A vehicle’s steering system is an essential component of its ability to move. The steering system’s primary functions are to provide vehicle turning at the driver’s command, directional stability, convert the steering wheel’s rotary movement into an angular turn of the front wheels, and absorb road shock from being transmitted to the driver’s hands.
In this article, you will learn about the Steering and suspension system.
Your car’s steering system includes everything from the steering wheel to the steering shaft, rack and pinion (also known as the gearbox), and the linkage that connects to the wheels.
A suspension system comprises mechanical components such as springs and dampers that connect the wheels to the chassis. Traditionally, it has served two purposes: managing the vehicle’s handling and braking for safety and keeping passengers comfortable from bumps, vibrations, and other factors.
It is a mechanical system of springs or shock absorbers that connects the wheels and axles of a wheeled vehicle to the chassis.
Your vehicle’s suspension system is responsible for smoothing out the ride and keeping the vehicle in control. The suspension system increases the friction between the tires and the road, offering steering stability and good handling.
There are different types of the steering system, as follows:
A rack-and-pinion steering system is most likely used in your average car or truck. The rack, a horizontal piece of metal with teeth along the top side, and the pinion gear, a round gear at the end of the steering shaft that interlocks with the rack’s teeth, comprise this simple system. This mechanical system is typically housed within a tube.
The steering shaft and pinion gear turn with you as you turn the steering wheel.
Power steering components can be combined with the recirculating ball system to improve steering assistance. This works similarly to the power-assisted rack-and-pinion system in that pressurized power steering fluid is applied to a specific block side to ease steering in that direction.
Electric power steering systems are the most eco-friendly and fuel-efficient steering systems available, with an electric motor replacing the traditional power steering pump. This electric motor is directly attached to the rack-and-pinion assembly or the steering shaft.
An internal computer senses which direction the driver wants to turn and powers the motor to assist in that direction using a variety of sensors. Since the power steering pump has been replaced, power steering is available without additional engine horsepower as in standard power steering systems.
Before we get into the issues, your car may be experiencing with steering and suspension, it’s important to understand how they work.
Vehicles are equipped with either reciprocating ball steering or rack and pinion steering.
Reciprocating ball steering uses links and arms to ensure all four wheels turn simultaneously. It employs a steering box to control the movement of the steering wheel and column and connects it to the wheel movement capabilities.
The steering wheel and steering column are linked to a rack, which moves a piston as the wheels turn.
The suspension system connects your car’s body to the wheels via shocks. The suspension system keeps your wheels connected to the road and provides a smooth ride while driving. The suspension system includes several components that absorb the impact of the road as you drive, such as springs, shocks, and struts.
Get in Touch with Gustafson Auto Clinic & get full treatment!
If you are wondering about the best-quality & satisfactory Steering and Suspension system, your search ends at Gustafson Auto Clinic.
Appreciate the friendly customer service and reasonable pricing. Vehicle was ready ahead of schedule. Great local business!
Sara Graling Nov 11, 2025
First time coming in . Place was very warm and welcoming :) staff were super friendly . Completed what I needed done in a timely manner. Will definitely go there again :)
Maurice Groves Oct 10, 2025
Great staff. Good experience. Only fixed what I asked them to fix, nothing more. Quote was bang on and very detailed.
Richard Fontaine Oct 10, 2025
Always get great friendly service there.
ron souster Oct 10, 2025
Very straight forward,greet customer service,Gustafson’s auto clinic has true leaders and greet staff,very happy with my business there!!!!
Ethan Dennis Sep 9, 2025
They provided prompt professional service and had my car back on the road in no time!
colin byers Sep 9, 2025
Good mechanics, prices, and customer service. They’ll never try to sell you a repair you don’t need. Also worth mentioning that it is the cleanest mechanic shop I’ve ever seen
Audrey Pidlubny Sep 9, 2025
Price was good and they were able to accommodate my schedule. Great staff and pleasant environment.
Mike Pelletier Sep 9, 2025
Appointment reservation system works great and you can count on knowledgeable and friendly service.
Darcy Dierker Sep 9, 2025
Not an online guy by any stretch of anyone’s imagination but Gustafson’s Auto asked for a review & they treat me so well I’ll give it a shot . I mostly run older vehicles & I like everything working right & looking good . Kevin & Stacy & Colton & everyone else there have made sure repairs were done right & at a fair price ever since I showed up there out of the blue with truck trouble quite a few years ago . Besides regular maintenance like brakes , steering & suspension they have done some unique work for me that many other shops wouldn’t touch & I probably wouldn’t trust them with anyway . I have 1 fairly new vehicle & when it needs attention I would rather take it to Kevin than to the dealer . I know you can’t please all the people all the time but they sure please me & that’s not easy .
Brian Twining Aug 8, 2025
The staff at Gustafson's are at the top of their game every time we go there . Very friendly and inviting atmosphere. Highly recommend them for all your services needed on your vehicle 👍 👌
Collin Sikora Aug 8, 2025
Gustafson were truly angels! Last minute problems with my truck were going to interfere with my holiday plans. They orders parts and got my truck fixed just in time! So thankful! They are the best!!
