When Should You Have Your Truck's Steering & Suspension Systems Checked?

At Munden Truck & Equipment Ltd., trucks are our business. We drive them, we service them, and we repair them. Our truck and trailer repair shop in Kamloops is committed to providing quality, cost-effective commercial vehicle maintenance and repairs.

Properly working steering and suspension systems are critical to the safe usage of a commercial vehicle. Your suspension system is what holds up your commercial truck and the load you are carrying. Your steering system is what keeps your truck between the lines. For your safety and the safety of others on the road, both systems must be in proper working order.

Safety is at the forefront of what we do, and we want to make sure customers know how to spot a problem before it becomes a safety issue.

Why Steering and Suspension Problems Matter

On a new truck, steering and suspension issues should not be a concern. As the truck ages, problems can arise, such as worn steering components, a loose steering wheel column, missing or defective axle position parts, and pressure loss in air suspension.

Some of these issues may be difficult to notice without getting under your truck, but there are a few warning signs that can help you spot a problem early.

Red Flags for Suspension Issues

• If you feel more bumps or shaking while you drive, you could have an issue with your suspension.
• Driving with worn shocks is uncomfortable, impacts safety, increases the likelihood of expensive repairs, and can lead to unwanted downtime.
• Your vehicle should be relatively level. To check, walk around your truck while it is parked and look at how it is sitting.
• If one side is significantly higher than the other, you should have your suspension checked.

Red Flags for Steering Issues

• If your truck is pulling to the side or making knocking or squealing sounds, there may be an issue.
• If your steering feels rough or makes clicking or grinding sounds, there may be a problem with your steering column, steering box, or related components.
• If something feels different in the way the truck handles, it is worth booking an inspection before the problem gets worse.

When to Book Service

If any of these warning signs apply to your vehicle, you should take your truck to a mechanic sooner rather than later. If you are in the Kamloops area, you can drop by or have us send out a mobile mechanic.

Munden Truck & Equipment has fully equipped mobile service trucks and offers emergency roadside repairs seven days a week. From one-off emergency repairs to scheduled preventative maintenance programs, we can work with you to look after your needs.

Regular preventative maintenance usually helps catch issues before they turn into expensive downtime. At Munden Truck & Equipment, we can create a maintenance schedule that works for your operation. Learn more about our Service Department or Mobile Service.

Most repairs to a truck's steering system or components should be followed by an alignment to ensure the repair has not affected the vehicle's alignment. Munden Truck & Equipment offers repair services for steering and suspension as well as heavy-duty alignments.