What Tamez suspension repair covers

Tamez is an independent repair shop that handles suspension work — the system that connects your wheels to your frame and absorbs bumps from the road. At Tamez, suspension repair typically includes replacing worn shocks and struts, fixing broken springs, repairing control arms and ball joints, and addressing steering linkage problems. The shop can also diagnose suspension noise, clunking, or pulling to one side.

Tamez does not perform alignment work in-house, so if your suspension repair requires wheel alignment afterward, you will need to go elsewhere for that service. Many suspension repairs do trigger the need for alignment — replacing struts, for example, often means your wheels will need realignment. Ask the technician at Tamez whether your specific repair will require alignment work before you leave.

Key Takeaways

  • Tamez handles suspension component replacement and repair but does not perform wheel alignment, so plan for a second stop if alignment is needed after your repair.
  • Common repairs include shocks, struts, springs, control arms, and ball joints — all parts that wear out and cause bouncing, noise, or pulling.
  • Bring your vehicle in as soon as you notice suspension problems, because a failing component can damage other parts and become more expensive to fix.
  • Suspension repair costs vary widely depending on which component failed and whether it is a single part or multiple parts on the same axle.

How to know your suspension needs repair

Your suspension is failing if your car bounces excessively after hitting a bump, if you hear clunking or rattling from under the vehicle when driving over rough roads, or if the car pulls strongly to one side even on a straight road. You may also notice the front end dips sharply when you brake, or the rear end squats when you accelerate — both signs that shocks or struts are worn out.

Do not ignore these signs. A worn suspension component puts extra stress on the parts around it. A bad shock, for instance, forces your springs to work harder and can wear out your tires unevenly. Continuing to drive on a failing suspension also makes the vehicle harder to control in emergency maneuvers, which is a safety issue. Call Tamez to schedule an inspection as soon as you notice any of these symptoms.

What to expect during a Tamez suspension inspection

When you bring your vehicle to Tamez, a technician will perform a visual inspection of the suspension components — looking for leaking fluid in shocks and struts, cracks in springs, and loose or bent control arms. They will also do a bounce test, pushing down on each corner of the vehicle to see how many times it bounces before settling. A healthy suspension settles in one or two bounces; a worn one bounces multiple times.

The technician may also raise the vehicle and check for play or movement in the steering and suspension joints by hand. Once the inspection is complete, they will explain which components are worn and what repair is needed. At this point, you can decide whether to proceed with the work or get a second opinion elsewhere.

Common suspension repairs and what they involve

Shock and strut replacement is the most frequent suspension repair. Shocks and struts are hydraulic cylinders that dampen the bouncing motion of your springs. When they fail, they leak fluid and stop working. Replacing them usually means doing both the front or both the rear at the same time, because if one is worn, the other is close behind. This repair typically takes two to three hours per axle.

Spring replacement happens when a spring cracks or sags, causing the vehicle to sit lower on one side. Control arm and ball joint repair addresses clunking and pulling problems. These joints connect the wheel to the frame and allow the wheel to move up and down while steering. When they wear out, they develop play that causes noise and handling problems. Steering linkage repair fixes tie rods and other components that connect the steering wheel to the wheels themselves.

How long suspension repair takes

A single shock or strut replacement usually takes one to two hours. If you need both shocks or both struts on one axle, add another hour. Control arm replacement typically takes one to three hours depending on which arm and how corroded the bolts are. Ball joint replacement can take one to two hours. If multiple components need repair on the same visit, the total time may be longer because the technician has to remove and reinstall the same parts multiple times.

Tamez will give you a time estimate when you drop off the vehicle. Some repairs can be done the same day; others may require ordering a part if it is not in stock. Ask whether the shop has the part available before you leave your vehicle, so you know whether to expect a call that afternoon or the next day.

Suspension repair costs at Tamez

Suspension repair costs depend on which component failed and the make and model of your vehicle. A single shock or strut typically costs between $150 and $400 in parts and labor combined, though luxury vehicles or trucks may run higher. Control arm replacement usually ranges from $200 to $500. Ball joint replacement is similar. Spring replacement can cost $300 to $600 depending on the type of spring.

Labor rates at independent shops like Tamez are usually lower than at dealerships, but the final bill depends on how long the job takes and whether the technician encounters corroded bolts or other complications. Ask for a written estimate before work begins, and ask whether that estimate includes parts and labor or just one of the two.

What happens after your suspension repair

After Tamez completes your suspension repair, the technician will test-drive the vehicle to confirm the problem is fixed. They will also inspect the tires, because worn suspension components often cause uneven tire wear. If your tires are worn unevenly, the technician will let you know.

As mentioned earlier, some suspension repairs require wheel alignment afterward. Strut replacement almost always does. If alignment is needed, you will have to take your vehicle to an alignment shop — Tamez does not perform this service. Alignment typically costs $100 to $200 and takes about an hour. It is worth doing promptly after a suspension repair, because driving on misaligned wheels will wear out your new suspension components faster and damage your tires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive my car if the suspension is making noise but the vehicle still handles okay?

You can drive it, but you should not wait long. A noisy suspension usually means a component is beginning to fail. Continuing to drive puts stress on the parts around it, which can turn a $300 repair into a $600 or $800 repair. Bring it to Tamez for an inspection to find out what is making the noise.

Do I need to replace both shocks or struts at the same time?

Yes, in almost all cases. If one shock or strut is worn out, the other on the same axle is close behind. Replacing only one will leave you with uneven suspension performance and can cause handling problems. Tamez will replace both at the same time.

Will my suspension repair fix my car's pulling to one side?

Maybe. Pulling can be caused by worn suspension components like ball joints or control arms, but it can also be caused by misaligned wheels or uneven tire wear. Tamez will diagnose the cause during the inspection. If it is a suspension component, the repair will fix it. If it is alignment, you will need to visit an alignment shop after the repair.

How often do suspension components need to be replaced?

Shocks and struts typically last 50,000 to 100,000 miles, though this varies based on driving conditions and vehicle type. Control arms and ball joints can last longer, sometimes 100,000 miles or more. Springs can last the life of the vehicle or fail early depending on how the vehicle is driven and loaded. There is no fixed schedule — bring your vehicle in when you notice symptoms.

What is the difference between a shock and a strut?

Both dampen suspension movement, but a strut is a structural part that also supports the vehicle's weight, while a shock is just a damper. Struts are common on front suspensions; shocks are more common on rear suspensions. Your vehicle uses one or the other depending on its design. The technician at Tamez will tell you which your vehicle has.