1690 Vassar Street, Reno, NV 89502 Hablamos español
Call to confirm current hours 775-384-2098 Directions

Suspension & Steering · Reno, NV

Clunks, Wandering, Rough Ride? Get Your Car Planted Again.

Your suspension does more than smooth out bumps — it keeps your tires on the road when you brake and steer. Reno Auto Works diagnoses worn shocks, struts, tie rods, ball joints, and bushings, and explains exactly which parts are worn and why they matter before any repair.

Signs of Suspension or Steering Wear

These symptoms usually mean something is worn, loose, or bent:

  • Clunking or knocking over bumps and potholes
  • The car wanders, drifts, or needs constant steering correction
  • Nose-diving when braking, or excessive bouncing after bumps
  • Uneven or cupped tire wear
  • Steering feels loose, stiff, or vibrates at speed
  • Whining or groaning when turning the wheel

Why Worn Suspension Is a Safety Issue

Worn shocks and struts increase stopping distance because your tires spend less time firmly on the pavement. Worn steering components — tie rods, ball joints — have a failure mode you don't want to experience at speed. And every worn part accelerates tire wear, so waiting costs you tires too. Reno's potholes and washboard gravel roads find weak components fast.

Suspension wear is gradual — you adapt to it without noticing. An inspection tells you the truth.

What's Included

What Our Suspension & Steering Service Includes

A thorough under-car evaluation:

  • Inspection of shocks, struts, springs, and mounts
  • Checking ball joints, tie rods, control arms, and bushings for play and wear
  • Steering system evaluation — rack, pump or electric assist, and linkage
  • Tire wear pattern reading — your tires tell us what the suspension is doing
  • Road test to confirm symptoms and verify the repair
  • Clear findings and an approved-by-you estimate before any work

Why Choose Reno Auto Works

Suspension quotes are notorious for padding. We show you the worn parts and explain what's urgent versus what's just aging normally.

  • Honest recommendations — we tell you what's urgent, what can wait, and what doesn't need fixing.
  • Plain-English explanations — you'll understand the problem before you approve the repair.
  • Warranty-repair assistance — most extended warranties accepted, with claim-handling help.
  • Free 65-point inspection with qualifying service — know your vehicle's real condition.
  • Hablamos español — Spanish-speaking assistance available.

Local to Reno & Sparks

Between winter potholes, washboard roads, and mountain grades, Northern Nevada is tough on suspensions. We're on Vassar Street in central Reno, serving Reno and Sparks drivers.

Get Directions

FAQ

Suspension & Steering Questions

How long do shocks and struts last?
Often 50,000–100,000 miles, but Reno road conditions can shorten that. Because they wear gradually, most drivers don't notice — an inspection with a road test is the reliable way to know.
Do I need an alignment after suspension repair?
Usually yes — replacing steering or suspension components changes wheel geometry. We'll tell you when an alignment is required and when it isn't.
Is a clunk over bumps dangerous?
It depends on the source — a worn sway-bar link is minor; a failing ball joint is not. That's exactly why clunks are worth diagnosing promptly rather than living with.
Will suspension repairs be covered by my extended warranty?
Many plans cover suspension and steering components. Bring your plan details and we'll help review coverage and handle the claim.

Your Car Shouldn't Feel Loose.

Get a straight answer on what's worn, what's fine, and what it'll take to make it drive right again.