Front End Car Repair Services

Front End Repair Overview

Modern vehicles offer secure handling and a smooth ride, thanks to the advanced automotive engineering put into the front end of the car. 

Although you may think the front-end of a car refers to the bumper or the grill, the front-end refers to the components that attach the steering wheel to the wheels and help provide a smooth, secure ride.

The front-end of a car includes two different groups of parts: the steering system and the suspension system. Each set of parts contains dozens of other components that are crucial for both overall performance and safety. 

Components of the steering rack include the rack and pinion, tie rod ends, and axial rods. These parts help translate your input from the steering wheel to the front wheels of the car. Suspension components include ball joints, struts, shocks, control arms, and wishbones. In addition to providing a smooth ride over rough pavement, suspension components also help control the movements of the vehicle’s body during turning, accelerating, or stopping.

What is front-end repair?

There are a few reasons why the front-end of a car would need repair. 

First, front-end components, just like anything else on a car, can fail due to wear and tear or a manufacturer's defect. Everything from the struts to the ball joints can fail over time, especially if you regularly experience tough winter weather conditions or live in an area with a high amount of dust and debris (dirt roads). 

Although the components of a front-end are a sealed system, the covers and boots that cover critical components can become damaged and let in harmful debris. Components like struts or shocks, much like brakes or tires, have a finite life cycle and usually require replacement anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 miles. 

Front-end damage from an accident with another vehicle, collision with an object, or pothole can also cause drivers to seek out front-end auto repair. In a front-end collision, a vehicle can experience obvious damage, like frame damage, body work damage, or require a radiator replacement. 

What most people don’t realize is that the suspension system and steering system can also be damaged during an accident, even if it’s a minor fender bender. Once an accident is reported to the insurance company, insurance companies typically suggest you send the vehicle to an auto body repair shop for a full assessment. These collision repair shops not only repair dings, but also the front-end of the vehicle. 

The front-end of a car comprises an incredibly precise set of components and any sort of impact can cause major drivability issues. Even something as simple as driving over a pothole or running into a curb can be grounds for a wheel alignment or front-end repair. 

What are some common front-end problems?

One common front-end problem is steering-system malfunctions. Steering-system issues include a persistent bump or shimmy felt in the wheel while driving, a steering wheel that constantly pulls to one side, an off-center steering wheel, loud squealing while turning, or a steering wheel that feels stiff. It’s tough to diagnose these issues on their own, so we recommend bringing your vehicle down to Mavis for a thorough diagnosis.

One of the most common issues with the suspension system of a front-end assembly is bouncing or bobbing, turning, accelerating, or stopping. You can check this yourself by pushing down on the front of your car until the vehicle starts bouncing. Once you let go, the vehicle should stop bouncing in one to two bounces. If it doesn’t, then the shocks or struts could be compromised. This is caused by worn-out struts or shocks that have lost their ability to control the body of the vehicle during normal driving. 

Other common issues include clicking or popping coming from the front of the vehicle during driving, uneven tire wear, a bumpy ride, or vibration coming through the steering wheel. 

Let Mavis be your front-end repair specialists

Your vehicle's front-end is a precise piece of engineering requiring expert knowledge to ensure the job is done. Mavis can handle way more than just brake repair, battery replacement, and oil changes. Our team of experts can not only diagnose front-end problems, but repair the issue so you can get back on the road with a smooth and secure ride in no time flat. 

Our business was built on trust and for over 50 years, we’ve been helping people just like you with their car repair and tire needs. Give us a call or set up an appointment online today.