SuspensionSt. Cloud, MN
Suspension & Steering.Done right.
Minnesota roads do a number on suspension components, between potholes, frost heaves, and salt-ravaged hardware, your shocks, struts, and steering parts take a beating. Whether your daily driver is riding rough or you're building a truck for off-road duty, we handle everything from basic alignments to full suspension overhauls and lift kit installs.
- $120/hr labor
- Bring your own parts
- All makes & models
Signs it's time
Notice any of these? Bring it in before it gets worse.
Vehicle Bounces Excessively Over Bumps
If your car or truck keeps bouncing after hitting a bump instead of settling quickly, your shocks or struts are worn out. The classic test: push down on a corner and let go. If it bounces more than once or twice, it's time.
Uneven Tire Wear
Tires wearing on the inside or outside edge, or showing a scalloped/cupped pattern, point to alignment issues or worn suspension components. It's not just a tire problem, it's a suspension problem eating your tires alive.
Clunking or Knocking Over Bumps
A clunk when you hit a bump usually means worn ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bar links, or control arm bushings. These are safety-critical parts, a failed ball joint can literally cause a wheel to fold under the vehicle.
Steering Feels Loose or Wanders
If you have to constantly correct the steering to keep it straight, or the wheel has excessive play, you likely have worn tie rods, a failing steering rack, or other worn steering components. This is especially dangerous at highway speeds.
Vehicle Sits Lower on One Side
A noticeable lean usually means a broken or sagging spring. Sometimes you won't even feel it while driving, but you'll see it in the parking lot. Driving on a broken spring puts extra stress on the shock and other components on that corner.
What we do
- Shock and strut replacement
- Wheel alignment (2-wheel and 4-wheel)
- Ball joint and tie rod replacement
- Control arm and bushing replacement
- Sway bar link and bushing service
- Power steering repair and fluid service
- Coil spring and leaf spring replacement
- Lift kit and leveling kit installation
How the job goes
- 1
Inspect & Diagnose
We put the vehicle on the lift and check every suspension and steering component, ball joints, tie rods, bushings, shocks, springs, and steering rack. We check for play, leaks, and wear. We also look at tire wear patterns for clues.
- 2
Explain & Quote
We'll tell you what's worn, what's failed, and what's still good. Suspension work can add up, so we'll help you prioritize, safety items first, comfort and performance items as budget allows.
- 3
Repair & Replace
We replace worn components with quality parts, properly torque everything, and always recommend an alignment after suspension work. If you're doing an upgrade or lift kit, we make sure everything works together as a system.
- 4
Align & Test
After any suspension or steering work, we align the vehicle and road test it. We check for proper handling, no pulling, no noise, and make sure the steering wheel is centered. The road test is where everything gets validated.
Straight pricing
Labor is $120 an hour, about $30 less than the local average. You get a clear quote for your car before we start, and nothing gets added without a yes from you.
SuspensionFAQ
Questions we hear a lot
How much does a wheel alignment cost?
A standard alignment runs around $80 to $120. If components are worn and need replacing first (tie rods, ball joints, etc.), that adds to the cost. There's no point aligning a vehicle with worn parts, it won't hold the alignment.
How do I know if I need new shocks or struts?
Common signs are a bouncy ride, nose-diving when braking, body roll in turns, and uneven tire wear. Most shocks and struts last 50,000-100,000 miles depending on road conditions. In Minnesota, the lower end of that range is more realistic.
Can you install lift kits and leveling kits?
Absolutely. We install everything from simple leveling kits to full suspension lifts. We can work with kits you bring in (BYOP-friendly) or help you source the right setup for your truck and intended use. We'll also address any alignment or driveline angles that change with the lift.
How often should I get an alignment?
We recommend checking alignment once a year or anytime you notice uneven tire wear, pulling, or after hitting a serious pothole. If you've had suspension work done, an alignment should always follow. It's cheap insurance for your tires.
Do you work on air suspension systems?
Yes, we can diagnose and repair air suspension systems on trucks and SUVs. Air springs, compressors, height sensors, and control modules. These systems are more complex than traditional springs but we've got the tools and experience to handle them.
Ready when you are.
Book online in about a minute, or call and talk to the people who'll actually work on your car.