Power Steering, Shocks, Struts & Suspension Services in Xenia, OH

Although turning your vehicle’s steering wheel might seem simple — it’s not. A lot happens between your steering wheel and your vehicle’s tires to keep this process smooth. This is a complex system that relies on many factors to function correctly. Nearly all vehicles today come with power steering. However, if this system fails, it quickly becomes a safety issue. Standard steering and suspension services include wheel alignments, shock and strut repairs, and front and rear suspensions.

Good suspension and steering depend on the quality and performance of your suspension, including your vehicle’s front-end parts, ball joints, steering, shock absorbers, coil springs, and suspension components. Professional inspections, routine maintenance, and front-end alignment services keep your ride smooth and help your vehicle operate optimally. Call Pitt Stop Tire & Auto today for an appointment for the best local value for any suspension problems or repair services.

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(937) 352-6616

Suspension

AUTO REPAIR 101

Understanding the Importance of Steering & Suspension

Ensuring a comfortable and safe ride for you and your passengers is about balance, stability, and smooth handling. The steering and suspension systems in your vehicle are what make that possible. From prompt and accurate steering response when turning, merging, and parking your vehicle to keeping your wheels planted firmly on the road, a well-maintained steering and suspension system is essential to staying safe behind the wheel.

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3 Common Suspension Issues:

PULLING TO ONE SIDE

A vehicle pulling to one side can be a sure sign there’s a problem with your suspension. If one or more of your suspension components is damaged or malfunctioning, such as the struts, springs, joints, or bearings, it can affect your vehicle’s alignment. If you’ve recently hit a big bump or a pothole and your vehicle is pulling to one side, or the steering wheel is off-center, schedule an appointment at your local Pitt Stop Tire & Auto. Our professionals will check to see if a wheel alignment service is necessary.

DIPPING WHEN BRAKING

If your car has a suspension issue, you’ll likely notice the front end dipping excessively when braking. When you brake, the forward momentum combined with your vehicle’s weight sends a lot of force to the vehicle’s front end. A lousy car suspension can cause all that weight and force to push the front end downward.

BOUNCING ON BUMPS AND DIPS

If your car has suspension issues, you may feel nearly every bump and dip while driving. Suspension components like springs and shocks absorb any impacts from uneven roads, so you feel less in the driver’s seat. Damaged struts or coil springs may not dampen those impacts properly, causing your vehicle to feel like a trampoline after each dip or bump.

Tie Rod End Replacement Services in Xenia, OH

Pitt Stop Tire & Auto offers affordable tie rod end replacement services in Xenia, and we serve vehicle owners throughout Greater Dayton. Your car’s steering rack or gearbox is bolted into a fixed position going into your vehicle’s frame. Nevertheless, your vehicle’s wheels move up and down to smooth out irregularities in the road. It also moves left and right as you turn the steering wheel. Tie rod ends are connected between the track rod of the steering assembly and the steering knuckle.

Tie rods have a ball-and-socket joint that accommodates these movements. Vehicles usually have two tie rod ends on each side — an inner tie rod end and an outer tie rod end. This comes to four total, with a set on each side. Tie rod ends are usually greased permanently. However, some have Zerk fittings for re-greasing, especially aftermarket ones. Tie rod ends are adjustable, so accuracy is essential for proper front wheel alignment. We at Pitt Stop Tire & Auto handle all this at affordable prices.

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Steering & Suspension
Financing for Tires & Car Repairs in Xenia, OH

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Finance Your Next Set of Tires

We know buying new tires and/or wheels for your car or truck can be stressful on the wallet, so we’re here to help. As the leading tire shop in Xenia, OH, we’ve made sure we have payment plans that will fit anyone’s needs so you can get tires now and pay later. Whether your purchase is a surprise or expected, we'll take care of you.

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Pitt Stop Tire & Auto in Xenia, OH

Power Steering, Shocks, Struts & More in Xenia, OH

Pitt Stop Tire & Auto is your local leader for auto repair, with more than 40 years of experience in the industry.

Power Steering Services in Greene County, OH

Our power steering services offer a wide range of benefits to vehicle owners. With power steering, drivers can enjoy improved handling performance, optimal fuel efficiency, and optimal comfort while driving your vehicle. The main role of power steering is to provide assistance in turning the wheels at low speeds. This is done by transferring hydraulic pressure from the steering wheel into movement of the wheels. Because of this, the amount of effort required to turn the vehicle is reduced tremendously. Additionally, power steering can help reduce tire wear and increase driver safety by providing additional control in tight turns or when changing lanes.
If you have something wrong with your vehicle’s tires, don’t hesitate to come to our 828 Cincinnati Avenue auto shop in Xenia, Ohio. If your Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light comes on, or if you’ve hit something on the road and you have a tire losing air, bring it to us. One of our expert technicians can take a quick look and let you know if you need to repair or replace your tires.

