Suspension

A Guide To Power Steering

March 10, 2021 by Denver Express Car Care

If you were to jump behind the wheel of a car built in the 1950s or before, you’d notice a lot of changes from our modern technology. While you could quickly adjust to seat comfort, noise levels, or even the lack of accessories, the one thing you might have problems with is the way the car drives.

Power steering may just be one of the single most effective systems adding into the modern day driving experience.

Without power steering, steering wheels were much larger in size. That was to give the driver leverage when trying to turn the wheels. As power steering was added, it became easier than ever to control the wheels with just slight variations of the steering wheel. It shrunk in size to add more comfort to the passenger cabin.

The power steering wheel

The original power steering wheel was added to enhance the feel for the driver. When you have more control, it reduces risk.

To create movement in the steering system, it’s achieved with a gear system. If you’ve ever heard the term “rack and pinion”, it’s referring to the steering system.

The rack is linear rather than round. It’s long and flat with prongs on one side. The rack is attached to the steering column by a series of tie rods.

The pinion is a circular gear that connects the steering shaft to the steering wheel. As you turn the steering wheel, the pinion rotates, moving the rack back and forth to control the vehicle to turn left or right.

The difference between hydraulic and electric power steering

While power steering changed everything, since it was first introduced in the 1950s, it has seen its share of changes.

The rack and pinion gear is also referred to as hydraulic, or HPS (high pressure steering.) These are considered steering assistance programs. If something happens to the engine, these steering assistance systems will give the driver control to steer even if fluid isn’t being supplied to the steering gear. Hydraulic steering uses the power supplied from the engine uses a belt attached to a pump, which continues to circulate fluid throughout the system.

Power flows because of the fluid. The power steering pump circulates this fluid under intense pressure, moving the pistons that control gear shifting, requiring less effort from the movement of the steering wheel. Pressure builds, the piston moves, and you have the ability to shift the car left or right with gentle motions. With technology, this process has sensors which can also take into consideration the vehicle’s speed, which ensures all movement is appropriate for the rate at which you are traveling.

Electric power steering, or EPS, is a bit simpler thanks to technology. It’s the vehicle’s computer system that is in charge of the steering process. The vehicle is equipped with a small electric motor either on the steering column or on the steering rack. Because the EPS doesn’t rely on power from the engine, it can increase fuel efficiency as well.

As a driver turns the steering wheel, the computer translates the movement and sends the request to the electric motor. This moves the rack and pinion back and forth. It’s built similarly to the hydraulic system in that it increases sensitivity at higher speeds. Because the only fluid in the system is to move the rack and pinion, it does not require fluid flushes as the hydraulic system does.

Common power steering problems

Like every part of your vehicle, the car is designed to give small warning signs as to when your power steering is failing. Watch for:

Power steering fluid leaks – power steering fluid is used to transfer pressure within the system, and change the direction of your wheels. If this fluid system has been compromised and is leaking fluid, the ability to build up enough pressure to move the wheels will be harder to do. You’ll notice it in the turning radius of your steering wheel – what used to be simpler grows harder to process. You can easily spot a leak because you’ll notice fluid dripping from the vehicle. There is often a grinding noise that is heard as you attempt to turn. If you ignore the problem to the point the system runs out of fuel, it can burn out the power steering pump.

Worn out hose – all parts are submitted to extreme conditions as you drive throughout the year. Often, one of the first to go are hoses as they crack, peel, or break. If the rubber hardens, it suffers more under intense conditions. This can be one of the first sources of a power steering fluid leak.

Slipped belt – occasionally, the drive belt will slip off the power steering pump. You’ll notice this by a squealing sound as you move your wheel to the left. This will prevent your car from changing direction as the pump won’t be able to do its job because of a total loss of fluid pressure.

Worn out pump – as a car ages, it causes the power steering pump to wear down. The seals can fail, the pump can break down, all leading to a loss of fluid pressure. The squealing noise will increase as you use it, and you’ll eventually lose the ability to steer at all.

How do you prevent problems with your power steering?

Preventative maintenance is your best course of action. Through a routine inspection, one of our mechanics can test each system and determine where weaknesses lie. You’ll learn which parts should be replaced, what signs to watch for, and be able to make decisions about the risk levels of your auto.

Want to keep your family safe every time you get in behind the wheel?

Schedule a maintenance inspection today.

Are Suspension Systems Different In Pickup Trucks Than In Cars?

February 18, 2021 by Denver Express Car Care

Since the very first horseless carriage was created, focus has been placed on creating a smooth ride. Imagine the first vehicle hitting a rock or a dip in the road – there wasn’t pavement back when the first vehicle was moving around.

Every bump moved from the wheels into the car, jostling the passengers around.

As more cars were built and sold, more time was spent on keeping the passengers safe, comfortable, and happy. Suspension systems are designed to provide each of these things and more.

What is a suspension system?

The suspension system includes all of the parts in the body of the car that allow it to connect with the road – wheels, tires, brakes – as well as the parts that help each of those systems operate – springs, shock absorbers, and other hardware. A suspension system is designed to support the weight of the vehicle, to absorb the shock that comes up into the vehicle with every bump and movement it makes, as well as provide a pivot point for the wheels. Its ultimate goal is to provide passengers with a smooth ride, while keeping you and the vehicle safe during the process.

