Suspension Repairs
Car Suspension & Shock Absorber Repair
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Book a Suspension Repair
Please allow a minimum of 2 business days. If you require a service sooner, please call us at 0800 522 734.
Suspension Repairs Auckland
KAAR provides suspension repairs Auckland drivers can rely on, at our two West Auckland workshops in Henderson and Avondale. We repair suspension and steering on all makes and models of cars, 4×4s, vans and light commercial vehicles, including European vehicles and air suspension. A free loan car is available for all repairs.
Your suspension and steering do more than give a smooth ride. They keep the tyres on the road, so your brakes, steering and stability all work as they should. Worn suspension is also one of the most common reasons we see vehicles fail a WoF, second only to lights.
Suspension Faults We See Most
Mostly WoF Failure Items
- Top strut mounts Worn or collapsed mounts cause knocks over bumps and vague steering
- Front lower inner arm bushes The most common bush we replace, often found at WoF time
- Shock absorbers Leaking or worn shocks reduce grip and braking stability
- Sway bar links A common cause of clunks and rattles from the front end
- Front upper inner arm bushes Common on European vehicles
- Torsion and link arm bushes Another European wear point, front and rear
- Subframe bushes Front and rear, a bigger job we do a lot of
Subframe Bush Replacement
Subframe bushes are one of the larger suspension repairs Auckland drivers bring to us, and we replace a lot of them, front and rear. Depending on the vehicle, the subframe may need to come out, and the old bushes are either pressed out or cut out before the new ones are pressed in. We will explain what your vehicle needs and give you the cost before we start.
Bush or Complete Suspension Arm?
Sometimes it is more economical to replace a complete suspension arm than to replace just the bush. Some arms come complete with all bushes and a new ball joint, which can cost less in labour and leave you with a better result. We will tell you which option makes more sense for your vehicle.
Steering Repairs
We do steering repairs on both hydraulic power steering and electric power steering systems. For a faulty steering rack, we mostly recommend a reconditioned or replacement rack, as it gives the most reliable long-term result. Some electric steering racks can be repaired, and we assess these case by case.
Other steering repairs include power steering boxes, steering linkages and bushes. Steering noises, leaks, play in the wheel, heavy steering, or a vehicle that wanders on the road are all worth having checked, as steering wear is a safety item and a WoF item.
Air Suspension and Electronic Suspension
Most of the air suspension we work on is Mercedes-Benz, and we have also repaired Audi and VW systems. Our capability covers the electronic side as well: suspension controllers, pumps and compressors, and level switches.
If your vehicle is sitting low, leaning, or showing a suspension warning, we can diagnose it and advise the right repair. See our European Car Servicing and Repairs page for more on the European vehicles we work on.
Parts We Fit
We only buy from reputable suppliers. For shock absorber replacement we mostly fit KYB and Monroe. For bushes and other suspension components the brand varies, but we will not fit a part we know will not last the distance.
Our suppliers usually have a range of options for each part. We will recommend one, and if budget is a concern we will offer an alternative so you can choose.
Wheel Alignments
Wheel alignments are done by a specialist alignment provider. We quality check and road test every vehicle when it comes back, so the job is finished properly before you collect it. Most suspension and steering repairs should be followed by an alignment to protect your tyres.
Upgrades
We can fit upgraded suspension bushes, shock absorbers and springs, although upgrades are not our core work. We do not do suspension lowering or related modifications. All the work we do complies with NZTA standards.
Signs Your Suspension Needs Checking
What Suspension Repairs Cost
The cost of suspension repairs Auckland wide varies a lot with the vehicle, the part and the options available, so we do not list fixed prices. A suspension inspection is charged on the time taken, at $60 plus GST per half hour. Once we know what is needed, we will call you with the options and the cost before any work starts.
Failed your WoF on suspension? See our WoF Repairs page. Drop-off is best, as it gives us time to price the repair, call you, and if you approve, get it done the same day subject to availability.
Shock Absorber
Replacement
Car shock absorbers should be regularly checked by an expert vehicle service technician to ensure all suspension and steering components are working properly.
If the team at KAAR Auto Repairs finds any defects in your suspension or shock absorbers, we will notify you immediately and let you know how much it will cost to fix. We can then service, repair or replace your shock absorbers and suspension parts to ensure ongoing motoring comfort and safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my suspension needs repairing?
Common signs are knocks or clunks over bumps, squeaks when turning, the vehicle wandering or leaning in corners, uneven tyre wear, or one corner sitting low. A suspension item listed on a failed WoF sheet is another. If you notice any of these, we can inspect it and tell you what needs doing before any work starts.
What are the most common suspension faults you see?
Most of the suspension work we do is WoF related. The faults we see most are top strut mounts, front lower inner arm bushes, shock absorbers and sway bar links. On European vehicles we also see a lot of front upper inner arm bushes and torsion or link arm bushes. We replace a lot of front and rear subframe bushes too.
How much do suspension repairs cost?
It varies a lot with the vehicle, the part and the options available, so we do not list fixed prices. A suspension inspection is charged on time taken, at $60 plus GST per half hour. Once we know what is needed, we call you with the options and the cost before any work starts.
Is it better to replace the bush or the whole suspension arm?
It depends on the vehicle. Sometimes replacing the complete arm is more economical than pressing in a new bush, because some arms come complete with all bushes and a new ball joint, which saves labour and gives a better result. We will tell you which option makes more sense for your vehicle.
Why are subframe bushes such a big job?
On many vehicles the subframe has to be lowered or removed to reach the bushes, and the old bushes are either pressed out or cut out before the new ones are pressed in. It takes more time than most suspension jobs, so we always explain what is involved and give you the cost first.
Can you repair my steering rack?
Yes. We work on both hydraulic and electric power steering. For most faulty racks we recommend a reconditioned or replacement rack, as it gives the most reliable result. Some electric steering racks can be repaired, and we assess these case by case.
Do you repair air suspension?
Yes. Most of the air suspension we work on is Mercedes-Benz, and we have also repaired Audi and VW systems. That includes the electronic side: suspension controllers, pumps and compressors, and level switches. See our European Car Servicing and Repairs page for the European vehicles we work on.
Do I need a wheel alignment after suspension repairs?
Usually, yes. Most suspension and steering repairs change the alignment, and a correct alignment protects your tyres. Wheel alignments are done by a specialist alignment provider, and we quality check and road test every vehicle when it comes back.
What brand of shock absorbers do you fit?
Mostly KYB and Monroe. We only buy from reputable suppliers, and we will not fit a part we know will not last the distance. Our suppliers usually have a range of options, so we recommend one and can offer an alternative if budget is a concern.
Do you do suspension upgrades or lowering?
We can fit upgraded suspension bushes, shock absorbers and springs, although upgrades are not our core work. We do not do suspension lowering or related modifications. All the work we do complies with NZTA standards.
My car failed its WoF on suspension. Can you fix it?
Yes. Suspension is one of the most common WoF failures we see. Drop-off is best, as it gives us time to price the repair, call you, and if you approve, get it done the same day subject to availability. A free loan car is available. See our WoF Repairs page for more.
Can you quote suspension repairs for WINZ?
Yes, at our Henderson workshop. Suspension repairs are usually straightforward to quote, and the quote is more accurate when we have done the inspection ourselves. See our WINZ Car Repairs and Quotes page for how the process works.
Our business is caring
Committed To Quality
“With two convenient West Auckland locations, Henderson and Avondale, KAAR is the place to go for Auckland vehicle repairs. Our fully equipped vehicle workshops and professional team of service technicians.”
Kelvin Armstrong
