Steering & Suspension
STEERING & SUSPENSION
Your car's ability to avoid accidents relies on its stopping, steering and stability components working together. Just one worn or failing part could compromise your safety. We'll show you the warning signs that should alert you that your vehicle's suspension needs attention and the steps you can take to avoid problems.
Steering & Suspension Inspection
Why this is important
If you are having steering or suspension problems or if you hear unusual noises when driving over bumps or dips in the road, see us for a comprehensive steering and suspension inspection.
What's included
| Road test to determine system performance. | |
| Inspection of steering and suspension system including tire condition and air pressure. | |
| Written report and evaluation complete with technician's recommendations. | |
| Written report and estimate for parts requiring adjustment, repair or replacement. |
When to have this done
| When noticing steering problems. | |
| Noises are heard when driving over bumps or clips in the road. |
STEERING & SUSPENSION
Your car's ability to avoid accidents relies on its stopping, steering and stability components working together. Just one worn or failing part could compromise your safety. We'll show you the warning signs that should alert you that your vehicle's suspension needs attention and the steps you can take to avoid problems.
Wheel Alignment
Why this is important
An alignment is a series of precise measurements and adjustments to ensure your wheels are travelling parallel to each other and that the tires are making full tread contact to the road. Wheel alignment prevents uneven tire tread wear, vehicle pulling to one side while driving, and the steering wheel feeling 'off centre'. It also maximizes tire tread life, contributes to safe and dependable vehicle control and improves fuel economy.
What's included
| Road test to determine system performance. | |
| Inspection and evaluation of the suspension and steering linkage components with a detailed written estimate for items requiring adjustment, repair or replacement. | |
| Check and adjustment of tire pressure as needed. | |
| Adjustment of vehicle alignment angles based on manufacturer's specifications. | |
| Front-end inspection of steering and suspension components. | |
| Factory adjustments of your vehicle's steering and suspension system. | |
| Work completed by a 'front end' licensed technician. | |
| Computer printout with 'before' and 'after' readings. |
When to have this done
| If abnormal tire wear is apparent. | |
| Vehicle pulling to one side while driving | |
| Steering wheel feeling "off centre" |
Did you know?
Uneven tire wear and incorrect alignment go hand-in-hand. Our technicians can diagnose a problem with alignment and save a potential costly tire repair. Alignment is the primary cause of crooked steering wheel complaints.
Alignment Check
Why this is important
Your vehicle's steering and suspension system is under constant strain from various road and driving conditions. Keep your vehicle from falling out of alignment by having it checked for proper steering and suspension angles.
What's included
| Alignment check to ensure angles are within manufacturer-recommended specifications. | |
| Road test to determine system performance. | |
| Steering and suspension inspection including tire condition and air pressure. | |
| Computerized print-out showing current alignment angles with manufacturer's tolerances. | |
| Written report and evaluation complete with a technician's recommendation. |
When to have this done
| During new tire installation. |
*This recommended service interval is based on industry average. Please refer to your owner's manual.
Did you know?
The cost of an alignment check will be waived if you decide to have an alignment completed.
Click here to learn more about wheel balancing and tire rotation.
STEERING & SUSPENSION
Your car's ability to avoid accidents relies on its stopping, steering and stability components working together. Just one worn or failing part could compromise your safety. We'll show you the warning signs that should alert you that your vehicle's suspension needs attention and the steps you can take to avoid problems.
Power Steering Fluid Maintenance
Why this is important
Power steering fluid not only helps transfer pressure from the steering wheel to the tires, it also lubricates the steering system. But like all fluids in your vehicle, power steering fluid wears out over time and must be replaced in order to ensure proper vehicle control and the longevity of steering components. This service removes harmful contaminants and helps prevent premature wear of steering components, and maintains oil seal condition to help eliminate leaks and ensure appropriate fluid viscosity for maximum power steering performance.
What's included
| Quality control system performance test. | |
| Visual inspection of the power steering system and its components. | |
| Flushing the old fluid and refilling the system with new manufacturer-approved fluid. |
When to have this done
| Inspect with every oil change. |
Please refer to your owner's manual.
Did you know?
Some automakers recommended special power steering fluids, while others specify Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF). At Canadian Tire, we always use the type of fluid recommended by the vehicle manufacturer, as shown in our service charts. Using the wrong fluid can destroy rubber seals and hoses thereby causing system failure.