A suspension system works to absorb the shock when you hit a bump, as well as to decrease the impact sent up through the axel and into the passenger section. The two are connected, yet through a variety of components, it’s designed to lessen the impact. How this occurs often determines the comfort level of the vehicle. This is where trucks and cars move apart.

Front end suspension systems

Most passenger cars and light trucks on the market today use a front suspension system. This includes a conventional coil spring, a Torsion Bar, and MacPherson Strut systems. You’ll find full-sized vehicles use a coil spring or the torsion bar systems frequently, while struts are more widely used on import vehicles and newer domestic vehicles.

No matter how it’s constructed, all suspension systems are designed for the same function – they support the vehicle to maintain proper wheel alignment, to connect with the road efficiently, and to absorb road shock as it moves up through the tires. How this is accomplished may change from system to system, but the final impact is always the same.

A coil spring system works by supporting the weight of the vehicle on coil springs and controlling impact by spring weight. The springs are mounted on either the upper or lower control arm, which also determines where the ball joint will be placed. The load-carrying ball joint is always on the same control arm with the spring.

With the torsion bar system, the vehicle’s weight is supported by the twisting of the bar. The torsion bar performs the same function from above as the coil spring in the vehicle.

With the MacPherson struts, the shock absorber, coil spring, and axis pivot have all been combined into one strut assembly. The weight of the vehicle is supported at the top of the spring plate, while the shock absorber dampens vibrations as the coil spring controls the ride.

Rear suspension systems

Most read wheel drive vehicles on the road today use a leaf spring and coil spring suspension.

They are designed with a solid axle that has some of the same characteristics as a solid axle front system. But the difference lies in movement – the rear wheels don’t pivot. Because more cars are coming with front wheel drive systems, you’ll also find more independent rear suspension systems. They offer improved performance and better control overall.

With a leaf spring system, the control arms are eliminated. A U-bolt connects the springs to the axle, which in turn connects the spring to the frame.

With a coil spring system, the coils sit on the axle housing on the underside of the vehicle. Movement is handled through control arms.

With an independent rear system, it’s used on a non-solid axle. This means that the vehicle will pivot independently based on suspension movement. This encourages better traction, since the wheels have flexibility in the angles they turn to as the wheels turn and move. This provides better acceleration and braking, and less resistance overall.

While independent systems provide better driving ability, it also adds more wearability to your vehicle. Because the wheels act independently of one another, each side must be aligned to the other, as well as to both front wheels. More parts, more servicing, which ultimately means more cost. But for increased safety, it’s worth the effort.

Car vs truck – what’s the difference?

Every car and truck is designed as the manufacturer chooses to produce it. Traditionally manufacturers used a leaf spring layout for the suspension system because they felt it was the safest for heavy loads. However, rules are always meant to be broken, and many have deviated and tried other things.

While most cars on the road today will use front and rear independent suspension systems for maximum control and comfort, many trucks also move to live axles placed at all four wheels.

It’s the shock absorbers’ job to control the axle’s motion as it takes in every bump in the road. For a truck, this task requires different degrees of control, which requires a heavier duty component the more weight you carry.

Trucks also have other considerations for the way they move. Many trucks need ground clearance and lift kits to ensure they navigate safely over rough roads. That means the suspension system must be longer to travel and up and down with every bump it takes in.

Off-road driving can also increase heat. The shock absorber must be able to dissipate that heat as it’s generated in each of the conditions you may put it through. From hauling to off-roading, the suspension system has to be ready for the job at hand.

When was the last time you had your suspension system thoroughly evaluated, to ensure your comfort and your safety? Suspension systems send out early warning signals about potential problems. Are you paying attention to what your vehicle is trying to tell you?

Ball Joint Boot Replacement

February 1, 2021 by Denver Express Car Care

There’s a little part on your vehicle you may not know about, but when it develops a problem, getting it fixed sooner rather than later can save you a lot of money in the long run. Have I got your attention now?

This part is called a ball joint boot. Ball joints are part of your suspension and allow your front wheels to move up and down and turn left and right. This boot covers and protects your ball joint.

Your suspension is, of course, exposed to nasty stuff getting kicked up from the road. Stuff like rocks, salt, water, dirt, and chunks of asphalt. If all that debris were constantly hitting your ball joints, they wouldn’t last very long. So someone had the bright idea to include protective “boots” that go over the ball joints. Great idea and they work…for a while. Just like every other part on our vehicles, they will need to be replaced eventually.

These boots not only protect against debris but they also protect against heat and friction. Because of this, they must be flexible. In addition to keeping contaminants out of your ball joints, they also keep lubricants in and allow the hot grease to expand. This is vital to make sure metal parts are moving smoothly.

