Undercar Services: Maintenance & Repair

Rely on Floyd's Tire & Car Care in St. Louis, MO 63114 to provide quality care for your vehicle's undercarriage. Stop by our shop to see how we can help you or call 314-427-2840 for more information.

To keep your vehicle running at peak performance, we provide undercar services that include:

• Alignment
• Anti-lock Brakes
• Brakes
• Chassis
• Differentials
• Driveline
• Exhaust
• Shocks
• Tires

Suspension Questions and Answers

Q: What is included in a front-end alignment?

A: Front-end alignment is a service performed on the front wheels. The process includes adjustments to the camber, toe and casters. Your 'thrust angle adjustment' may also need adjustments, to ensure that all four wheels are in alignment.

Q: How often should shocks be replaced?

A: Experts recommend that shocks be replaced at 50,000-100,000 miles. If you are a more aggressive driver or frequently drive on rough roads, they will wear out faster. Shocks don't go out all at once, they deteriorate slowly over time. If you are noticing problems with handling, making smooth turns or ride smoothness have one of the professionals at Floyd's Tire & Car Care inspect your shocks.

Q: Are shocks difficult to replace?

A: Shock absorber replacement is usually a straightforward job, taking less than an hour of labor, but they should be replaced by a professional. Some models require other components to be removed or replaced before working on the front shocks. Bring your car to Floyd's Tire & Car Care in St. Louis and we will help you determine what needs to be done and get you back on the road quickly.

Q: Are struts difficult to replace?

A: Replacing struts is simple and fast for a professional. Replacing your front struts yourself is not recommended, especially if you need a new complete strut assembly kit. When you get your truck's struts replaced you also need to have the front-end alignment checked. Ask the professionals at Floyd's Tire & Car Care to replace your struts and we will complete the work quickly and easily.

Q: What is the difference between shocks and struts?

A: Shocks and struts are both parts of a vehicle's suspension system. However, each has a very specific job. Your vehicle has either shocks or struts. You cannot replace your shocks with struts and vice versa. Shock absorbers are hydraulic components that help minimize movement generated by the vehicle's springs. These springs absorb some of the jolts you might feel from uneven or damaged roads. Struts are structural components of certain vehicles' steering and suspension systems. They usually consist of a spring and a shock absorber. Struts are designed to be much stronger than shocks since they are designed for vehicles that carry heavy loads.

Q: Is it necessary to get an alignment after strut replacement?

A: Floyd's Tire & Car Care recommends performing an alignment anytime shocks, struts or other steering and suspension components are replaced. Getting your vehicle's alignment within factory specifications ensures optimal tire wear and helps prolong the life of your tires.

Q: What happens if I only replace one strut or shock?

A: If you replace only one shock or strut, it will create poor handling when changing lanes or driving over bumps. If your car is new, replacing only one strut or shock absorber may be ok since the opposite side shock is not worn out yet. Generally, Floyd's Tire & Car Care recommends replacing both shocks or struts.

Differential Questions and Answers

Q: Is it necessary to change front and rear differential fluid?

A: Over time, the differential fluid breaks down and becomes dirty and impacts performance. It is necessary to have your car or truck's differential serviced regularly. It is generally recommended to have the differential fluid changed every 40,000 to 60,000 miles. However, if you are a more aggressive driver you may need to get your front and rear differential fluid changed sooner. If you are in St. Louis, Alton, IL, Bridgeton, Florissant or the surrounding area, give us a call and we can help you figure out what makes the most sense for your vehicle.

Q: What is front and rear differential service?

A: Differential services performed by one of the professional technicians at Floyd's Tire & Car Care usually includes draining the old fluid from the differentials and replacing it with new fluid according to the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations and specifications. Sometimes other components surrounding the differential may need to be serviced as well.