Steering & Suspension Repair in University Place & Tacoma, WA
Family and woman-owned since 1972. AAA Approved. 2-year / 24,000-mile warranty.
A clunk over bumps, a pull to one side, a wheel that wanders on the highway or a ride that keeps bouncing after a pothole all point to worn steering or suspension parts. McCabe’s Automotive Specialists inspects the whole front end and suspension, explains what is worn, repairs it and checks the alignment so the car drives straight again.
Steering and suspension work is part of our brakes, steering and suspension services.
Call us: (253) 565-5173
Steering and Suspension Warning Signs
Each sign points toward a different part. Tell us what you are noticing when you book, and our technicians start there.
Pulls or Wanders
Likely: alignment, worn tie rods or ball joints, or a sticking brake.
Bouncy Ride or Nose Dive When Braking
Likely: worn shocks or struts, which also add distance to a stop.
Steering Wheel Off-Center
Likely: alignment knocked out by a pothole or curb, or a bent steering part.
Clunks Over Bumps
Likely: worn sway bar links, control arm bushings or ball joints.
Shakes at Highway Speed
Likely: tire balance or wear, or worn front-end parts.
Leans in Turns or Sits Low
Likely: worn shocks, struts or sway bar links, or a sagging spring.
Shakes When Braking
Likely: warped rotors or worn front-end parts. See our brake service.
Uneven or Cupped Tire Wear
Likely: alignment for edge wear, worn shocks or struts for cupping.
Heavy Steering or Whine When Turning
Likely: low power steering fluid, a weak pump or an electric steering fault.
Fluid on a Shock or Strut
Likely: a leaking shock or strut that is losing its damping.
What We Inspect and Repair
We check every part that keeps the wheels pointed straight and the ride under control.
Ball Joint Failure on a Truck
This truck came into our shop with a worn-out ball joint. Watch the front wheel tip in and out when it is rocked by hand. That much movement means the joint can no longer hold the wheel steady, and it needs to be replaced before it fails.
Tie Rods
Inner and outer tie rods connect the steering to the wheels. Worn ends cause play and wandering.
Ball Joints
The pivots that hold each wheel to the suspension. A failed ball joint can let the wheel separate.
Control Arms and Bushings
Arms that locate the wheels, with rubber bushings that wear out and start to clunk.
Sway Bar Links and Bushings
They limit body roll in turns. Worn links are a common source of knocking.
Shocks and Struts
They control bounce and keep the tires on the road. Learn more about shock and strut service.
Coil and Leaf Springs
They carry the weight of the vehicle. Sagging or broken springs change the ride height and handling.
Wheel Bearings and Hubs
A worn bearing hums or growls and gets louder with speed.
Rack and Pinion and Steering Gearbox
The heart of the steering system. Leaks and internal wear show up as play or heavy steering.
Power Steering
Hydraulic pumps, hoses and fluid, plus electric power steering on newer cars. See our power steering fluid service.
How a Steering and Suspension Visit Works
Inspection and Test Drive
We put the vehicle on the lift, check every joint for play and take it for a test drive to feel what you are feeling.
A Clear Explanation
We show you what is worn, explain what needs attention now and what can wait, and give you the cost before any work begins.
Repair and Alignment
We replace the worn parts and check the alignment after any repair that changes the wheel angles, so the car tracks straight.
We recommend a check of the shocks, struts and alignment once a year, even if nothing feels wrong. A routine vehicle inspection covers it, and our wheel alignment service sets the angles after a repair.
Trucks and SUVs
Heavier vehicles load ball joints, tie rods and bushings harder, so front-end wear shows up sooner on trucks and SUVs. Rear leaf springs sag and crack under regular hauling.
We repair pickups like the Toyota Tacoma, Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado, along with SUVs and vans, back to factory spec.
- ball joints, tie rods and idler arms
- control arms and bushings
- leaf springs, coil springs and shackles
- shocks, struts and steering stabilizers
Why Shocks and Struts Matter
Shocks and struts control how the car settles after every bump. As they wear, the ride gets bouncy, the nose dives under braking and stopping distances grow. New shocks and struts bring back ride quality and control.
Steering and Suspension Repair Near South Tacoma and Lakewood
Our shop at 3147 Bridgeport Way West in University Place is a short drive from South Tacoma, Fircrest, Lakewood, Parkland and the rest of Tacoma, WA.
Loaner Cars
Keep moving while your car is in the shop. Ask about our loaner cars.
Before and After-Hours Drop-Off
Drop your car off before we open or after we close with our after-hours service.
Financing for Larger Repairs
Spread out the cost of bigger jobs with auto repair financing through Snap Finance.
2-Year / 24,000-Mile Warranty
Your service is backed by our warranty, from a family and woman-owned, AAA Approved shop with ASE-certified technicians.
Related Steering, Suspension and Brake Services
Shocks and Struts
Replacement shocks and struts that restore ride control and stopping.
Wheel Alignment
Alignment after suspension work so the car tracks straight and tires wear evenly.
Power Steering Fluid
Fluid service that keeps hydraulic steering smooth and quiet.
Brake Repair
Rotors, pads and calipers, often checked alongside the front end.
Steering and Suspension Questions
Why does my car pull to one side?
Most often it is wheel alignment or uneven tire pressure. Worn tie rods, ball joints or control arm bushings can cause it too, and so can a brake caliper that sticks. We check the tires, the alignment and the front end to find which one it is.
What is the clunking noise when I go over bumps?
A clunk or knock over bumps usually comes from worn sway bar links, control arm bushings, ball joints or strut mounts. The sound points to the area, and an inspection on the lift pins down the part.
Is it safe to drive with a bad ball joint or tie rod?
Have it inspected soon. A worn ball joint or tie rod that fails can cause a loss of steering control. If you notice new play in the steering or a clunk from the front end, get it checked before a long drive.
What is the difference between shocks and struts?
Both control how the car bounces. A shock is a separate damper, while a strut is also part of the suspension structure and holds the spring and wheel in place. Many cars have struts in front and shocks in back.
Do shocks and struts need to be replaced in pairs?
In most cases, yes. Replacing both on the same axle keeps the car handling and braking evenly from side to side.
Do I need an alignment after suspension repair?
Usually. Replacing parts that set the wheel angles, like tie rods, control arms or struts, changes the alignment, so we check and set it after the repair.
How often should steering and suspension be checked?
We recommend a check of the shocks, struts and alignment once a year, even if nothing feels wrong, and any time you hit a hard pothole or curb.
Hear a clunk or feel a pull?
Schedule a steering and suspension inspection at our University Place shop, serving drivers across Tacoma, Fircrest and Lakewood.