Sometimes the ball joint boots get damaged after constant assault by road junk or temperature extremes. Other times they just get old. Rubber and other flexible materials can eventually just wear out (think of old rubber bands that break because they’re brittle from age). A regular suspension inspection will assess the condition of your ball joint boots. When your Express Car Care service adviser says there’s a problem with one of your ball joint boots, heed the warning. If they have a tear in them and aren’t replaced, lubricant can escape the ball joint and debris can get in and start creating a destructive mess.

Also keep in mind that if a ball joint is bad on one side, the other side might be on the verge of going too. Replacing both ball joints and ball joint boots at the same time saves time and money and just makes sense.

How Do You Maintain Your Car Suspension?

January 28, 2021 by Denver Express Car Care

When you climbed into your car for the very first time, what did you focus on?

The way the seats folded around you, preventing you from jolting and jostling with every bump?
How quiet the car was when you took it out on the highway?
How comfortable you were as you drove at different speeds?

You can thank your car’s suspension for that.

A car’s suspension system is responsible for two things:

Creating a smooth driving experience
Keeping the car under control

This may be an innate structure of every car on the road today, but it is also something that fades over time.

A suspension system is made up of several different components:

Wheels and tires

While not everyone considers tires a part of the suspension system, we’d say it would be hard for a car to handle well without tires in place. Tires protect the wheels as you move your car over every bump in the road. They protect jarring from rattling other pieces of the suspension system loose.

Springs

Every car on the road today has a spring mechanism to absorb large bumps. They are built to take extreme pressure, and to prevent failure in other suspension components.

Shock absorbers and struts

While springs absorb bumps, shock absorbers and struts dissipate the motion and give you a smoother riding experience.

Connections

Every component of the suspension system is placed together with kinks, bushing, bearings, and joints. These connections can be made from metal, plastic, or rubber, and wear down over time.

Steering

The steering system is created from a steering box and a steering column, and allows you to gain control over your vehicle in all sorts of conditions. The type of steering system can change depending on the car you drive, with hydraulic or electric power steering systems being at the top of the list.

That’s a lot of parts!

One rule of thumb that mechanics often use is that soft parts will wear faster than hard. Rubber joints and hoses will need replacing sooner than a metal rod.

Yet every vehicle on the road today experiences driving conditions differently.

Today you might slide on a sheet of ice. A few months from now, you may sit in a traffic jam in the scorching heat. You may take a dip into a pothole at 40 miles per hour. You may hit the speed bumps in your area multiple times each day.

All of that can wear your suspension differently over time.

To keep your car in good condition, it’s important to pay attention to the various systems that make your vehicle operate smoothly. A car suspension system needs maintaining in the following ways:

Check the air in your tires – this is one of the easiest maintenance items. Properly inflated tires help protect the entire suspension system from damage. If they are under-inflated, they hurt handling and performance, and may reduce gas efficiency in the long term. If the air becomes too low, you risk safety while you drive. If you don’t have a computerized system that warns you if your tire pressure falls outside the norm, check the pressure every thousand miles or so to ensure proper inflation.

Check tire tread – as you check tire pressure, check the tread too. An easy test is often referred to as the penny test. Place a penny in one of the grooves. If you can’t cover up a portion of Lincoln’s head, you don’t have enough tread for safety. This means you’re more at risk of your vehicle moving out of control, especially in rainy, snowy, and icy conditions.

Get your wheels aligned – proper alignment means you’ll have proper handling in all driving conditions. This keeps you safely on the road in all sorts of conditions. Check your owner’s manual for guidelines on how frequently you should have your wheels aligned, keeping in mind that the rougher your daily drive, the more often it should be a part of your maintenance routine.

Check power steering fluid – if you have a hydraulic steering system, a mechanic should check fluid levels at every oil change. Power steering fluid is usually changed about every 30,000 miles or so, or you can check with your vehicle’s manufacturer for specific guidance.

Inspect shock absorbers and struts – there are a variety of telltale signs your shocks and struts are failing. If you’ve noticed your car bouncing as you drive, or diving forward as you brake, it’s time for new shocks and/or struts. Different vehicles use different systems; not every car has both shocks and struts. Check with your car’s manufacturer for guidelines on how often they should be replaced.

Have you been in an accident – even minor bumps can shake your suspension system loose. If it was strong enough to put a dent in the body of your vehicle, it’s worth having one of our mechanics check your car over. An inspection will ensure that your car is working the way it should, and will get you where you’re going safely and securely.

Pay attention to where and how you drive – even here in the Denver Metro area, people live and work in different conditions. Do you routinely drive on dirt roads? Is there a pothole-ridden road right outside your door? Do you mostly put on highway mileage, or are stop signs and stop lights a big part of your routine?

Because every component of your vehicle’s suspension system is connected and operates in a unique way, there isn’t a proper sequence of where and when things will start to fail. If one part is damaged, it can quickly accelerate problems, and impact many other parts in the suspension system.

Whether you suspect damage, aren’t sure how long it’s been since your suspension system was inspected, or are planning a major road trip in the coming weeks, make today the day you schedule an inspection to ensure your vehicle is working as it should.

Steering and Suspension Repair – What You Need To Know

January 25, 2021 by Denver Express Car Care

Picture driving a luxury car. Your mind instantly thinks of words like “performance” and “efficiency.” How about “a smooth ride”? That’s important too, something an owner of a luxury vehicle demands.

