Steering Repairs in Craigieburn

Power steering faults, racks, tie rods and steering shake, diagnosed at the cause.

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Steering Repairs in Craigieburn: Freddy's Auto Care diagnoses and repairs vehicle steering faults including power steering leaks and pumps, steering racks, tie rod ends and idler arms at 14 Potter Street, Craigieburn.

Steering complaints are usually described the same way. It feels loose, or it shakes. And those two descriptions cover a dozen different causes across three different systems. Getting it right means finding which one, not replacing parts until the symptom stops.

Steering play can come from the rack, the tie rods, the idler arm or the column. A shake at speed is more often wheels or brakes than steering. We check what is actually moving before quoting anything.

When to get it looked at.

Most of these start small. Catching them early is the difference between a routine job and an expensive one.

The steering wheel shakes
At highway speed this usually points to wheel balance or a buckled wheel. Only when braking, it is usually brake discs. Constantly at all speeds, it can be a tyre or a worn joint.
Free play before the wheels respond
Movement at the wheel that does nothing at the road means wear in the rack, the tie rods or the column joints.
Steering has gone heavy
Low or leaking power steering fluid, a failing pump, or on electric systems a fault that needs reading with a scan tool.
Whine or groan when turning
The typical sound of a power steering pump low on fluid or beginning to fail.
The car wanders or pulls
Alignment, tyre pressures, uneven tyre wear or a worn steering component. Worth separating before parts are replaced.
Fluid on the ground or under the rack
A leaking rack or hose. Running a power steering system low will destroy the pump.

Steering Repairs at Freddy's.

Power steering diagnosis and repair
Pumps, hoses, reservoirs and fluid on hydraulic systems, and fault diagnosis on electric power steering.
Steering racks and boxes
Leaking or worn racks and steering boxes repaired or replaced, including the rack boots that let dirt in once split.
Tie rods, idler and pitman arms
Play measured on the hoist and worn joints replaced, a frequent roadworthy failure item.
Wheel alignment
Set after any steering or suspension component is replaced. Without it, the new parts wear the tyres out.
Wheel balancing
The most common actual cause of a steering wheel that shakes at speed.

Why it matters

What happens if it waits.

Steering components fail progressively and then suddenly. A tie rod end with play is a noise and a tyre-wear problem; a tie rod end that separates removes your ability to steer that wheel at all.

It is also the cheapest system to keep on top of. Alignment and balancing are inexpensive, and they protect a set of tyres worth several times as much.

“I walk away extremely happy with the service, price and communication...a mechanic that can actually trust.”
Mark Chetcuti · Google
“Genuine, & honest servicing to my car AC. I would definitely recommend Freddy's for great work & friendly customer service.”
Nese · Google

4.9 · 164 Google reviews

Steering Repairs, common questions.

Why is my steering wheel shaking?

It depends on when it happens. A shake that appears around highway speed and gets worse with speed is most often wheel balance or a buckled wheel. A shake felt only while braking usually points to brake discs. A shake present at all speeds can be a damaged tyre, a worn steering or suspension joint, or a driveshaft issue. Because the causes are different systems, it is worth having it checked rather than replacing tyres and hoping.

Do you repair power steering?

Yes. Freddy's Auto Care diagnoses and repairs power steering faults, including leaking hoses and racks, failing pumps, and fluid replacement, as well as fault diagnosis on electric power steering systems.

How often should I get a wheel alignment?

Any time steering or suspension components have been replaced, whenever you fit new tyres, and any time the car has taken a solid hit through a pothole or kerb. Beyond that, if the car pulls to one side, the steering wheel sits off-centre when driving straight, or the tyres are wearing unevenly, it is due.