Category: Suspension System

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Common Mercedes Problems: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re looking for a Mercedes repair in Rocklin, you are probably experiencing an issue with your beloved German treasure. As much as people love Mercedes as it is one of the most reliable car brands out there, you still have to know that they, just like any others, experience issues.

When an issue of any kind presents itself, the very first thing that you might want to do is to ensure the safety of everyone else and get the car to a professional Mercedes service in Rocklin, CA. However, here are some of the common issues that might take place with your vehicle, especially when it comes to Mercedes.

Noisy Struts in E Class Models

When we talk about the shocks and struts, especially if you are driving an E-class model from 1989 to 1995, this is something to consider. You may also hear rattling as well as banging sounds which are coming from leaking or loose struts. It’s a standard issue that you have to keep in mind and take care of quickly.

Insulation Damage

Another common issue that Mercedes owner might experience is related to damage done to the insulation in the harness wires of the engine. A speedy vehicle inspection service is likely to pinpoint the exact place where the cost has taken place and ensure that it is being taken care of properly.

Oil Leaks in the Electronic Transmission

It is something that takes place in electronic transmissions in vehicles made after 1995. It might be prone to graphite buildup from the clutches because of oil leaks.

You have to be sure to take care of it as quickly as you can because your transmission is the end thing that you want to have issues with – it is quintessential that you take care of it quicker.

Ignition Failure – Spark Plugs

If you have old spark plugs, your Mercedes might fail to start. Relax, though, as it’s not the most pressing issue and it is one that you might want to take care of quickly. It is a problem that you might have to deal with when you go for more than 75,000 miles.

Now, of course, these are far from being the only issues that Mercedes owners might have to deal with, but they are undoubtedly amongst the most common ones. Suspension repair is another thing that you might want to keep in mind when it comes to it – this one is very critical to handle.

All in all, the truth is that you have to find a reliable service provider with years of experience in the field. He will be able to help you out and to make sure that your problems, regardless of whatever they may be, are properly taken care of. It is something that has to be taken into account because relying on a professional Mercedes mechanic is just as important as identifying the issue in the first place. He will guarantee that the problem is taken care of.

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Signs Your BMW Might Need Suspension Work Done

Imagine you are coming to a stop light, and need to put on the brakes, quicker than usual. When you come to a stop, you notice that your car bounces. The bouncing of a vehicle almost certainly signals that there is a problem with your suspension. The most common cause being a worn out shock or strut. Shock, struts and other suspension parts play a huge role in keeping your vehicle affixed to the ground, overall ride quality, and most importantly no bounce. Depending on what kind of road you travel on, will affect how long your vehicle’s suspension parts last. If you live on a country road that has gravel and potholes, the suspension parts will wear out faster. When any of the components start to fail, you will notice a difference in how your vehicle rides. Some of the more apparent signs of worn out suspension parts can include:

  • Car Body Sways – can feel like vehicle isn’t firmly planted on the road
  • Lowered Ride Height – on one side or both, car will appear to sag slightly
  • Tire Vibration – especially after hitting a bump
  • Poor Steering Return – When turning the wheel, it doesn’t immediately go back to center
  • Tire Shake – after encountering a hump in the road or braking at high speeds

These are just a few examples of what you might experience when a suspension part is failing or has already broken. A vehicle’s suspension is made up of different components depending on the model vehicle you have. The most common elements are the shocks, struts, springs, and tires. However, some BMW’s utilize a Coilover shock system for improved performance. Often time suspension components will be grouped with steering components because they frequently work together. For instance, control arms can be seen as both because the spring will rest on them.

Struts are a structural part of the suspension. It will not only dampen what you feel on the road, but it also keeps stability in check. These significant parts of your suspension should require replacement when needed.

How Important is a Suspension Inspection?

All the parts of your vehicle need to be in good condition to give you the best ride possible. The suspension system is no exception. To identify any problems an inspection can help. A suspension inspection is not a long process, but it can determine many issues your car might be having. The examination will including looking at the shocks and struts for leaking fluid, weak springs, and how the tires are wearing. After the inspection is completed, you should be alerted to any issues. Replacing parts that need to be replaced can stop from other costly repairs. Continuing to drive a vehicle with worn out suspension can cause steering components to wear out prematurely. It can also cause tires to need to be replaced sooner.

Conclusion

The suspension of your vehicle works together so that you won’t feel every bump in the road. If you aren’t wanting to have a sore back from a car bouncing and swaying, then it is a good idea to have an inspection done and correct any problems.

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When You Shouldn’t Try DIY BMW Repairs?

Everyone loves to save money where they can. One way to do this is taking on do it yourself projects. Do it yourself repairs is excellent for mechanically inclined people that can usually figure things out. There are, however, times when a DIY project can get you in over your head. When it comes to BMW’s, there are a few repairs that a person can do if they are up for the challenge. Then again some repairs are really best left to a professional. If you have any of these issues with your BMW, then BMW repair shop Roseville, Ryan GMW can help.

Replacing a Blown Head Gaskets

The dreaded blown head gasket. This particular repair, if you Youtube it, can seem like a breeze. It isn’t. To get to the head gasket, much of what’s under your hood will need to come out. That is plenty of bolts and accessories. If you lose anything, it can put the whole project at risk. The problem with replacing your head gasket, besides the difficulty level, is the problem might be more severe than the head gasket itself. Even if the head gasket has blown, the cylinder head might require resurfacing because of warpage. Drop by at Ryan GMW and we’ll assess your BMW if you will need to have more than just the gasket replaced to run correctly.

