What a Steering and Suspension Technician Does

A steering and suspension technician inspects, diagnoses, and repairs the systems that keep a vehicle stable, comfortable, and controllable, often performing wheel alignments and calibrations to ensure safe handling. The role blends hands-on mechanical work with electronic diagnostics to address issues ranging from worn ball joints and shocks to steering-angle sensor resets and advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) alignment checks.

Scope of the Job

These specialists focus on the components that connect the vehicle to the road and control how it responds to driver input. Their work directly affects tire wear, braking performance, ride quality, and the ability to steer straight and stop safely.

Core responsibilities

Below are the primary duties a steering and suspension technician typically performs day-to-day in dealerships, independent shops, tire centers, or fleet garages.

• Inspect and diagnose ride, handling, and noise/vibration/harshness issues using road tests and chassis checks.
• Repair or replace shocks/struts, springs (coil, leaf, air), control arms, bushings, ball joints, tie rods, sway bar links/bushings, wheel bearings, hubs, and subframe components.
• Service steering systems, including rack-and-pinion units, electric power steering (EPS) components, steering gears/boxes, and related seals and boots.
• Perform four-wheel alignments, set camber/caster/toe, verify thrust angle, and center the steering wheel; provide before/after printouts.
• Calibrate steering angle sensors (SAS) and, when procedures require, confirm or coordinate ADAS camera/radar alignments after suspension work.
• Use scan tools and service information to pull chassis codes, read live data (e.g., SAS, wheel speeds), and follow technical service bulletins.
• Conduct quality-control road tests, verify repairs, and document results for customers and service records.
• Communicate findings and safety priorities, prepare estimates, and advise on maintenance to prevent premature tire and component wear.
• Follow strict safety practices when lifting vehicles and compressing springs; torque fasteners to spec with proper hardware.

Taken together, these tasks ensure vehicles track straight, absorb bumps correctly, and respond predictably in emergency maneuvers—key elements of road safety.

How They Diagnose Problems

Diagnosis is a structured process that blends driver input, physical inspection, measurement, and electronic data. A minor pull or clunk can stem from tires, alignment, worn bushings, or even software and sensor issues in modern vehicles.

Typical diagnostic workflow

This is how a steering and suspension technician typically approaches a problem from first contact to confirmed fix.

1. Interview the driver about symptoms: when they occur, speeds, road conditions, recent repairs, and tire history.
2. Perform preliminary checks: tire pressures, tread condition and wear patterns (cupping, feathering, inner-edge wear), wheel damage.
3. Road test to reproduce issues: pull/drift, vibrations, clunks over bumps, tramlining, memory steer, or steering play.
4. Lift inspection: check joints and bushings with pry bars, look for leaks at shocks/struts, inspect bearings, mounts, and subframes for damage or corrosion.
5. Measure and record: ride height, wheel runout, and free play; check torque on critical fasteners.
6. Electronic checks: scan for chassis/EPS/ABS codes, read SAS and wheel-speed data, verify stability-control readiness.
7. Alignment pre-check: obtain camber/caster/toe and thrust angle; compare with specifications to guide repairs.
8. Root-cause analysis: identify failing parts versus symptoms caused by tires or prior misalignment.
9. Estimate and authorization: prioritize safety-critical items, outline parts, labor, and any calibration needs.
10. Repair, align, calibrate, and road test; provide documentation and care instructions.

This systematic approach reduces comebacks and ensures the underlying issue—not just the symptom—is addressed.

Common Repairs and Services

Because these parts wear out over time, steering and suspension work is common on vehicles of all ages, from daily commuters to heavy-duty trucks and performance cars.

• Shocks and struts with mounts/bearings to restore ride control and braking stability.
• Control arms and bushings to correct clunks, instability, and alignment drift.
• Ball joints and tie rod ends (inner/outer) to eliminate play and ensure precise steering.
• Rack-and-pinion units or steering boxes, plus boots and lines, to stop leaks and fix assist issues.
• Sway/stabilizer bars with links and bushings to reduce body roll and rattles.
• Wheel bearings/hubs to address humming, ABS sensor faults, or looseness.
• Springs and air suspension components (bags, compressors, valves, height sensors) to correct sagging or uneven ride height.
• Subframe and crossmember bushings for stability and NVH improvements.
• Steering angle sensor resets and related calibrations after alignment or column/rack work.
• Wheel alignment and, when indicated, tire balancing/rotation to prevent uneven wear and vibrations.

After such repairs, technicians typically align the vehicle and verify all calibrations to bring the chassis back within factory specifications.

Tools and Technology

Modern chassis service relies on a mix of precision mechanical tools and electronic diagnostic equipment.

• Alignment racks with turn plates and targets for four-wheel geometry measurements.
• Automotive scan tools for chassis codes, SAS resets, EPS functions, and ADAS readiness checks.
• Torque wrenches and angle gauges to meet exact fastener specifications; new torque-to-yield bolts when required.
• Spring compressors, ball-joint presses, and bearing presses for safe component service.
• Dial indicators and runout gauges to assess hubs, rotors, and wheels.
• NVH analyzers, chassis ears, and road force balancers to pinpoint vibration sources.
• Service information systems and technical service bulletins for procedures and updates.

Using the right tools protects both the technician and the vehicle, and it’s essential for reliable, repeatable results.

Customer-Facing Work

Beyond wrenching, technicians help customers understand safety implications, costs, and maintenance timing.

• Show alignment printouts, worn parts, and tire wear to illustrate causes and effects.
• Prioritize safety-critical items (e.g., ball joints, tie rods) and plan non-urgent maintenance.
• Explain how ride control affects stopping distances and stability-control performance.
• Discuss tire choices, load ratings, and rotation schedules that protect suspension investments.
• Outline warranties for parts, alignments, and any required rechecks.
• Provide post-repair advice, such as re-torque of wheels and re-inspection intervals.

