Suspension Repair & Service
Need suspension repair in Thousand Oaks? Your suspension system affects everything from ride comfort to steering response and braking performance. At Gallardo's Automotive Service, our experienced technicians diagnose and repair all suspension components to keep your vehicle handling safely and riding smoothly.
Warning Signs of Suspension Problems
Don't ignore these symptoms that indicate suspension issues:
Handling and Steering
- Vehicle pulls to one side – even on level roads
- Wandering or drifting – requires constant steering correction
- Difficulty steering – heavy or unresponsive steering
- Steering wheel vibration – shaking at certain speeds
- Vehicle leans excessively in turns
- Steering wheel off-center – crooked when driving straight
Ride Quality
- Excessive bouncing – continues after hitting bumps
- Harsh or jarring ride – feel every imperfection in the road
- Nose dive when braking
- Rear squat under acceleration
- Body roll in corners
Sounds
- Clunking or knocking over bumps
- Squeaking during turns – worn bushings or ball joints
- Creaking when entering/exiting vehicle
- Rattling from underneath
- Popping sounds when turning
Visual Signs
- Uneven tire wear – indicates alignment or component issues
- Vehicle sits unevenly – one corner lower than others
- Visible damage to suspension components
- Grease or oil leaks from ball joints or shocks
Suspension Components We Service
Shock Absorbers and Struts
Shocks and struts control suspension movement and keep tires in contact with the road. Worn units cause bouncing, poor handling, and premature tire wear.
Springs
- Coil springs – support vehicle weight and absorb impacts
- Leaf springs – common on trucks and heavy-duty vehicles
- Air springs – adjustable ride height systems
Control Arms and Bushings
Control arms connect the wheels to the frame and allow suspension movement. Worn bushings cause clunks, wandering steering, and poor alignment.
Ball Joints
Ball joints allow steering and suspension movement. Worn ball joints cause clunking, loose steering, and can be dangerous if they fail completely.
Tie Rods
Tie rods connect the steering system to the wheels. Worn tie rods cause loose steering, wandering, and uneven tire wear.
Sway Bar Links and Bushings
The sway bar reduces body roll in turns. Worn links and bushings cause clunking sounds and increased body lean.
Wheel Bearings and Hubs
Wheel bearings allow smooth wheel rotation. Worn bearings cause humming noise, loose wheels, and can fail dangerously.
Our Suspension Diagnostic Process
Visual Inspection
- Check all suspension components for wear and damage
- Inspect boots and seals for tears
- Look for fluid leaks from shocks and struts
- Examine bushings for cracking or deterioration
Physical Testing
- Check ball joints and tie rods for play
- Test control arm bushings for wear
- Bounce test to evaluate shock/strut condition
- Check wheel bearings for noise and play
Road Test
- Verify symptoms under driving conditions
- Evaluate steering response and handling
- Listen for suspension noises
What to Expect: Timeframes
| Service | Typical Time |
|---|---|
| Suspension Inspection | 30-45 minutes |
| Ball Joint Replacement | 1-2 hours per side |
| Control Arm Replacement | 1-2 hours per arm |
| Tie Rod Replacement | 30-60 minutes per side |
| Sway Bar Link Replacement | 30-60 minutes per side |
| Wheel Alignment | 45-60 minutes |
The Gallardo's Suspension Advantage
- Complete diagnosis – we inspect all components, not just the obvious ones
- Quality parts – OEM and premium aftermarket components
- Proper alignment – we align after suspension work when needed
- Experienced technicians – trained in all suspension types
- Honest assessment – we prioritize safety-critical repairs
- Warranty coverage – we stand behind our suspension work
- Financing available through our special financing program
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should suspension be inspected?
We recommend suspension inspection annually or every 12,000 miles. Have it checked sooner if you notice any warning signs or after hitting a significant pothole or curb.
Can I drive with a worn ball joint?
A severely worn ball joint is dangerous and can fail suddenly, causing loss of steering control. If a ball joint shows significant wear, it should be replaced promptly.
Do I need an alignment after suspension work?
Most suspension repairs affect wheel alignment. We typically include alignment after replacing tie rods, control arms, struts, or other alignment-affecting components.
Why does my car pull to one side?
Common causes include alignment issues, worn suspension components, uneven tire pressure, or brake problems. We diagnose the specific cause to recommend appropriate repairs.
What causes uneven tire wear?
Improper alignment, worn suspension components (especially shocks/struts), and inflation problems all cause uneven wear. Addressing the root cause prevents premature tire replacement.
Related Services
Serving the Conejo Valley & Ventura County
Gallardo's Automotive Service provides expert suspension repair to drivers in:
- Thousand Oaks
- Westlake Village
- Newbury Park
- Moorpark
- Agoura Hills
- Oak Park
- Camarillo
- Simi Valley
Don't compromise on safety and comfort. Call us at (805) 494-9358 or schedule an appointment online for expert suspension diagnosis and repair.
At Gallardo's Automotive Service, your complete automotive care center in Thousand Oaks, CA, we'll restore your vehicle's handling and ride quality. Give us a call and let us help keep you safely and economically on the road.
