What Are Suspension & Alignment and How Do They Work?
- Suspension: Shocks/struts, springs, control arms, ball joints, bushings, sway‑bar links, and wheel bearings keep your tires planted and your ride stable. They absorb bumps and maintain steering control and braking performance.
- Alignment: Adjusts toe, camber, and caster so wheels point straight and tires sit flat on the road. Proper angles prevent pull, wander, and uneven tire wear.
Why This Service Matters
- Safer handling and shorter stopping distances
- Smooth, quiet ride with precise steering
- Maximizes tire life and fuel economy
- Protects hubs, steering racks, and ABS components
Important to Know
- Get an alignment after replacing struts, control arms, tie rods, or springs—and any time you hit a curb/pothole or install new tires.
- Some vehicles need camber bolts or adjustable arms to bring specs into range—we’ll advise if required.
- Alignment is different from wheel balance: balance fixes high‑speed vibration; alignment fixes pull/wander and uneven wear.
- Modern vehicles may need a steering angle sensor (SAS) reset after alignment; ADAS camera/radar calibration may be recommended.
- We perform suspension repairs mobile. Final 4‑wheel alignment is done via our partner alignment centers (or mobile where available). Pickup/drop‑off can be arranged.
How Suspension & Alignment Service Is Done
Suspension (Mobile)
- Road test and inspection for clunks, pull, bounce, and steering feel.
- Check tires, ride height, shocks/struts (leaks), mounts/bearings, control arms, ball joints, tie rods, sway‑bar links/bushings, and wheel bearings.
- Replace worn components using OEM or equivalent parts; torque fasteners at ride height to protect bushings.
- For struts: transfer/install new mounts/bearings or quick‑strut assemblies as needed.
- Verification road test and digital report with photos and recommendations (including alignment).
Wheel Alignment (Partner Shop or Mobile in Select Areas)
- Pre‑check: tire pressure, wheel/tire condition, and any suspension play.
- Measure toe, camber, and caster with professional alignment equipment.
- Adjust angles to factory specs using tie rods and cam bolts/eccentrics/shims.
- Center steering wheel; reset SAS where applicable.
- Provide before/after printout and final road test.
Common Repairs We Handle
- Shocks and struts (including quick‑strut assemblies)
- Control arms and bushings
- Ball joints and inner/outer tie rod ends
- Sway‑bar links and bushings
- Strut mounts/top hats and springs
- Wheel bearings/hub assemblies
- Steering rack boots and mounts
- 4‑wheel alignment and SAS reset (via partner alignment centers)
When to Get an Alignment
- After suspension/steering work or new tires
- Car pulls or the steering wheel is off‑center
- Uneven/inner‑edge or feathered tire wear
- After a curb strike, pothole impact, or collision
- Annually or every 12,000 miles on rough roads
Signs You May Need Suspension Service
- Clunks, creaks, or rattles over bumps
- Excessive bouncing, nose‑dive on braking, or body roll in corners
- Wandering, loose steering, or vibration that changes with bumps/turns
- Oily struts/shocks or torn bushings/boots
- Cupped or rapidly wearing tires
How Important Is This Service?
High. Worn suspension and poor alignment reduce control, lengthen stopping distances, and can destroy tires quickly. Nationwide Mechanics brings certified techs and quality parts to your driveway—and ensures your alignment is set so your car tracks straight and rides like it should.
What You Get with Nationwide Mechanics
- Certified mobile technicians
- Upfront pricing and a digital inspection report
- OEM or equivalent parts with new hardware where required
- Correct torque at ride height and post‑repair road test
- Alignment scheduling and coordination (or mobile alignment where available)
- Steering angle sensor reset when applicable
- Convenient at‑home or office service
