while but then eventually drift to the left or right. Your vehicle does not make an immediate change in direction. If as soon as you let the wheel go the vehicle begins to go left or right that is defined as pulling. In this case the vehicle usually “pulls” the same direction. If you believe you have drifting or pulling issues sometimes it can be attributed to the road conditions or the wind outside.
Pulling can be attributed to a problem with the tires, brakes, an alignment issue or it could be the particular street you’re driving on. Streets that are crowned tend to cause vehicles to pull one direction just because the way the street is paved. We do recommend bringing your vehicle into Champs Family Automotive to have your vehicle evaluated to verify that there is not a problem with the tires, brakes, or any other suspension or steering component problems.
Why should I rotate my tires?
Why should I have an Alignment done?
An Alignment should be done to make sure your tires wear correctly, and to help you maintain good drivability, and safety. Keep in mind all the bumps, and curbs you might hit or run over can shift suspensions and steering components over time which can cause your alignment to be off. When you do come in for an alignment always remember to let the Service Advisor at Champs Family Automotive know why you believe you need an alignment. In most cases an Alignment will not fix all suspension nor steering problems, it’s best for us to understand what your problem is so we can work together to find the best solution to fix and address your problem.
Does your alignment have a warranty?
Do I need a 4 wheel alignment?
Why is my alignment more expensive than a standard 2 or 4 wheel alignment?
History about Lube oil and Filter
Many years ago when people use to get an oil change it used to be called lube, oil and filter. The term Lube comes in because on older vehicles there used to be lube points in the suspension and steering where everything moved. Some new vehicle still have these lube points but not many. Technicians used to take grease guns and lube these points pushing new grease in and old grease out. The grease helped keep these parts moving freely and in proper working order. In most new vehicles today these joints are permanently sealed and lubed so lubrication is not necessary. Now bigger Trucks do still have joints that need to be lubricated which is vital to the life of the suspension and steering components. This is again why it’s extremely important to have a trained technician working and looking over your vehicle so the proper service is performed on your specific vehicle.
When a Steering or suspension problem is present
When customers have a problem with their suspension or steering systems we commonly find worn out ball joints, steering linkage, steering boxes, rack and pinions. All these components and so many others should be evaluated any time you have a problem with your suspension and steering. Always put your best foot forward and bring your vehicle into Champs Family Automotive for your steering and suspension needs because our Technicians are trained how to accurately check all your working components.
Champs Family Automotive is actually the go to shop in Surprise & Goodyear AZ for other automotive repair facilities that can’t or don’t have the knowledge or skill to inspect your vehicles suspension or steering properly. Some vehicle suspension and steering have to be properly evaluated lifted in the air while others require the full force of the vehicle to be put on the tire to accurately evaluate the suspension and steering systems. Don’t always assume an alignment will fix a steering or suspension problem you have. A trained Technician should always be inspecting your vehicle and never forget you should always ask: what needs to be replaced, why it needs to be replaced and a reputable shop will always be happy to show you the parts on the vehicle that need to be replaced. It’s also important to note a reputable automotive and diesel repair facility will always include an alignment when any front end work, i.e. suspension or steering work, is done. An alignment should never be something you have to take somewhere else and have done.