Suspension and Steering Repair in Athens, GA
Your suspension is what makes an import feel like an import. Once it wears, the car gets loose and noisy. Athens Import Auto Repair does suspension and steering repair in Athens, GA. Our job is to bring back that tight, planted feel.
Suspension and Steering done right, by people who know imports
Shocks and struts control bounce, while control arms and bushings hold the wheels in place. Tie rods do the steering. Any one of these can wear out, so we check them all on the lift.
Do you hear a clunk over bumps, or feel a wander on Loop 10? Call 706-353-3880 and tell us what you notice.
BMW front control arm bushings wear out and cause a shimmy when you brake. Mercedes-Benz ML, GL and S-Class models use air suspension that sags when a spring leaks. Land Rover Discovery and Range Rover air systems fail from leaky springs and tired compressors. Audi A4 and A6 use many small upper arms that click when they wear. Honda and Toyota struts get soft after 80,000 miles. Subaru Outback rear struts and bushings wear on rough roads. Bring any of these to Athens Import Auto Repair in Athens, GA.
Signs your suspension or steering is worn
- You hear a clunk or knock when you go over bumps.
- The car keeps bouncing after a dip in the road.
- The steering feels loose, or the car wanders on the highway.
- The tires wear on the inside or outside edge.
- The car sits low on one corner. An air suspension car may even sag overnight.
- The nose dives hard when you brake.
What our suspension service includes
Suspension inspection
We lift the car and check each joint, bushing and shock, then we show you what is worn.
Shocks and struts
These are the dampers that control bounce. We replace them in pairs, along with the mounts and bearings.
Control arms and bushings
Bushings are the rubber pads inside the arms. When they crack, you get clunks and bad tire wear.
Ball joints and tie rods
These joints let the wheels turn and move, so worn ones make the steering feel loose.
Air suspension repair
Some Mercedes-Benz, Land Rover and BMW models ride on air springs. We fix the leaks, the air springs and the compressors.
Sway bar links
These small links keep the car flat in turns, and they are a common source of rattles.
How a suspension visit works
Tell us the noise or feel
Tell us if it clunks, bounces, wanders or pulls, and when.
We lift and check
We shake, pry and look at each part until we find what is loose.
You approve the list
You see the worn parts, and we explain why each one matters.
We install and drive it
We fit the new parts and drive the car. It should feel tight, quiet and straight.
Why drivers trust us with suspension and steering
We know import suspensions
German cars use many aluminum arms with pressed in bushings. We have the tools to do them right.
Pairs, not singles
Shocks and struts wear together, so we replace them in pairs to keep the car balanced.
No alignments, but honest advice
New parts change the wheel angles. We do not do alignments, but we tell you when the car needs one after the job.
These guys are amazing and great at what they do!!!! I had a problem with my mercedes E320 wouldn't start, AFTER leaving it here to be fixed I'M NOW ABLE TO START IT WHEN I'M READY TO GO. THANKS A MILLION AND I WILL RETURN FOR FUTURE SERVICES!!! GOD BLESS THIS BUSINESS!!!
Scott, J., customerSuspension and Steering FAQ
Who does suspension and steering repair in Athens, GA for imports?
Athens Import Auto Repair on Winterville Road fixes suspension and steering on imports only. That covers shocks, struts, control arms, bushings, tie rods and air suspension. Call 706-353-3880 to book a visit.
Why does my BMW shake when I brake at highway speed?
A shake under braking on a BMW is often a worn front control arm bushing, not the rotors. The bushing lets the arm move under load. That is what you feel, so we check the bushings before we suggest any brake work.
Why is my Land Rover sitting low on one side?
Your Land Rover rides on air springs, and when one springs a leak, that corner sags. The compressor then works overtime and can fail too. We find the leak and replace the spring.
How do I know if my shocks or struts are worn?
Push down hard on one corner of the car. If it bounces more than once, the shock is weak. Other signs are a rough ride, a nose dive when you brake and cupped tire wear.
Do I need an alignment after suspension work?
Usually, yes. New control arms, struts or tie rods change the wheel angles. An alignment sets them back so the tires do not wear on one edge. We do not do alignments here. But we will tell you if your job needs one, and where to get it.
What is that clunk over bumps in my Audi?
On an Audi A4 or A6, a clunk often means a worn upper control arm. A sway bar link is the other common cause. These are small parts, and there are several of them, so we check each one on the lift.
Related services
Clunks and bounces? Let's fix that
Call us or book your visit, and we will get your import riding tight again.
Open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. After hours, leave a message or send the form and we will call you back.
Send us a message
Tell us your car and what you notice. We will call you back during shop hours.
If the form does not show, call 706-353-3880.