Worn suspension affects handling, tire wear, and safety — not just ride comfort. For Mountlake Terrace drivers on the I-5 corridor and 236th commute routes, Tom's B&M Auto has diagnosed and repaired suspension on all makes since 1985. We inspect struts, shocks, bushings, ball joints, tie rods, and wheel bearings systematically — you see the photos before we quote anything.
Road test to characterize the noise or handling issue — clunk, squeak, wander, bounce. Then a lift inspection of struts, shocks, control arm bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bar links, and wheel bearing play. Both sides checked and compared.
Written estimate listing each component that needs attention, including whether the issue is safety-critical now or something to monitor. We never replace parts that don't need replacing.
Post-repair road test to confirm noise is resolved. Four-wheel alignment performed same day when suspension work affects alignment geometry. All suspension repairs warranted 12 months/12,000 miles.
Suspension diagnosis requires knowing which component produces which symptom. A clunk over bumps from the front is usually a sway bar end link or control arm bushing. A grinding turn noise is often a wheel bearing. A bounce that doesn't settle is a strut or shock. We characterize the symptom first, then inspect to confirm.
We replace struts as complete assemblies — cartridge, spring, top mount, and bearing together. A new cartridge on a worn top mount bearing returns noise within months. It's the right way to do the job, and it's what we do on every car.
Cartridge, spring, top mount, and bearing replaced together — not just the cartridge.
Four-wheel alignment performed same day after any suspension work affecting geometry.
Worn components often appear in pairs. We check both sides every time.
Suspension repair includes road test, lift inspection of struts/shocks, control arm bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bar links, and wheel bearings. Written estimate before work begins. Strut replacement done as complete assemblies. Four-wheel alignment recommended after any geometry-affecting repair.
From Tom's B&M Auto - serving Mountlake Terrace and the greater Seattle metro.
Tom's B&M Auto · 17820 Hwy 99, Suite E, Lynnwood · Serving greater Seattle
Also serving: Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace, Shoreline, Mukilteo, Kenmore, Alderwood Manor