Now picture yourself driving an old truck. You feel every turn, every bump in the road.

Big difference, right? Yet as drivers, we understand that different vehicles are designed for different needs. You’ll experience riding differently in an expensive sports car when compared to an old truck.

But we still have expectations of how the vehicle will perform. You wouldn’t want to take a corner and have your vehicle roll. You wouldn’t want to hit a bump in the road and feel like you’re bottoming out the car. No matter if you’re in the sports car or the old pickup.

Your steering and suspension system ensure balance, stability, and smoothness of the ride. These systems ensure a comfortable ride for you and your passengers. Steering and suspension are also responsible for keeping your wheels on the ground.

How the steering and suspension systems work

Before we get into the problems your car may face with steering and suspension, it’s important to understand how they work.

Vehicles are built with one of two steering systems: reciprocating ball steering and rack and pinion steering.

Reciprocating ball steering works through a series of links and arms to ensure all four wheels turn together and at the same time. It uses a steering box to control the movement of the steering wheel and steering column, and connects it to the functionality of the wheel movement.

Rack and pinion steering connects the steering wheel and steering column to a rack, which moves a piston as the wheels turn.

The suspension system uses a series of shocks that connect your car body to the wheels. The suspension system is in control of ensuring your wheels connect with the road and giving you a smooth ride while operating the vehicle. The suspension system utilizes a variety of components, including springs, shocks, and struts that absorb the impact of the road as you drive.

What are signs of steering problems?

While some components can wear down quickly with very little warning, your steering system isn’t one of them. It will almost always give you plenty of advanced warning that something is wrong.

Don’t ignore the warning signs. Ignoring them can result in a system fail, causing an accident that will impact you and the drivers around you. Steering problems include:

Difficulty when turning the wheel – especially if you have power steering, this is one of the first things you’ll notice. It may be a leak in the steering fluid, which helps give you easy control in how easily the wheel turns.

Vibration in the steering wheel – you’ll feel the wheel vibrate or pulse as you drive the car. It could be a steering wheel problem or an alignment issue, which is why it’s a good idea to let a trained mechanic inspect your vehicle.

Looseness in the steering wheel – this is usually caused by a worn steering rack that won’t hold its position.

Vehicle wanders or pulls to one side – worn equipment won’t keep your vehicle on track without extra help from you to hold it in place.

A screeching or grinding noise as you turn the steering wheel – if any noise continues every time you use your vehicle, it’s worth a trip into our service station to inspect it and find out where the problem lies.

What are signs of suspension problems?

Like other systems in your vehicle, the suspension system will have distinct issues as components start to wear and fail. The most common include:

Vehicle that pulls to one side – that’s a sign there are one or more issues with your suspension system. It could be uneven tire pressure, uneven tire wear, poor alignment, or a bad steering rack. This is often caused by driving on rough roads – have you hit speed bumps or potholes especially hard lately?

Feeling every bump in the road – when you start to notice a rough ride, it’s a clear indicator of a problem with your shocks and struts. It gives the distinct feeling of bouncing as you drive on the road. You can test by performing a bounce test – with your car parked, press down on the front end and release. If it bounces back and forth more than three times, the shocks and struts are worn.

One corner of your car sits low – a damaged spring may cause one corner of your car to sit lower than the others. You may also notice a clunking noise as you drive because of compromised equipment.

Braking or accelerating makes your car squat or nose dive – this is a very distinct feeling as you notice this extreme handling.

Difficulty in steering – if you find steering especially difficult, especially when first starting out and traveling slowly, it’s usually a sign of a suspension problem. You may also feel it slipping or difficult to hold onto the wheel. It can be a number of issues, including low power steering fluid or a leaking power steering rack.

Don’t ignore steering and suspension repair

One of the primary reasons why people put off regular maintenance is time and fear of the cost.

Time is always a factor – why pay attention to something that works well when you have a lot of little fires all around you? The best way to keep little fires at bay, avoiding them in some cases altogether, is to stay ahead of potential problems. Regular maintenance will ensure you fix items before they grow in size, often reducing the amount of money you have to invest in the repair.

That also impacts your final cost. Repairing a part limits your financial output. If you ignore a problem – a worn shock, for example – can quickly escalate and cause other major damage to your vehicle. That can increase your cost exponent, also increasing the likelihood of being without your vehicle for days rather than a few hours.

Stop by and visit with our staff today. You’ll love having a family operated service shop you can trust to give you the right information you need to make a well informed decision.

What You Need To Know About Wheel Balance and Front End Alignment

December 22, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

Have you ever let go of the steering wheel and had your vehicle veer to the right or left? While a little pull might not impact safety immediately, the more off-balance your vehicle, the more risk you’ll be on the road.

Your wheels have to point in the same direction, roll straight forward when driving on a flat surface, and be evenly balanced all the way around for your car to run smoothly. If a problem arises with any one of these points, it impacts your driving, and can influence safety during the drive.

Yet if you’ve done a search online, heard a mechanic talk about the steering system, and felt like you’re not quite sure what your car needs, we want to explain a few of the terms of the industry, and help you understand the mechanics of your vehicle.

