3208 International Street, Fairbanks, AK 99701  |  Phone: (907) 312-1447   

SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT

3208 International Street, Fairbanks, AK 99701  |  Phone: (907) 312-1447   

SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT
SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT

3208 International Street, Fairbanks, AK 99701  |  Phone: (907) 312-1447   

Front End Repair Services in Fairbanks

Front End Components: Rack and Pinion Steering

Of the two systems designed for steering in passenger cars and trucks, the "rack and pinion" system is the most popular. Modern steering is uniformly power-assisted, which adds both electronic and mechanical components to the complex arrangement of gears and pulleys that transfer information from a steering wheel to the drive wheels themselves.


In a rack and pinion system, a gear (called the pinion) is attached to the end of the vehicle’s steering wheel shaft. This circular gear meshes with a linear set of teeth carved into the connecting rod between the front wheels. This is called the "rack."


Historically, rack steering has been power-assisted by the use of hydraulic pumps. Recent innovation has produced Electronic Power Steering (EPS). The major cause of failure in steering systems has been hydraulic fluid loss through leaks, especially in Fairbanks where seals deteriorate quickly due to cold temperatures. EPS is slowly changing that, making rack and pinion steering more reliable and cost-effective.

Problem Area: Front
Front End Components: Steering Gearbox System

Steering gearbox systems operate using the same principle as a rack and pinion system: By using gears to change the circular motion of the steering wheel into the back-and-forth, sideways movement of the two front wheels (much the same as a bicycle handlebar). While rack-and-pinion systems are very simple, the distinct advantage of a gearbox is the strength of its construction. Gearboxes are found in heavy-duty trucks and vehicles that require a stout front-end build. Steering gearboxes also use hydraulic power to assist with ease of turning. These pumps come with rubber hoses and seals which fail in the cold. At METRO, we replace your factory power steering hose by rebuilding it on-site with arctic-grade materials. This is a durable solution that matches the gearbox design.

Symptoms

Red fluid on the ground, brown fluid on the ground, squealing when turning sharply, squealing while maneuvering in parking lots, and/or consistent whine when turning wheel

Problem Area: Front
CV Joints

If you’ve driven a front-wheel-drive car in Alaska for more than a couple of years, you have likely paid for this repair: CV boot or CV axle replacement. But what exactly did you pay for?


CV stands for "constant velocity." A constant velocity joint, or CV joint, is part of the power train system in a car or truck. The power train is a system of axles and joints that act as arteries delivering the rotational motion of the engine to the driving motion of the wheels.


These power arteries have to be able to handle incredible torque. Axles are stout! Because cars and trucks have wheels that are suspended from the frame to achieve safe handling and a smooth ride, the way the wheels receive this power needs to be flexible.


See the problem? Flexible and stout don’t go together! This is where the “constant velocity” joint comes in. Most front-wheel-drive cars have four joints that allow the power train to flex without interrupting the transfer of power to the wheels. Four-wheel drive cars and trucks can have eight to twelve of these joints.


These joints are genius assemblies of rotating slots and ball- bearings, bathed in grease and enclosed in a rubber "boot" that moves with the joint as the wheels turn side to side while flexing up and down with terrain contours.


How do I know when to replace my CV joints?


Regular inspections. We say it all the time, but bring your car or truck to a mechanic who cares and who sees your car at least twice per year. Their careful eye will save you so much money!


In reality, CV axles would never need to be replaced if the joint-covering, or boot, never wore out. When this covering ruptures due to fatigue, age (and in our case cold weather) the smooth bearings and pathways which are lubricated by grease, become contaminated by road debris and quickly abrade.


Have one of our mechanics become your mechanic. Let us inspect your CV boots with every oil change. In many cases, we can save you money by replacing only the boot on your drive axles, rather than the whole CV axle itself.

Symptoms

Clicking sound when taking sharp turns, clicking in front wheels when driving in reverse, smell of burning grease on exhaust, car won’t engage in 4 wheel drive, and/or clicking while maneuvering parking lots.

Certified Mechanics

Ask Us About Front End Repairs and Services

Front end assembly wear, power steering leaks, battery and alternator failure, and engine cooling system (or radiator) leaks—every one of these situations happens in a vehicle's life due to regular usage. The more you drive, the closer you will come to, eventually, every one of these fixes. How they happen is up to you. At METRO, we love spotting the fix before it breaks. We love catching the leak before it becomes overheating. We love identifying the worn rack before you cannot steer. Let one of our mechanics become your mechanic so you can stay on the fixed side of broken!

PAYMENT


We trust our customers! However, personal checks have become an entirely unreliable form of currency. 🤨 We now accept payment in cash, or credit/debit cards.


FOLLOW US

PAYMENT

We trust our customers! However, personal checks have become an entirely unreliable form of currency. 🤨 We now accept payment in cash, or credit/debit cards.

FOLLOW US

© Copyright 2023   Privacy policy

Your cart is empty Continue
Shopping Cart
Subtotal:
Discount 
Discount 
View Details
- +
Sold Out