Suspension & Alignment Services In Las Cruces
How Your Suspension Works
Your suspension keeps the body of your vehicle from absorbing every jounce in the road, and enables the driver to handle the vehicle comfortably and securely.
Conventional front suspension: In a conventional front suspension, the wheel is attached to a spindle, which in tum is connected to upper and lower control arms through upper and lower ball joints. The vehicle's coil spring works against one of the control arms to support the weight of the vehicle, and the shock absorber controls spring oscillations.
Rear suspension: All rear suspension systems are designed to keep the rear axle and wheels in their proper position under the vehicle body. The rear wheels must always track exactly straight ahead. The rear suspension axle allows each of the rear wheels to move up and down somewhat independently from the frame. The spring assembly must also absorb a large amount of rear end torque from acceleration (on rear drive vehicles), side thrust from turning and road shock from bumps.
MacPherson Strut Suspension: In a strut suspension, the strut assembly usually contains a spring seat to retain the coil spring that supports the weight of the vehicle. The strut is attached at the bottom to the lower control arm and at the top to the vehicle body. The upper connection usually contains a bearing that permits the coil spring to rotate as the wheels turn, for smoother steering.
The strut suspension has eliminated the need for several parts, including the upper control arm and the upper ball joint. This has several advantages including lighter suspension weight, fewer moving parts and more room in the engine compartment.
All Wheel Alignment
For all cars, vans or trucks, (up to one ton). This service parallels all four wheels straight ahead, makes appropriate adjustments, plus centers the steering wheel.
1. Take angle readings on all four wheels
2. Set rear wheels to specifications, if applicable (some vehicles lack adjustment capabilities). Rear thrust line will now line up with center line of vehicle
3. Reference front wheels to rear thrust line and correct alignment using all factory adjustments and specifications
4. Center steering wheel
5. Road test