When talking about your steering system, there are several things that can impact your drive.

What is wheel balance?

Think about your tires for a moment. Tires are made up of a variety of materials, including natural rubber, synthetic rubber, plastic polymer, metal, and other compounds. They may be tough to the touch, but as they connect to the road, they move and change shape as they move along.

Even with today’s technology and all the manufacturing upgrades we’ve made over the years, it’s still impossible to find a perfectly formed tire that will continue to be balanced all the way around as it ages. There will always be a part of the tire that ways a bit more, is a little thicker than other areas, or has imperfections that cause it to fall out of balance.

When one side of a wheel is out of balance with the other, it vibrates. Wheel balance fixes this issue.

What is wheel alignment?

Wheel alignment has little to do with the actual wheels. Instead, wheel alignment is all about working with your car’s suspension system to control what direction and angle your wheels are moving in.

There are three different ways your wheels are aligned in relation to your car’s steering system:

The first is toe – it’s the angle of all four tires to one another. This is one of the most common repair issues, when your four wheels are no longer working in conjunction with one another. If you’ve ever noticed your car veers to the right or left, and refuses to drive in a straight line without extra effort, it’s most likely a toe misalignment.

The second is camber – this refers to the angle of a wheel if you were to look at it from the front of the vehicle. If you notice a wheel leaning to one side or the other, it’s most likely a misaligned camber.

The third is caster – this is the angle of the steering pivot as you view it from one of the vehicle’s sides. This is the most difficult to see. Take a look at the way each wheel sits inside the wheel well. If one is more forward or backward, and doesn’t sit in the middle, it might be a problem with the caster. This could lead to rubbing the wheel along the well, especially if you hit a large bump. It can damage the tire over time.

What is front end alignment?

While you might see some mechanics or auto websites talking about wheel alignment, you’ll also find many articles referring to front end alignment. Is there a difference? Do you have to work with both to keep your car running smoothly?

Wheel alignment often refers to the alignment of all four wheels. This is especially important if you drive a four-wheel drive vehicle. A front end alignment relates only to the front two wheels.

Yet no matter how you refer to it, the ending result is the same. A wheel alignment – or a front end alignment – all work towards the common goal of ensuring your wheels are working optimally in providing you a safe, smooth ride.

How do I know if the wheels are out of balance?

Your wheels go through a lot as you drive around the city. They hit bumps, dive through dips, take corners quickly, keep you safe on slick or snowy roads, and protect you from debris covering the roads.

Even brand new tires are susceptible to problems and errors. Coming out of the factory doesn’t necessarily guarantee perfection.

Yet with the use of technology, your tires are installed on your vehicle and regulated to fit your car’s requirements. The moment you drive away, things begin to happen. Cold, heat, water, ice, debris in the road, age – all of it begins to wear on each tire, causing slight variations in their performance. It can impact one tire at a time, or all four equally. One can be slightly overfilled while another is underfilled.

Just a half an ounce difference in the amount of pressure in a tire can cause a vibration in handling. And that begins to wear on your vehicle.

Rebalancing puts the wheels back into adjustment.

Tires are attached to a tire balancing machine. The wheel is spun while taking various vibrational measurements. If an imbalance is found, the mechanic will add weights or move the tire on the wheel to bring it back into balance.

Wheel balancing should be done anytime you notice a vibration in the steering wheel. It’s automatically performed every time you get your tires rotated, or you buy and install new tires. If you notice the weights have fallen off, or you notice uneven wear on a tire, it’s also wise to bring it in for wheel balancing.

How do I know if a front end alignment is necessary?

The more you know your vehicle, the more you’ll notice when changes occur, problems that might be causing wear and tear on various systems within your car. While wheel balancing and wheel alignment require different repairs, they are connected and sometimes start showing in a similar manner.

Have you noticed a vibration in your steering wheel? It’s time to bring your car in for an inspection. This is a prime symptom of a problem with your steering system.

Wheel alignment also shows up in performance and handling as you drive. Take a look at your steering wheel. Does it sit crooked as you drive in a straight line down the road? That is a symptom of an alignment problem.

You might also notice your car pulling to the right or left as you drive, needing even more of your attention to keep the vehicle in a straight line. That’s a sign you’re in need of a wheel alignment.

Front end alignments can also show up in the form of a strange noise. Do you hear abnormal sounds every time you move your steering wheel? Do the tires squeal? Don’t ignore unusual sounds. It could be a sign of a bigger problem.

Why Is My Vehicle Vibrating As I Speed Up and Slow Down

October 18, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

Part of driving is learning to recognize when your vehicle isn’t working the way it should. You can’t ignore your car’s warning signs and expect it to drive well time after time.

Your vehicle should provide you with a smooth driving experience. It should start without a hitch. It should speed up and slow down without the vehicle vibrating.

Yet over time, you may start to notice a change in the way your car handles. That smooth feeling is replaced by a shaking feeling that becomes more noticeable at certain times throughout the drive.

What’s causing it?