Repair, Replacing or Rebuilding a Transmission

Transmissions are the trickiest parts of any vehicle. In a BMW this is especially true. Transmissions are known to be complicated if you are thinking about tackling this job, don’t. A professional automotive technician is more qualified to perform repairs or rebuilds. The transmission is mounted to the engine no matter if it’s a front wheel, all wheel or rear wheel drive. To remove it, you have to separate the two. Disconnecting the two might not seem like an impossible feat, but mating them back together is a real pain. Just ask any mechanic. When it comes to anything with a transmission, this is one part of the BMW you don’t want to try and repair.

Replacing Suspension Parts

Removing and replacing parts might seem like a simple do it yourself job, but in the case of suspension parts, it can become challenging and time-consuming. Often these pieces are stuck on there, really stuck on there. They can also require specialty tools to perform the task at hand. These can be done by a do it yourself, but it is most certainly easier to have a trained professional handle them. Replacing some suspension parts might also require a wheel alignment. These are typically done with machines at a shop to ensure everything is aligned the way it should be.

Alignments

There are videos out there that show how to do a wheel alignment at home. While this might seem like a great way to save a few dollars, adjustments made by measuring and eyeballing if things look straight, isn’t as exact as a machine. Therefore the results aren’t going to be the same. There is also the possibility of throwing the alignment off more if done incorrectly. If your steering wheel is crooked and your car is drifting left or right, bring it into a shop for a professional wheel alignment.

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BMW Ride Quality

Don’t Let Your BMW Ride Quality Suffer Because of Faulty Suspension

The suspension in most vehicles is pretty standardized. However, the suspension in a BMW is entirely different, and depending on the model has some degree of variants. The BMW’s unique suspension design creates one of the best ride qualities to date. While other manufacturers are using lower control arms and a single ball joint, BMW has dual-link struts that have their ball joints. While you might be saying, but what’s the difference? There is a huge difference. This setup allows for movement that a single ball joint/lower control arm setup just doesn’t have. Depending on the model, suspension parts can include the coils, coil-over springs, sway bars, and shocks. In newer BMW’s you’ll find that they use an adaptive suspension in some models that adjust depending on what you select. Perhaps one of the essential features of the BMW’s suspension system is its shocks. Shocks have some critical roles in how it relates to riding quality. They keep a BMW planted firmly on the road, and “dampen” what you feel when you hit a bump in the road. The shocks that are on most models are adjustable. The ability to adjust just how much you will feel when driving is an excellent way to not only personalize your ride but also get the most out of your suspension parts.

There are many ways to tell if a shock has gone wrong. Taking your vehicle to a BMW service Roseville shop like Ryan GMW is the best option for determining if something is wrong with the suspension of your BMW. For a self-test on if shocks are worn out, although not as scientific or exact, is the bounce test. If you were to lean on the car on one corner pushing it towards the ground and let off, is there any bounce or does it return to position right away? If it bounces a couple of times, changes are good suspension repair and service are in your future. It is necessary to replace worn out shocks quickly. There a few downsides to driving a car with severe collapses and they can include:

  • Reduces brake efficiency
  • Anti-lock brake system isn’t as effective
  • Control when cornering can be compromised
  • Increased wear on tires
  • Uncomfortable ride

It’s essential to have shocks, or any other suspension parts replaced when needed. Ryan GMW is the BMW expert that offers fantastic repair work on all BMWs. BMWs aren’t like every other car on the road. They are sophisticated and require an expert to troubleshoot and repair their problems.

Conclusion

The suspension in a BMW is complicated, and this complexity is what makes the ride quality so much more appealing while driving. When there is a problem with the suspension parts, such as worn out shocks, there is a noticeable difference in drive quality. It is unsafe to drive a vehicle for an extended length of time on bad shocks, and it should be addressed by a professional. Check out the services we offer, here!

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Vehicle Checkup 101: Types Of Vehicle Inspections (UPDATED)

Vehicle inspections are very useful for car owners. They paint an accurate picture of the health of the vehicle. There are a few different types of controls that can be done, and each one serves a purpose. In California, if your car is six years or older you must have an emission inspection done before you can get your vehicle legal to drive. It is the most commonly done vehicle inspections for any automotive shop. Aside from the state requirements of needing a smog certificate, some great vehicle inspections can be done at Ryan GMW that can help identify any problems that could be happening with your vehicle.

Fluid Inspection

Cars rely very heavily on the fluids that run them. It can include engine oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and differential fluid. When a vehicle experiences any leak, fluid will be lost. Having a checkup of all your essential fluids can help extend the life of many of the parts on your car.

Exhaust Inspection

If there is a problem with your exhaust system, your car will produce more smog into the air that is no good for the environment. California smog laws make having to have exhaust inspections a necessary part of owning a vehicle. Aside from the environmental aspect, exhaust leaks can sound horrible, and even create performance issues. An exhaust inspection will include everything from the manifold or headers down to the tailpipes. Typical items found in the exhaust system are leaks from exhaust tubing and clogged catalytic converters.

Suspension Inspection

The ride quality of your vehicle can be traced to the suspension parts underneath it. Struts, shocks, springs, tie rod ends, control arms are some of the leading parts. Having a suspension inspection done can save your vehicle from having some serious problems. Since many of the suspension parts are tied in with one another, if one piece is not working correctly it can throw off other parts. Identifying a problem before it becomes a more significant issue is the main reason to have the suspension looked at.

Brake Inspection

Brakes are one of the most common concerns for drivers. It is with good reason. The brakes are what keeps your vehicle stopping and is essential for the safety of all drivers on the road. When brakes aren’t functioning correctly, your car won’t stop when it needs to. A brake inspection can identify if it is about time to change your brake pads, if your brake lines look good, and if the rotors are in good shape.

Tire Inspection

A tire inspection can give indications on if you need a wheel alignment because of uneven wear, or if it is just time to replace worn out tires. It can also help identify if it is time for a tire rotation service.