This is a vintage shock absorber for a 50s vehicle. Supposed to give you a pleasurable ride. 

​On older cars that are not equipped with Electronic Power Steering, they use circulating fluid to create smooth Steering. Unfortunately when the Steering is no longer smooth, it typically means there is a fluid leak. We regularly get told of red or greenish oil leaking onto the ground with power steering issues. A failure could be a line that has rusted out, failed seal on a power and/or even a failed power steering rack. Pictured is a power steering rack that has failed with a slow leak out of the seal. Everytime the wheel is pointed left or right some fluid escapes from a worn seal. The fix is replacing the failed part. 

Pothole season has been hitting hard this year. We have seen a large increase in steering and suspension failures. Pictured is a rear sway bar link that met its untimely end due to a pothole. The ball and socket joint broke resulting in a clunking noise when turning and going over bumps. The fix was a new pair of sway bar links for under $300. 

Today's educational blog post is about torn rubber boots. Many suspension and steering joints have rubber boots designed to keep grease inside. Unfortunately over time the boot splits and grease comes out. Consequentially, water, salt and dirt also get into the joint and cause joint failure. Unfortunately, in our climate we do not replace just boots. Usually the joint is to far gone by the time it gets inspected and should just be replaced. Often times a failing joint will make steering feel loose and possibly even a high pitch screech when being moved left to right. New York State Inspection requires us to check steering and suspension components. If your vehicle has a torn boot, then we have to notify you of it. A torn boot does not fail inspection; however, a loose tie rod joint will fail and need to be replaced. 

With our current road conditions, steering and suspension components should be getting checked each oil change, about 5000 to 6000 miles if you are using full synthetic engine oil. Although once a year is mandatory through new york state inspection, we like to be able to let our customer's plan ahead for future repairs. 

We have seen an increasing number of failing suspension components recently. Bumpy roads and potholes take a toil on suspension. Many tired rubber bushings are pulling away and separating from constant flexing. The attached picture is a control arm bushing that has separated from the control arm. Common issues are pulling when braking, loose steering and clunking noises. Unfortunately, this is normal wear and tear. If you hear something odd or notice your car pulls, give us a call to do a courtesy check on your steering and suspension. Let our experts tell and show you whats going on with your car. 

Tape can be used to fix and hold together many things in life. A vehicles frame/sub-frame is not 1 of them. If your frame is rusted through, then it is time to consider replacement of a sub-frame, weld repair if possible or a new vehicle. 

Exhaust leaks are common at this time of year. Salt and rust are eating away at exhaust pipes, flanges and mufflers. If your car is sounding louder than usual, it probably isn't just your imagination. Attached are some pictures of exhaust issues that we have been seeing. Muffler seams rusting through and flanges rusting apart. The best way to figure out an exhaust leak is to get the vehicle onto a lift and into the air. Then a proper assessment and estimate can be made.