Brakes

If you notice the vibrations mostly occur as you apply the brakes, chances are it’s a problem with one of the components in your braking system.

Your braking system has several key components: brake pads, brake rotors, and brake calipers.

When you apply pressure to the brake pedal, it creates force to the brakes via hydraulic fluid. Because brakes require more pressure than your foot could give, this hydraulic fluid helps amplify the force into the braking system.

When you push the brake pedal, it depresses a piston, which allows hydraulic fluid to travel to a slave cylinder at each wheel. As these pistons move, it controls the pressure applied to each brake.

The brake pad is attached to the caliper, which presses up against the brake rotor to cause friction, ultimately slowing and stopping your vehicle.

If you notice a vibration, one or more components of this process no longer work the way they should. It’s possible the brake rotors have worn down, and are no longer circular in shape, meaning the brake pad can’t make proper connection. Or the brake calipers are warped, resulting in excessive heat when the brake pedal is pushed down.

If the components don’t connect in the way the system was designed, you’ll notice a difference in the way your car drives.

Wheel balance

Everyday wear can do a lot to your vehicle. With every bump you hit, every corner you cut too sharp, even minor imperfections from the factory can all give way to unequal weight distribution throughout your four tires.

You’ll feel it in the way your vehicle performs, with even an ounce of difference being noticeable in the way your car handles. While you may feel it at lower speeds, at around 45 miles per hour, the vibration will intensify.

Periodically, it’s important to bring your car in for a tune-up and to rotate your tires. This allows a technician to check all four wheels, find imbalances, and adjust the weights so all four tires match once again.

This also gives a mechanic a chance to evaluate your wheels thoroughly, ensuring one isn’t bent, damaged, or otherwise unsafe for you to continue to drive on. This alerts you to problems before they become bigger, and put you at risk.

Tires

Even if your wheels are in good condition, your tires may have a problem, causing your vehicle to vibrate as it operates. If you bring your vehicle in for a mechanic to check, he will look at:

Tire pressure, to ensure each tire is properly adjusted
Connections, to ensure lug nuts are all properly torqued
Tire wear, to ensure the tread is being evenly worn across the tire
Tread, to ensure it has ample tread to safely drive
Balance

Even if you’ve replaced your tires recently, one or more of these issues can lead to a problem with the way your vehicle performs. Fixing it quickly will prevent further damage to your vehicle.

Axle

Your car’s axle is the central shaft used for rotating the gears and wheels of your car. It gives you control over your car to turn the vehicle and go in any direction you choose.

A bent axle can occur from bumping a curb, a minor accident, or hitting a speed bump or pothole. Once bent, it can continue to worsen the more you drive.

In most cases, your vehicle has two axles, one to rotate the front wheels, and one for the back. Larger vehicles that carry more passengers may have more. They can wear down over time from dust, dirt, and other debris accumulating on the joints. And any damage can weaken the system, creating a vibration, especially as you pick up speed.

Steering

The steering wheel is used to turn your vehicle and keep it under control. The steering wheel is attached to a track rod, which is used to control the wheels, moving them right or left, depending on which way you turn. Ball bearings are used to connect tie rods to the steering arms, providing you with control. Each of these is connected to the wheels.

Most modern day vehicles use a rack and pinion gearset, which provides greater ease for turning. A notched rod – the rack extends out from the track rod. The steering shaft ends with a round gear called a pinion. As you move the wheel, the pinion moves through the notches on the rack, giving you control to move the vehicle to the left or right. This process is what gives you better control over the movements of your vehicle.

If each of these parts isn’t in proper alignment, they can throw off your drivability. It can change your control, and make it more difficult to follow through with turns and movement.

You may start to notice more “play” in the way your steering wheel responds to certain situations. Does it take move turning movement to move through a turn? That’s one of the first indications you may have an issue with something in your steering system.

These issues happen over time. Unless you are involved in an accident, or hit a very large bump, it takes time for minor symptoms to show up in the way your vehicle performs. Yet once you start noticing a change in performance, the faster you get your vehicle in for an inspection, the greater chance you can catch the problem before it grows in severity.

Engine

In most cases, vehicle vibrations will be most noticeable either as you gain speed or slow down.

Occasionally, you might notice your engine running rough, vibrating even as your vehicle is standing still. This is a clear sign of a problem somewhere in the engine. In order for the engine to run smoothly, there needs to be plenty of air, fuel, and spark. If any one of those components is off, your engine will have trouble starting and staying running.

A few things to check include:

Dirty or corroded spark plugs
A clogged or dirty air filter
Dirty fuel injector
Clogged fuel filter

The engine is attached to your vehicle with mounts attached to the frame of the body. It uses rubber joints to help absorb vibrations that can occur as you drive. Over time, this rubber can begin to fail, allowing the connection to loosen. That vibration you feel while your car stands still might just be an indication your system needs a little TLC to keep it functioning.

If you feel a vibration in your vehicle, stop by today and we’ll inspect it. Let’s get you back on the road safely once again.

Suspension System Service

October 12, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

Suspension systems should continue to operate effectively for many years and tens of thousands of miles/kilometers, holding your tires’ footprint on the road. Eventually components do wear out, but how long that takes depends a lot on how and where you drive.

