The short version
- What it is: European cars are tuned to feel precise.
- Watch for: Clunking over bumps or when turning; steering that wanders or feels vague; a bouncy or harsh ride.
- How we work: When bushings, mounts or shocks wear, that feel goes first. We inspect the whole front and rear end and replace what is actually worn.
- Backed by: 2-year / 24,000-mile warranty on qualifying parts and labor.
- Book: Online in about a minute, or call 510-528-1214. Mon–Fri 8–5.
Suspension, Steering, Shocks & Struts at Berkeley Motor Works
European cars are tuned to feel precise. When bushings, mounts or shocks wear, that feel goes first. We inspect the whole front and rear end and replace what is actually worn.
We work on BMW, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Audi, Volkswagen, Porsche, Volvo, Land Rover, Jaguar and Fiat at our shop at 736 San Pablo Avenue in Albany, and every repair is backed by our 2-year / 24,000-mile warranty on qualifying parts and labor.
Components we service
What are the signs? 6-point checklist
- Clunking over bumps or when turning
- Steering that wanders or feels vague
- A bouncy or harsh ride
- Uneven or rapid tire wear
- Vibration at highway speed
- A car that sits lower on one corner
Sound familiar? Book an inspection or call 510-528-1214.
What causes it? 6 common causes
- Worn control-arm and thrust-arm bushings
- Leaking or worn shocks and struts
- Worn strut mounts, sway-bar links or tie-rod ends
- Wheel bearings
- Out-of-balance wheels or damaged tires
- Air-suspension leaks on models that have it
Worn suspension and alignment wear tires unevenly. We check tire wear patterns on every suspension inspection.
How do we diagnose it?
- Road test on rough and smooth pavement
- Lift inspection of every bushing, joint, mount and shock
- Check tire wear patterns, which reveal alignment and suspension problems
- Balance and inspect the wheels when vibration is the complaint
- Photograph the worn parts and send them before work begins
- Coil spring Carries the weight of the car and sets ride height.
- Damper Controls how fast the spring moves. Worn dampers let the car bounce and wander.
- Spring seat Holds the spring in place on the strut body.
- Mounting eye The bushing here isolates noise. A worn one clunks over bumps.
What should you tell us when you book?
- When it happens: cold start, braking, turning or at speed
- Any warning lights on the dash (a phone photo helps)
- Your mileage and roughly when the car was last serviced
- Any recent repairs done elsewhere
What might the repair involve?
Common suspension work on European cars includes front control-arm bushings, strut mounts, sway-bar links and shocks. After replacing steering or suspension parts, an alignment is usually needed to protect the tires. We also sell tires and balance wheels. For a larger repair, financing through EasyPay lets you spread the cost.
A customer on suspension
“Local streets are like a mogul ski run this year. Despite my best pothole awareness, they got the best of my suspension. I brought the car at 9am, Paul listened carefully to my description of a new noise. A short drive around the block confirmed my struts and control arms were the source. Parts were obtained and installed the same day and the car was ready by 4:30 I can’t think of a more efficient outfit. I have relied on them since 2006.”
What maintenance prevents it?
Rotate tires as your schedule recommends and check pressures monthly. Uneven wear on the inner edges of the front tires is an early sign of worn bushings or alignment changes.
Which European makes do we service?
Suspension, Steering, Shocks & Struts for all ten makes we work on. Pick yours for model-specific maintenance and common repairs.
Suspension, Steering, Shocks & Struts for Albany and East Bay drivers
All work is done at our shop at 736 San Pablo Avenue in Albany, convenient to Berkeley, El Cerrito, Richmond and Oakland. Drop off in the morning; El Cerrito Plaza BART is under a mile away.
Questions about suspension
Should shocks and struts be replaced in pairs?
Yes, per axle. Replacing one side leaves the car handling unevenly.
Do you sell and install tires?
Yes. We sell tires and balance wheels, and we inspect the suspension at the same time so new tires are not worn out by a worn part.