Jackie Shank Aug 8, 2025
Excellent service as usual!! I have remained a customer for 15 years now. I always feel well looked after and trust that I can take my car on the highway with no anxiety. Thanks to the team at Gustafson’s!!👍🏼
Brandi Lamont Aug 8, 2025
Very pleased with the service. Didn’t solve the problem on first try but didn’t give up until the problem was resolved ! Well done
Ross Lindenberger Aug 8, 2025
Great quick friendly service
Gregory Wade Topola Jun 6, 2023
Simply put you are not a number on a waiting list but rather being treated like you are part of their family. They are the real deal!
Paul C Harris Jul 7, 2025
Phenomenal service!!! They went above and beyond to diagnose and repair concerns on my Ford Escape and now it works smoothly. Thank you very much to Kevin and the team at Gustafson's Auto Clinic in Athabasca , AB. I highly recommend this business.
Lois Redding Jul 7, 2025
Very helpful and item that I requested for my vehicle is good quality. The service was done very well and completed when I was told it would be.
Kathy Clow Jul 7, 2025
Amazing service and expertise. We were on vacation in Calling Lake with friends of ours. Their truck broke down with a fuel pump issue. All the other automotive part suppliers told us it would take 3+ days for a replacement part. Kevin managed to get it the very next morning early. Great service and expertise
Michael Eybers Jul 7, 2025
Very satisfied
Howard Mason Jul 7, 2025
I've brought all of my vehicles here for some work over the past couple months and I can't say anything but good things. Great customer service, great technicians. Getting parts in fast and scheduling the vehicles in a timely manner. I look forward to bringing all of my business to Gustafsons Trail Tire in Athabasca.
Devon Mackenzie May 5, 2025
Recently had my ac repaired here and as usual the service was excellent.
Dean Oilberta Mar 3, 2025
Kevin and his team are a pleasure to deal with! Very professional and not trying to rip you off! Would highly recommend them if you are looking for auto service in Athabasca.
Kevin Gay Jun 6, 2025
5+ star service. If I could, they would get more stars. This business is a friendly knowledgeable family run business and I am happy to be their customer Way to go Gustafsons Trail Tire Auto Center
Debbie Chrusch Jan 1, 2025
Service was great, didn’t do anything that wasn’t asked for, gave great prices. Definitely will coming here again for future repairs and replacements
Sam May 5, 2025
Had my CP4 high pressure fuel pump on my 6.7
Bayne Balaski Mar 3, 2025
Great, reliable, service and people. Highly recommend!!
Shawn Jackson Dec 12, 2024
**Outstanding Service & Expertise!** I’ve been bringing my vehicles to Kevin and his team for some time now, and I can confidently say they are first-class professionals. They always get the job done right the first time, with meticulous attention to detail and expert craftsmanship. Beyond their technical skills, Kevin and Stacy make every visit a pleasure with their warm, friendly, and helpful approach. It’s rare to find a team that combines top-quality repairs with such genuine customer care. Absolutely no complaints—just pure appreciation for the exceptional service they provide!
Ian Nichols May 5, 2025
Friendly staff when I come in. The service is great, always on time and they let me know if there are any issues or what needs to be done.
Wendy Yakowchuk May 5, 2025
Great service and my exhaust turned out great with no rattles or squeeks. Thank you again
Larry S Apr 4, 2025
As always a pleasure to deal with they were able to book me in with a very short wait time and even had the job done a day early.
Graeme Douglas Apr 4, 2025
I was on my way to a job test when J blew a wheel bearing and was sidelined on the highway, they got me in the next morning and I was on my way an hour later. Great service, hopefully I don’t break down like that again but if I did I would go to this shop everytime.
jesse tilander Apr 4, 2025
Fantastic
Grant Gustafson Mar 3, 2025
Professional, friendly, speedy service.
Calvin St.Louis Apr 4, 2025
Solid service at fair price. Great experience. They'll be getting my business again.
Brian Potts Apr 4, 2025
Gustafson’s Trail Tire in Athabasca took what was a horrible experience of my truck broke down & stranded on the side of the road. Scheduled it into their already busy garage. Quoted & repaired the issue. Took the time to ensure some smaller details were looked after so that I could make it home. Without hesitation! Would strongly recommend!
Justin Kohlman Mar 3, 2025
Gustafson's Auto has been our "Go To" service and repair shop for over 30 years. Pricing is competitive. work is completed as promised, and they stand behind their work. There have been several times where they've gone above and beyond. Thank you Kevin, Stacey and Colton.
Gerry Kiselyk Mar 3, 2025
Prompt, helpful, friendly service
Michael Wallace Mar 3, 2025
The service was quick and done right!
Sharron McKinnon Mar 3, 2025
Professional and offer the best services. I’ll recommend them first to anyone in Athabasca and its environ 👍
Alogo emmanuel Alogo Mar 3, 2025
Vehicle was repaired on time and at the quoted price. Knowledgable staff explained options for parts and why I needed them and what I could do at a later date.
Warren Zyla Mar 3, 2025
They have managed to fix shit that I give up on like my exhaust system. Also they found much more problems with my car than other local tire giants. So I’m putting in all the right new parts in this time
Unknown Shopper Mar 3, 2025