As you can imagine, if most of your driving is on smooth highways, your vehicle’s shock absorber will last a lot longer than if you do most of your driving on bumpy mountain roads or if you’re often hauling heavy loads. In addition to just wearing out, upgraded suspension system components can be damaged in an accident or by a hard impact, like hitting a pothole, a curb or a rock in the road.

Because the life span of shocks can vary so widely, your vehicle manufacturer recommends periodic inspections. During a car inspection at Express Car Care, your service technician will check for worn, broken or missing suspension parts. If the inspection reveals any problems, we recommend that you take care of them quickly for your safety and ease of handling your vehicle. When you replace your shocks, it’s usually a good idea to replace all four at the same time. This will give you even handling at all four corners of the vehicle.

If you have special road handling needs like improved cornering or towing or hauling requirements, your Express Car Care service adviser can recommend an upgraded shock or strut to meet with your needed requirements. Give us a call or come in and see us and let us know how we can help you with your suspension system services.

Is Your Car Experiencing One Of These Common Suspension Problems?

August 26, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

From the moment you drive a brand new car off the lot, it’s placed in stressful situations every day.

That curb you nudged going around a corner? That may have damaged your tire.

That pothole you hit this morning on the way to the store? That may have compromised your suspension system.

Your car was perfectly designed, put together with care. But the world around you is anything but a perfect place. You can dodge a car that turns into your lane, jump when a rock hits your windshield and causes a crack, flinch when damage in the road jars your car, and all that is getting out of your neighborhood.

Imagine what happens to your car over the course of a year!

What does the suspension system do?

Before we get into all of the things that cause common suspension problems, let’s first take a look at what it does for your vehicle.

Imagine heading out on the open road, and pushing the pedal to the floor to reach 60, 70 miles per hour and more. What gives you control is your suspension system. What makes it a comfortable ride at every speed is your suspension system. Without it, you’d quickly spin out of control.

The primary function of the suspension system is control. It maximizes the connection between the tires and the road. It provides steering stability. It creates even weight distribution between all four wheels. It ensures comfort by absorbing every bump in the road. It limits the stress placed on other parts of the car, ensuring your vehicle sustains a long lifespan.

The suspension system consists of:

Tires
Air pressure in the tires
Shocks
Struts
Springs
Arms
Bars
Linkages
Bushings
Joints

All suspension parts are located somewhere between the frame of the vehicle and the road. It is designed as a protection system, creating a buffer between your car, the road, and you safely inside.

How do you know if your car has suspension problems?

Even though you can select a car from many different manufacturers, in many different sizes and shapes, they are all built with the same structure and way that they operate. Yes, you have the choice of purchasing many different types and styles of tires, for example, but they are all designed to provide the same basic function.

That makes it easy to recognize when things aren’t working right, no matter what vehicle you drive. There are common suspension problems that materialize when a part weakens or no longer works.

Pulling to one side

At the top of the list, one of the most common signs of a suspension problem is when the car pulls to the left or right while you drive. It’s also a difficult problem to diagnose without the help of a trained mechanic. That’s because it can be a whole host of different issues. It could be an alignment issue. Uneven tire wear. Or a problem with the steering wheel. It can be a problem with the tire rack. Or possibly a sticking problem with a brake caliper.

Every pothole you hit, every bump in the road can jar something loose. If your alignment is out of whack, there’s a reason for it. Some part has either come loose, or is broken altogether. And the only way to get your car back in good working condition is to get to the root of the problem.

A bumpy ride

What happened to your nice, smooth ride? Suddenly, your car feels like an old beat up truck.

A rough ride is a clear indicator that your shocks and struts are worn out or in need of repair. Shock absorbers are designed to absorb every bump in the road. They have hydraulic fluid inside that helps dampen the bouncing motion as it connects with the road. If they lead, your performance suffers.

One corner sits lower than the rest

As you walk up to your car, take a quick look at how it sits. It should always be level. If it isn’t, there’s a problem. When one corner sits lower than the others, it’s likely a damaged spring. You may also start noticing a clunking noise as you hit a bump or turn a corner. That’s because the spring can no longer support the weight of the vehicle.

The shock and the spring are interconnected. If the shock is blown, it overcompensates by compressing the spring, lowering that side of the vehicle. Even the slightest height variance can be a sign of a problem.

Nose dives and rolls

If your car nose dives or leans forward as you brake and come to a stop …

If your vehicle rolls or leans side to side as you turn into corners …

If your vehicle squats or leans back as you accelerate from a stop …

You have a suspension problem.

Difficult steering

Have you ever had a hard time steering your car? Normally, it moves easily, one hand can take control. Then it grows in difficulty, it might even feel like it slips as you turn. This can be caused by a number of problems, including low power steering fluid, a faulty steering pump, a leaking power steering rack, or worn out arm bushings.

The best way to find the root of the problem is to schedule a maintenance visit with one of our mechanics.

Can you fix suspension on a car?

If you notice any of the common suspension problems listed above, to remain safe, don’t drive your vehicle any more than you have to. Bring your car in quickly to avoid further damage.