Driving on damaged tires can lead to additional (and expensive) rim damage and repairs. Because of this, it is best to have your tires examined at the first sign of trouble. The solution could be something as simple as needing a patch plug if the tire puncture is addressed early on. In other cases, a leaking valve stem or valve core may need to be replaced with a new one or the TPMS sensor needs to be reprogrammed or replaced. Come to Pitt Stop Tire & Auto at 828 Cincinnati Avenue in Xenia, and we’ll take care of you and your vehicle tire repairs quickly and affordably.

Ball Joints

Ball joints are mechanical components used inside vehicle suspension systems. They are vital parts of the suspension and steering systems that provide optimal support and optimal stability to your vehicle’s wheels. They are comprised of a spherical bearing held in a socket or housing. One end of the joint is attached to a suspension component. The other end is attached to the wheel hub or steering knuckle. This spherical bearing allows the joint to pivot and move in different directions as the wheel and suspension travel over bumps and uneven terrain and as the steering direction changes.

Ball joint replacement services are usually part of steering and suspension services. However, we can also perform it alone. Because the service requires specialized tools and extensive knowledge of vehicle suspension systems, it is wise to leave it to our professionals at Pitt Stop Tire & Auto.

Shock & Strut Replacement in Xenia, OH

Keep your vehicle’s ride smooth. We can optimize the performance and longevity of your suspension system with a visit to Pitt Stop Tire & Auto. Because most shock and strut manufacturers recommend this service at or around 50,000 miles, we offer thorough inspections and encourage you to stop by any time. Additionally, if your vehicle exhibits ride quality or handling issues, the shocks and struts should be inspected or serviced as needed. Service recommendations may be based on the condition of key components.

After thoroughly inspecting and analyzing your vehicle’s suspension system, Pitt Stop Tire & Auto provides recommendations for the suspension, including the struts and shocks. Struts and shocks are integral parts of your vehicle’s suspension system. If our services are required, maintenance is performed using replacement shocks and struts that meet or exceed manufacturer specifications. If necessary, a complete alignment may be performed by our experts quickly and affordably.

Your vehicle’s suspension system serves two functions. The first is to manage the handling of your vehicle on the road to improve comfort (by minimizing bumps and vibrations). Over time, several critical components, such as bushings, ball joints, and tie-rod ends, can wear out even in everyday use. Hitting or running over obstacles such as curbs or potholes can damage some components. Worn-out or broken shocks and struts (and their parts) can affect your vehicle’s ride, safety, and handling. Shocks and struts can get worn out, compromising the ride’s comfort and handling.

Stabilizer Bar Service & Maintenance

Also known as sway bars, stabilizer bars are an important component that prevents your vehicle from rolling over while turning. Although shock absorbers keep the ride smooth, stabilizer bars keep the car upright when it is turning by spreading weight equally over the tires.
Steering and suspension systems are very intricate. Because of this, it is essential to have work performed by a trusted technician at Pitt Stop Tire & Auto. This contributes to the overall quality of your ride. However, it is also integral to your vehicle’s safety. Keep up with regular maintenance and inspections, and make sure to address any problems immediately.

Engine Repair
Steering & Suspension Questions & Answers

What is the purpose of my steering & suspension systems?

Your steering and suspension systems are separate systems that work in tandem to keep your car under control. The suspension system supports the weight of your vehicle, provides a smooth ride, and creates stable road control, drivability, and handling. The steering system provides directional control of your car. In a way, your steering system selects the direction of the suspension system, and the car simply follows along as it rides atop the system.

Why should I have my steering & suspension inspected?

Everyday driving and conditions create wear and tear on your suspension and steering systems. The components that make up those systems, such as struts, shocks, control arm bushings, ball joints, coil springs, and steering linkage, will wear and weaken over time. This wear creates instability in road handling, excessive tire wear, and loss of ride comfort, steering control, and drivability. Examining your steering and suspension systems by a trusted mechanic will alert you to problems before they become significant issue that leaves you stranded on the side of the road.

Who should inspect my steering & suspension?

If you feel your car needs to be inspected or it is simply time for a routine exam, you should take it to a mechanic with the proper diagnostic equipment and expertise, such as Pitt Stop Tire & Auto! Steering and suspension systems are as much a part of the safe operation of your vehicle as the braking system – be sure that whoever works on your car has the knowledge and experience it takes to work on steering and suspension systems.

(937) 352-6616