Undercar Services

Undercar Services

Keep your vehicle in peak condition by allowing us to provide our under the vehicle services that let you get around town safely.

Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
Anti-lock brakes prevent wheel lock-up when rapidly decelerating by automatically modulating the brake pressure during an emergency stop. With this system in place, the wheels are able to maintain traction with the road when braking. Failure of the ABS can increase the risk of multiple vehicle crashes and run-off road crashes causing you and/or others serious harm. To avoid this, have your anti-lock brake system checked and/or repaired by experts regularly so that the ABS light stays off.

Brake System Flush
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture. The absorbed moisture lowers the fluid's boiling point and corrodes the lines and cylinders. With the boiling point lowered, the brake fluid could boil during braking which makes you lose braking ability. Although this is an extreme scenario, it does happen in heavy braking. To reduce and counter the effects of the absorbed moisture, we recommend that you have a brake flush done periodically. A brake flush involves the replacement of the used contaminated fluid with clean fresh fluid.

Brakes
The brakes are a mechanical device for slowing or stopping a vehicle, usually by means of friction. In short, the brakes inhibit your vehicle's motion, it lets you stop whenever and wherever you choose. Brakes are one of the most important parts of a motor vehicle, without them you would not be able to stop the vehicle and that can lead to serious injury for yourself and others.

Caliper
The brake caliper houses your brake pads and fits around the motor like a clamp, pressing the pads against the rotor when you brake. A problem with the caliper could cause uneven braking making your vehicle slide forward when braking and can even cause your vehicle to slide out of control in bad weather conditions.

Rotors
In a disc brake system, rotors are attached to your vehicle's wheels. When the brake pads grip the rotor, they bring both the rotor and the wheels to a stop. However, over time the friction can cause grooves and cracks to appear, but resurfacing your rotors can get you back to a "like-new" condition, reducing squealing and wobbling.

Chassis
A chassis is the vehicle's internal framework that supports the body and other components such as the wheels, engine, driveshaft, differential, and suspension. A weak or damaged chassis will translate to a weak car. To keep a strong reliable vehicle, have the chassis checked for defects.

Driveline
If the driveline fails then the vehicle would not be able to move since the energy cannot be transferred from the engine to the wheel axles. Frequently get your driveline inspected and serviced.

Shocks
Shocks (or shock absorbers) are mechanical devices designed to smooth out rough roads. The shocks convert kinetic energy to another form of energy in order to function. When your shocks are working properly they reduce the effect of traveling over rough ground, leading to improved ride quality and easier vehicle handling. If the shocks develop a problem, driving on poorly leveled roads becomes unpleasant and the vehicle may sway when turning.

Struts
Similar to shocks, your vehicle's struts provide a dampening effect as you travel over the road's surface. By absorbing the shock of the road, struts allow passengers to ride in a car without constant uncomfortable motion. Struts work a bit differently than shocks in that they provide structural support for your vehicle's suspension, which means they support your vehicle's weight, unlike shocks which only regulate the speed at which the weight is transferred. Struts usually last around 50,000 to 60,000 miles because the damping characteristics of the parts gradually deteriorate over time.

Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
Anti-lock brakes prevent wheel lock-up when rapidly decelerating by automatically modulating the brake pressure during an emergency stop. With this system in place, the wheels are able to maintain traction with the road when braking. Failure of the ABS can increase the risk of multiple vehicle crashes and run-off road crashes causing you and/or others serious harm. To avoid this, have your anti-lock brake system checked and/or repaired by experts regularly so that the ABS light stays off.

Brake System Flush
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture. The absorbed moisture lowers the fluid's boiling point and corrodes the lines and cylinders. With the boiling point lowered, the brake fluid could boil during braking which makes you lose braking ability. Although this is an extreme scenario, it does happen in heavy braking. To reduce and counter the effects of the absorbed moisture, we recommend that you have a brake flush done periodically. A brake flush involves the replacement of the used contaminated fluid with clean fresh fluid.

Brakes
The brakes are a mechanical device for slowing or stopping a vehicle, usually by means of friction. In short, the brakes inhibit your vehicle's motion, it lets you stop whenever and wherever you choose. Brakes are one of the most important parts of a motor vehicle, without them you would not be able to stop the vehicle and that can lead to serious injury for yourself and others.

Caliper
The brake caliper houses your brake pads and fits around the motor like a clamp, pressing the pads against the rotor when you brake. A problem with the caliper could cause uneven braking making your vehicle slide forward when braking and can even cause your vehicle to slide out of control in bad weather conditions.

Rotors
In a disc brake system, rotors are attached to your vehicle's wheels. When the brake pads grip the rotor, they bring both the rotor and the wheels to a stop. However, over time the friction can cause grooves and cracks to appear, but resurfacing your rotors can get you back to a "like-new" condition, reducing squealing and wobbling.

Chassis
A chassis is the vehicle's internal framework that supports the body and other components such as the wheels, engine, driveshaft, differential, and suspension. A weak or damaged chassis will translate to a weak car. To keep a strong reliable vehicle, have the chassis checked for defects.

Driveline
If the driveline fails then the vehicle would not be able to move since the energy cannot be transferred from the engine to the wheel axles. Frequently get your driveline inspected and serviced.

Shocks
Shocks (or shock absorbers) are mechanical devices designed to smooth out rough roads. The shocks convert kinetic energy to another form of energy in order to function. When your shocks are working properly they reduce the effect of traveling over rough ground, leading to improved ride quality and easier vehicle handling. If the shocks develop a problem, driving on poorly leveled roads becomes unpleasant and the vehicle may sway when turning.

Struts
Similar to shocks, your vehicle's struts provide a dampening effect as you travel over the road's surface. By absorbing the shock of the road, struts allow passengers to ride in a car without constant uncomfortable motion. Struts work a bit differently than shocks in that they provide structural support for your vehicle's suspension, which means they support your vehicle's weight, unlike shocks which only regulate the speed at which the weight is transferred. Struts usually last around 50,000 to 60,000 miles because the damping characteristics of the parts gradually deteriorate over time.

Suspension FAQs

How often should shocks be replaced?

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 Major Muffler & Auto Repair inspect your shocks.

Are struts difficult to replace?

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 Major Muffler & Auto Repair to replace your struts and we will complete the work quickly and easily.

What is the difference between shocks and struts?

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.

Is it necessary to get an alignment after strut replacement?

Major Muffler & Auto Repair 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.

What happens if I only replace one strut or shock?

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, Major Muffler & Auto Repair recommends replacing both shocks or struts.

Differential FAQs

Is it necessary to change front and rear differential fluid?

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 Redding, Shasta Lake, Red Bluff, Chico or the surrounding area, give us a call and we can help you figure out what makes the most sense for your vehicle.

What is front and rear differential service?

Differential services performed by one of the professional technicians at Major Muffler & Auto Repair 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.