The biggest reason is one part can impact others. And what may have been a few hundred dollar repair can escalate into the thousands. It can also escalate from a minor repair into an emergency situation.

Imagine a problem with low tire pressure suddenly moving to critical level with a tire blowout.

That’s just one example of things that can go wrong.

If you suspect you have a suspension problem, don’t delay. Have one of our trained mechanics take a look and diagnose the problem today.

What Shock Absorbers Do For Your Car

August 10, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

We’ve all seen the movies where a car goes bouncing down the road. But in reality, if you start to feel your car bounce, you know you have a problem. It could be a sign your shock absorbers are worn out.

What is a shock absorber?

A shock absorber is an integral part of a car’s suspension system. The shock absorber was designed to absorb the compression and rebound of the springs. They are created to take away the bounce and spring motion produced as your car moves.

Shock absorbers keep your tires connected to the road, so you experience a smooth ride.

As your car moves, you hit a variety of things in the road – bumps, dips, even fast-acting swerves to avoid large items. Your car’s suspension system reacts to your controls, which in turn moves energy to the tires, so they continue to connect with the road and absorb this energy. Shock absorbers dampen the movement of the springs, turning kinetic energy into thermal energy (or heat energy.) Thermal heat is dissipated into hydraulic fluid.

Shock absorbers exist within a cylinder controlled by a piston that moves as the vehicle’s suspension system operates. Small amounts of fluid are released from the piston head, which helps slow down the suspension movement, further controlling the rebound of the springs. The faster the springs move, the more resistance a shock absorber provides.

That’s what shock absorbers do when they work correctly. Over time, they start to wear down.

How do you know if your shocks are bad on your car?

Most drivers rely on their senses to tell them when something is wrong with their cars. Paying attention can mean the difference between a minor repair and a major overhaul. When you hear, smell, or feel something that seems not quite right, it’s better to bring your vehicle in to a mechanic and have them check it out right away.

All of your vehicle’s systems offer various warning signs, including faulty shock absorbers. As you’re driving, you may notice any one of these items:

The vehicle bounce

Now that you know how shock absorbers work, it’s fairly easy to understand why your car would bounce when they no longer work well. Shock absorbers work together with the springs attached to your car’s suspension system. If the shock absorbers aren’t working the way they should, it allows more action from the springs. And that is going to cause you to feel more bounce from your car. If the shock absorbers aren’t there to alleviate the resistance, the energy will move into your tires, producing an uncomfortable ride.

A metallic sound

As a suspension system wears down, it produces a telltale sound of metal to metal contact. If shocks and bushings can no longer support the strut, the result will cause a knocking sound you’ll hear either from the front or rear wheels.

Diving or squatting as you start and stop

Shock absorbers help your vehicle stabilize as you pull away from stop signs and traffic lights, and control the movement as you brake and come to a stop. If the mechanics of the shock absorber can’t handle the weight of the vehicle during this action, you’ll find the front end diving down or the rear of the vehicle squatting during this process.

Body rolls

In a similar movement to diving and squatting, a body roll takes place as you bring your vehicle through turns. As the shocks start to go bad, you’ll feel your car leaning more into every turn you make. Over time, this can present safety issues, so it’s important to take action and correct the problem as soon as possible.

How long do shock absorbers last on a car?

Just like other parts of your car, finding an answer to how long shock absorbers last depends on a variety of things.

Most manufacturers will give you a ballpark number. You may see things like “10 year guarantee. ” That is subjective at best. A delivery van that puts on hundreds of miles a week will clearly need new shock absorbers long before a car that sits in the garage most days because the owner is retired.

Mileage or time frame is a starting point, but it also depends on how you drive.

It also depends on the roads you drive on regularly. Smooth highway miles are different than rural gravel roads. Lots of stops and starts can wear down the mechanics of the shock absorber long before a car that mostly drives on the highway.

Then there are also considerations around road conditions. Driving in the heat of the summer is different than driving on roads filled with mag-chloride, ice, snow, and salt. Chemicals can always play a part in how long various components will last.

Do shock absorbers need any maintenance?

All vehicles have four shock absorbers (or a strut/shock absorber combination) at each wheel. The good news is that your shock absorbers don’t require scheduled maintenance like other parts in your vehicle. This doesn’t mean they never need replacing.

Shock absorbers do fail over time. And replacing your shock absorbers is one of the more common replacements you’ll make keeping your vehicle safe and in good working condition.

But there’s another reason many people upgrade from factory-grade shock absorbers: ride quality. People often come in and state their luxury car is suddenly driving like a truck. That’s a sign you need new shock absorbers. Your ride will be smoother. It can also make a vehicle corner and brake like when it was new.

When a shock absorber goes bad, it’s not necessary to replace them all at one time. However, it’s usually recommended to replace them in pairs – both front or both rear. This is because new shocks will absorb more of the road bumps than the old. If you were to replace only one, there would be an unevenness from side to side. This could quickly cause other problems within your vehicle.

Are you ready for a smooth ride? If you’re tired of feeling every bump in the road, it might be time for new shock absorbers.