Suspension System Inspection & Repair Costs
Basic Suspension Inspection
Includes visual inspection of all suspension components, checking for wear, leaks, and damage.
Labor Time: 0.5-1 hour
Estimated Cost: $62.50-$125
Shock/Strut Inspection and Testing
Includes bounce test, leak inspection, and mounting point examination.
Labor Time: 0.5-1 hour
Estimated Cost: $62.50-$125
Note: Replacement costs not included
Ball Joint Inspection
Includes checking for play, wear, and proper movement.
Labor Time: 0.5-1 hour
Estimated Cost: $62.50-$125
Note: Additional costs if removal is required for thorough inspection
Control Arm Inspection
Includes bushing examination, alignment check, and movement testing.
Labor Time: 0.5-1 hour
Estimated Cost: $62.50-$125
Comprehensive Suspension System Inspection
Includes inspection of all components, alignment check, and road test.
Labor Time: 1.5-2 hours
Estimated Cost: $187.50-$250
Please Note:
- These prices reflect inspection costs only
- Parts and replacement costs are additional
- Actual costs may vary based on vehicle make and model
- Additional repairs may be necessary based on inspection findings
Common Suspension System Inspection and Repair Procedures
Shock Absorber Inspection & Replacement
Inspection Steps:
- Visual check for leaks, damage, or worn bushings
- Push down on each corner of vehicle to test bounce response
- Check for unusual noises during driving
Repair Procedure:
- Raise and secure vehicle on lift
- Remove wheel assembly
- Disconnect upper and lower mounting bolts
- Remove old shock absorber
- Install new shock absorber
- Torque mounting bolts to specifications
- Reinstall wheel assembly
Strut Assembly Inspection & Replacement
Inspection Steps:
- Check for fluid leakage on strut body
- Inspect spring for cracks or damage
- Test for unusual noise during turning
- Check strut mount bearing condition
Repair Procedure:
- Raise and secure vehicle
- Remove wheel assembly
- Mark alignment components for reassembly
- Disconnect brake line and ABS sensor (if applicable)
- Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
- Remove upper strut mount nuts
- Remove entire strut assembly
- Install new strut assembly
- Reverse removal procedure
- Perform wheel alignment
Ball Joint Inspection & Replacement
Inspection Steps:
- Check for excessive play using pry bar
- Inspect rubber boot condition
- Look for grease leakage
Repair Procedure:
- Raise and secure vehicle
- Remove wheel assembly
- Remove cotter pin and castle nut
- Separate ball joint from knuckle using special tool
- Remove old ball joint
- Press in new ball joint
- Reconnect to knuckle
- Install new castle nut and cotter pin
- Perform alignment check
Control Arm Inspection & Replacement
Inspection Steps:
- Check bushings for wear or separation
- Inspect for bent or damaged arms
- Test for loose mounting points
Repair Procedure:
- Raise and secure vehicle
- Remove wheel assembly
- Mark alignment components
- Remove ball joint connections
- Remove control arm mounting bolts
- Install new control arm
- Torque all fasteners to specification
- Perform wheel alignment
Sway Bar Link Inspection & Replacement
Inspection Steps:
- Check for loose or worn bushings
- Inspect for bent or damaged links
- Listen for clunking noise during cornering
Repair Procedure:
- Raise and secure vehicle
- Remove wheel if necessary
- Remove upper and lower link nuts
- Remove old sway bar link
- Install new link
- Torque nuts to specification
- Test for proper movement
Note: All repairs should be performed by qualified technicians using proper tools and following manufacturer specifications. Repair procedures may vary by vehicle make and model.
Understanding Suspension System Inspections
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Common Failure Symptoms of Suspension System Components
Common Suspension System Issues & Maintenance Guide
Shock Absorbers
Signs of Failure:
- Vehicle continues bouncing after hitting bumps
- Nose diving when braking
- Fluid leaks on shock body
- Unusual tire wear patterns
Service Schedule: Inspect every 50,000 miles; replace in pairs when needed (typically 50,000-100,000 miles)
Struts
Signs of Failure:
- Knocking noise when driving over bumps
- Uneven or premature tire wear
- Vehicle leaning to one side
- Rough or unstable ride
Service Schedule: Inspect every 50,000 miles; replace in pairs when needed (typically 50,000-100,000 miles)
Ball Joints
Signs of Failure:
- Clunking noise when turning
- Uneven tire wear
- Steering wandering
- Vibration in steering wheel
Service Schedule: Inspect annually or every 15,000-20,000 miles; replace when loose or worn
Control Arms
Signs of Failure:
- Clunking or banging noises
- Vehicle pulling to one side
- Steering wheel vibration
- Uneven tire wear
Service Schedule: Inspect every 15,000-20,000 miles; replace when bushings are worn or arms are bent
Sway Bar Links
Signs of Failure:
- Rattling noise when driving over bumps
- Excessive body roll during turns
- Clunking sound during turning
Service Schedule: Inspect annually; replace when loose or worn (typically 50,000-80,000 miles)
Springs
Signs of Failure:
- Vehicle sitting lower on one side
- Squeaking noise when driving
- Rough or bouncy ride
- Uneven tire wear
Service Schedule: Inspect annually; replace when broken or sagged (typically last life of vehicle unless damaged)
Bushings
Signs of Failure:
- Squeaking or creaking noises
- Loose or wandering steering
- Clunking sounds over bumps
- Visible cracks or deterioration
Service Schedule: Inspect every 20,000-30,000 miles; replace when cracked, worn, or deteriorated
Note: These are general guidelines. Actual service intervals may vary based on vehicle make, model, driving conditions, and manufacturer recommendations. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for specific maintenance schedules.
How It Works
- Get a quote online or set-up a time to have your vehicle looked at.
- Pick time slots that work for you, easily, online.
- We will confirm appointments and send reminders.
- Our mechanics bring everything that is needed to you.
- All you have to do is provided a safe area for the work to be performed.
What we need from you
- A safe place to work on your vehicle
- No working on the side of busy roads
- No working on unstable or steep surfaces.
- We do not perform repairs during severe weather.
- Authorization from a property owner or management.
- Repair work done in a parking lot or at your requires permission.
- We do not do repairs in areas restricted by law.
Common Questions
Service Area
Our primary service area is greater Grand Rapids and includes Comstock Park, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Walker, and Wyoming
Our secondary service area is provided by our Belding location and includes: Belding, Greenville, Ionia and the sorrounding areas.
Contact us if you have any questions about where we provide services.
