Suspension Services: Maintenance & Repair

Suspension Repairs in South Bend

At Gorton's Mobile Auto Service LLC, we focus on the health of your car or truck from the ground up. Before evaluating the internal systems, we ensure that the vehicle has a solid foundation. Our comprehensive undercarriage inspections and services target this crucial, yet often overlooked, area to provide the necessary care your vehicle needs.

Avoid costly issues by bringing your vehicle in for an undercarriage inspection today. Call us at 574-302-6354 to schedule your appointment and keep your car running at its best! Our competitively priced undercar services include:

Differentials
Differentials serve as the components responsible for transmitting engine power to the wheels. A key function of the differential is to distribute power to the wheels while permitting them to rotate at varying speeds, thus earning its name.

Feeling Every Bump on the Road
Your suspension is supposed to absorb those bumps. If you feel every dip or pothole, the system may be worn out.

Nose Dives When Braking
This can be a clear sign that your shocks are failing, especially if the front of the car dips down when you hit the brakes.

Power Steering Fluid Change
Smooth steering and reduced strain on components require clean, properly functioning power steering fluid.

Pulling or Drifting When Turning
This often points to worn shocks or struts, making your car less stable in corners.

Shock Absorbers
Shocks, or shock absorbers, are mechanical devices engineered to smooth out rough road surfaces. They achieve this by converting kinetic energy into another form of energy. Properly functioning shocks minimize the impact of traveling over uneven terrain, leading to an improved ride quality and enhanced vehicle handling.

Struts
Much like shock absorbers (shocks), struts serve to dampen the effects of road surfaces as you drive. By absorbing road shocks, struts enable passengers to experience a smoother ride. Struts differ from shocks in that they provide structural support for your vehicle's suspension.

Suspension FAQs

What is the difference between shocks and struts?

Shocks and struts are both parts of a vehicle's suspension system. However, each has a very specific job. Your vehicle has either shocks or struts. You cannot replace your shocks with struts and vice versa. Shock absorbers are hydraulic components that help minimize movement generated by the vehicle's springs. These springs absorb some of the jolts you might feel from uneven or damaged roads. Struts are structural components of certain vehicles' steering and suspension systems. They usually consist of a spring and a shock absorber. Struts are designed to be much stronger than shocks since they are designed for vehicles that carry heavy loads.

What happens if I only replace one strut or shock?

If you replace only one shock or strut, it will create poor handling when changing lanes or driving over bumps. If your car is new, replacing only one strut or shock absorber may be ok since the opposite side shock is not worn out yet. Generally, Gorton's Mobile Auto Service LLC recommends replacing both shocks or struts.

Are shocks difficult to replace?

Shock absorber replacement is usually a straightforward job, taking less than an hour of labor, but they should be replaced by a professional. Some models require other components to be removed or replaced before working on the front shocks. Bring your car to Gorton's Mobile Auto Service LLC in South Bend and we will help you determine what needs to be done and get you back on the road quickly.

How often should shocks be replaced?

Experts recommend that shocks be replaced at 50,000-100,000 miles. If you are a more aggressive driver or frequently drive on rough roads, they will wear out faster. Shocks don't go out all at once, they deteriorate slowly over time. If you are noticing problems with handling, making smooth turns or ride smoothness have one of the professionals at Gorton's Mobile Auto Service LLC inspect your shocks.

Are struts difficult to replace?

Replacing struts is simple and fast for a professional. Replacing your front struts yourself is not recommended, especially if you need a new complete strut assembly kit. When you get your truck's struts replaced you also need to have the front-end alignment checked. Ask the professionals at Gorton's Mobile Auto Service LLC to replace your struts and we will complete the work quickly and easily.