Undercar Repairs in South Sioux City
At Rick's Radiator & Heater, we focus on the health of your car or truck from the ground up. Before evaluating the internal systems, we ensure that the vehicle has a solid foundation. Our comprehensive undercarriage inspections and services target this crucial, yet often overlooked, area to provide the necessary care your vehicle needs.
Avoid costly issues by bringing your vehicle in for an undercarriage inspection today. Call us at 402-494-1614 or stop by our South Sioux City, NE location to schedule your appointment and keep your car running at its best! Our competitively priced undercar services include:
Anti-Lock Brakes
Anti-lock brakes are designed to prevent wheel lock-up during rapid deceleration by automatically modulating brake pressure during emergency stops. This system allows wheels to maintain traction with the road while braking.
Brake System Flush
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture. This moisture absorption lowers the fluid's boiling point and can lead to corrosion of the lines and cylinders. In extreme cases, the brake fluid could boil during heavy braking, resulting in a loss of braking capability. To counteract the effects of moisture absorption, auto manufacturers recommend periodic brake system flushes.
Brakes
Brakes are mechanical devices designed to slow down or halt a vehicle, primarily through the use of friction. In essence, brakes impede your vehicle's motion, allowing you to stop whenever and wherever necessary. Brakes rank among the most critical vehicle components, and without them, you would be unable to bring your vehicle to a stop.
Chassis
The chassis serves as the internal framework of your vehicle, providing support for various components such as the wheels, engine, transmission, driveshaft, differential, and suspension. A weakened or damaged chassis can lead to a weaker vehicle overall.
Struts
Much like shock absorbers (shocks), struts serve to dampen the effects of road surfaces as you drive. By absorbing road shocks, struts enable passengers to experience a smoother ride. Struts differ from shocks in that they provide structural support for your vehicle's suspension.
Suspension FAQs
What is the difference between shocks and struts?
Shocks and struts are both parts of a vehicle's suspension system. However, each has a very specific job. Your vehicle has either shocks or struts. You cannot replace your shocks with struts and vice versa. Shock absorbers are hydraulic components that help minimize movement generated by the vehicle's springs. These springs absorb some of the jolts you might feel from uneven or damaged roads. Struts are structural components of certain vehicles' steering and suspension systems. They usually consist of a spring and a shock absorber. Struts are designed to be much stronger than shocks since they are designed for vehicles that carry heavy loads.
What happens if I only replace one strut or shock?
If you replace only one shock or strut, it will create poor handling when changing lanes or driving over bumps. If your car is new, replacing only one strut or shock absorber may be ok since the opposite side shock is not worn out yet. Generally, Rick's Radiator & Heater recommends replacing both shocks or struts.
Are shocks difficult to replace?
Shock absorber replacement is usually a straightforward job, taking less than an hour of labor, but they should be replaced by a professional. Some models require other components to be removed or replaced before working on the front shocks. Bring your car to Rick's Radiator & Heater in South Sioux City and we will help you determine what needs to be done and get you back on the road quickly.
How often should shocks be replaced?
Experts recommend that shocks be replaced at 50,000-100,000 miles. If you are a more aggressive driver or frequently drive on rough roads, they will wear out faster. Shocks don't go out all at once, they deteriorate slowly over time. If you are noticing problems with handling, making smooth turns or ride smoothness have one of the professionals at Rick's Radiator & Heater inspect your shocks.
Are struts difficult to replace?
Replacing struts is simple and fast for a professional. Replacing your front struts yourself is not recommended, especially if you need a new complete strut assembly kit. When you get your truck's struts replaced you also need to have the front-end alignment checked. Ask the professionals at Rick's Radiator & Heater to replace your struts and we will complete the work quickly and easily.
Is it necessary to get an alignment after strut replacement?
Rick's Radiator & Heater recommends performing an alignment anytime shocks, struts or other steering and suspension components are replaced. Getting your vehicle's alignment within factory specifications ensures optimal tire wear and helps prolong the life of your tires.
What is included in a front-end alignment?
Front-end alignment is a service performed on the front wheels. The process includes adjustments to the camber, toe and casters. Your 'thrust angle adjustment' may also need adjustments, to ensure that all four wheels are in alignment.
To learn more about our Undercar services, call us at 402-494-1614 or request a quote by clicking below:
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Discover More About Undercar Repair Services At Rick's Radiator & Heater in South Sioux City
Brake Repair