Clear communication builds trust and helps drivers budget for preventive care that extends component and tire life.

Qualifications and Training

Steering and suspension work demands formal training, hands-on experience, and ongoing learning as vehicles add electronics and advanced materials.

• ASE A4 (Suspension and Steering) certification, often paired with A5 (Brakes) and electrical fundamentals.
• Manufacturer-specific courses covering EPS, adaptive/air suspension, and model-specific procedures.
• Apprenticeships or mentorships to develop diagnostic judgment and safety habits.
• Safety credentials for lift operation and spring compression; valid driver’s license for road tests.
• Physical capability for lifting, precision work, and safe vehicle handling.

Technicians who invest in certification and training are better equipped to handle complex modern systems and calibrations.

When to See One: Symptoms Drivers Notice

Many chassis problems start subtly and worsen with time. Catching them early saves money and improves safety.

• Vehicle pulls or drifts, or the steering wheel is off-center while driving straight.
• Uneven tire wear patterns: inner edge wear, cupping, or feathering.
• Clunks, rattles, or knocks over bumps; creaks when turning or parking.
• Vibrations at certain speeds or during braking; tramlining on grooved roads.
• Steering play, binding, or a “memory steer” that doesn’t return to center.
• Fluid leaks from shocks/struts or around the steering rack/gear.
• Car sits low, sags, or leans; air suspension inflates/deflates erratically.
• Warning lights for EPS, ABS, stability/traction control after suspension work or impacts.

If any of these show up—especially after hitting a pothole or curb—an inspection and alignment check are prudent.

Industry Trends and Challenges

Steering and suspension service is evolving quickly as vehicles get heavier, smarter, and more connected.

• Electric vehicles add weight and unique loads, requiring robust components and precise alignments for range and tire life.
• EPS, SAS resets, and post-repair ADAS calibrations are now routine after many chassis jobs.
• Larger wheels/low-profile tires increase impact damage and NVH complaints.
• Aluminum and composite suspension parts demand specific torque/lubrication and one-time-use hardware.
• Corrosion in snowbelt regions complicates disassembly and longevity; rust mitigation is part of service planning.
• Access to service data and calibration procedures is central to right-to-repair and quality outcomes.

Shops that pair experienced technicians with modern equipment are best positioned to meet these challenges reliably.

Quality and Safety Standards

Because chassis work is safety-critical, process control and documentation matter as much as the repair itself.

• Follow factory torque specs and replace torque-to-yield fasteners where specified.
• Use new mounting hardware and alignments shims/bolts as procedures require.
• Provide alignment printouts and calibration reports; document road-test results.
• Observe lift safety, wheel chock use, and spring compression best practices.
• Recheck wheel torque after road tests or customer break-in, per shop policy.

These practices reduce risk, improve consistency, and provide transparency to customers and insurers.

Work Settings and Career Outlook

Steering and suspension technicians work in dealerships, independent repair shops, tire and alignment centers, collision facilities, fleets, and specialty/motorsport shops. Demand is steady due to normal wear-and-tear, rough-road damage, and the added complexity of EPS and ADAS calibrations.

• Entry roles: tire and alignment tech, chassis apprentice.
• Mid-career: lead suspension tech, drivability/NVH specialist, calibration technician.
• Advancement: master technician, shop foreman, service advisor/manager, or mobile ADAS/alignment specialist.

Technicians who embrace diagnostics, electronics, and calibration workflows tend to progress fastest and command higher earnings.

Summary

A steering and suspension technician keeps vehicles safe, stable, and comfortable by diagnosing and repairing chassis components, aligning wheels, and calibrating electronic steering and driver-assist systems. Their work prevents uneven tire wear, restores precise handling, and supports modern safety features—making them essential to everyday road safety and vehicle longevity.

Is a car technician a good job?

If you’re exploring career options and wondering whether the automotive industry is a good fit, becoming an automotive technician might be the perfect choice. It’s a hands-on, high-demand job ideal for people who love problem solving, working with their hands, and avoiding a desk-bound routine.

What is the job description of a suspension technician?

Brake and suspension specialists perform necessary repairs or replacements to ensure optimal braking performance. They are also skilled in diagnosing suspension problems, such as issues with shocks, struts, or steering components.

What do steering and suspension do?

And allows the front wheels to pivot allowing steering. And controls the geometry of the tire. And road relationship for best traction. And handling under changing road conditions.

What are the duties of a steering and suspension technician?

A steering and suspension technician diagnoses, maintains, and repairs vehicle steering and suspension systems, which include components like struts, shocks, tie rods, and steering columns. Their responsibilities also involve performing wheel alignments, replacing worn parts such as control arms and ball joints, and utilizing diagnostic tools and test drives to ensure proper vehicle handling, stability, and safety. 
Key Responsibilities

• Diagnosis and Troubleshooting: Use diagnostic tools and perform test drives to identify issues in suspension and steering systems, such as worn components or malfunctions. 
• Repair and Replacement: Repair or replace parts like shock absorbers, struts, ball joints, tie rods, and other suspension components. 
• Wheel Alignment: Perform wheel alignments to manufacturer specifications to ensure proper handling and even tire wear. 
• System Servicing: Service steering systems, including components like power steering pumps, racks, and linkages, along with routine maintenance tasks. 
• Quality Control: Conduct final test drives to confirm that all suspension and steering issues have been resolved after repairs. 
• Customer Communication: Inform service advisors or customers about the necessary additional services or repairs needed. 
• Record Keeping: Maintain detailed records of all repairs and services performed on a vehicle. 
• Continuous Learning: Stay updated on the latest automotive technologies, repair techniques, and safety regulations to deliver high-quality service.