Your suspension and steering keep the tires planted, the ride comfortable and the car pointed where you want it to go. Music City Auto Repair handles suspension, steering, shock and strut repair in Hermitage, TN for drivers who come to us from Nashville and the surrounding communities.
We work on domestic, Asian, European and hybrid vehicles, from compact cars to full-size trucks. Because suspension wear happens slowly, many drivers do not notice how much the ride has changed until the worn parts are replaced, so we start with a careful inspection and an honest explanation of what we find.
Signs of suspension or steering problems
- Bouncy or floaty ride. The car keeps bouncing after a dip instead of settling right away.
- Nose dive or body roll. The front end drops hard when braking, or the body leans heavily in turns.
- Clunks or knocks over bumps. Worn mounts, links, bushings or ball joints often make noise on rough pavement.
- Leaking shocks or struts. An oily film on the damper body means it is losing fluid and control.
- Cupped tire wear. Scalloped patches on the tread often trace back to worn dampers.
- Heavy or loose steering. Steering that takes extra effort, or feels vague and wandering, deserves a look.
- Whining when turning. On hydraulic systems, a whine can point to low fluid or a struggling pump.
What our suspension and steering service can include
- Shocks and struts inspection
- Shocks and struts replacement, including strut mounts
- Ball joint, tie rod end, control arm and bushing inspection and replacement
- Sway bar link and bushing replacement
- Power steering belt, fluid and pump check
- Power steering repairs or rebuilds, including hoses, pumps and racks
- Undercarriage inspection and repairs
- Wheel alignment after suspension or steering work
Our suspension repair process
- Request an appointment. Use the online form or call 615-600-5994 and describe the noise, the ride quality or the steering feel you are noticing.
- Road test and lift inspection. We drive the car, then check each component on the lift for play, leaks and wear. We show you what we found and give you an estimate before any parts are replaced.
- Repair and alignment. With your approval, we replace the worn parts and align the wheels when the repair calls for it.
- Pick-up. We road test again and review the work with you. Affirm financing is an option for larger repairs, subject to approval by Affirm.
Why worn shocks and struts matter more than comfort
Springs hold the vehicle up; shocks and struts control how fast those springs compress and rebound. When the dampers wear out, the tires spend more time bouncing and less time pressed firmly against the pavement. That can lengthen stopping distances, make the car less stable in an emergency maneuver, and wear tires unevenly. A rough road surface makes the difference even more noticeable.
Steering works hand in hand with the suspension. Tie rods, ball joints and the steering rack all have small amounts of acceptable movement, and once that grows, the car can wander or feel imprecise. Many newer vehicles use electric power steering instead of a hydraulic pump, which removes the fluid and belt from the equation but adds sensors and a motor that can fail on their own.
Your owner’s manual may list inspection intervals for steering and suspension components. If not, asking for a quick check during routine service, and paying attention to new noises or a change in ride feel, is a simple way to catch wear early.
Related services
- Battery & Electrical ServiceSlow starts, dim lights or a battery that keeps dying? We test the battery, charging system and starter, find the cause and explain the repair first.
- Exhaust, Muffler & Catalytic Converter RepairLoud exhaust, rattles underneath or a rotten egg smell? We inspect and repair mufflers, pipes, manifolds and catalytic converters and explain the fix first.
- Brake RepairSquealing, grinding or a soft pedal? We inspect pads, rotors, calipers and fluid and explain what your brakes need before any work begins.
- Check Engine Light & Engine DiagnosticsCheck engine light on or flashing? We go beyond reading a code to test the system, find the actual cause and explain the fix before work begins.
Pay for Suspension, Steering, Shocks & Struts over time
Have an estimate from our shop? Enter the amount and choose Affirm at checkout to see your monthly payment options. Financing is provided by Affirm and subject to approval.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if my shocks or struts are worn out?
Watch for the vehicle bouncing more than once after a bump, the nose diving hard under braking, body lean in turns, fluid leaking from the shock or strut body, and cupped tire wear. Worn dampers usually degrade gradually, so the change can be easy to miss day to day.
Should shocks and struts be replaced in pairs?
Generally, yes. Replacing both on the same axle keeps the vehicle's handling and braking balanced from side to side. A new damper on one side and a worn one on the other can make the car feel uneven.
Do I need an alignment after replacing struts?
In most cases, yes. Strut replacement on many vehicles disturbs the wheel alignment angles, so an alignment afterward helps the car track straight and protects your tires from uneven wear.
Why is my steering wheel suddenly hard to turn?
On hydraulic systems, low power steering fluid, a slipping or broken belt, or a failing pump are common causes. On vehicles with electric power steering, a fault in the motor, sensor or wiring can cause the assist to drop out, often with a warning light.
What is the difference between shocks and struts?
Both control how the springs move so the tires stay in contact with the road. A strut is also a structural part of the suspension that supports the spring and helps locate the wheel, while a shock absorber only dampens motion. Which one your vehicle uses depends on its design.