Come in if you have

A clunk or knock over bumps, speed humps or rough pavement

The car pulls to one side, or the steering wheel sits off-center

Tires wearing unevenly, or feathered across the tread

The ride feels floaty, or the nose dives hard when you brake

A groan or whine from the steering when you turn at low speed

A steering or suspension item written up on a Virginia safety inspection

Arlington's roads, potholes on the side streets, expansion joints on 66, the odd curb in a tight garage, are tough on suspension and steering parts. When those parts wear, you feel it: a clunk over bumps, a steering wheel that won't settle, a pull to one side, or tires wearing out on one edge. TAB Motors diagnoses and repairs the whole front and rear end so the car drives tight and safe again.

What we repair

Struts and shock absorbers
Control arms, ball joints and bushings
Tie rod ends and inner tie rods
Sway bar links and bushings
Wheel bearings and hub assemblies
Power steering pumps, racks and hoses
Wheel alignment

Why it matters for inspection and tires

Worn steering and suspension parts are a common Virginia safety inspection failure, a loose tie rod or ball joint won't pass, and for good reason. They also chew through tires by throwing off your alignment. Fixing the worn part and setting a proper alignment protects the expensive tires you just bought.

A smooth, straight ride

After a suspension repair and alignment, the difference is immediate, the wheel is centered, the car stops darting, the ride settles, and one customer's exact words fit: the car "feels a lot better now." We'll show you the worn components so you know why the repair was needed.

What happens next

Tell us what it is doing

Call (703) 243-3080, start a quote online, or stop in. What you hear or feel, and when, narrows things down before anything comes apart.

We look at the car

We check the actual parts rather than guessing from the symptom, and we tell you if the cause turns out to be something other than what you came in for.

You get the price first

We show you what we found, explain what is urgent and what can wait, and quote the work before we start. You are free to think it over or take the quote elsewhere.

We do the work

Once you approve it, the job goes ahead, backed by our 1-year warranty on parts and labor. Payment plans available for larger repairs.

You get the car back

Road tested where it matters, with a plain explanation of what was done and anything worth keeping an eye on.

What it costs

We don't publish a flat price for this, because an honest number depends on your specific vehicle and what we find. What we will do is tell you the price before we start, and not change it without talking to you first.

If we need to see the car before we can quote accurately, we'll say so rather than throw out a number we can't stand behind.

AAA members save

AAA members get 10% off labor, up to $75. Bring your card.

Backed for a year

1-year warranty on parts and labor.

Payment plans available

Spread the cost of a bigger job. Ask us in the shop.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my car clunk over bumps?

Usually worn struts, sway bar links, or control arm bushings. We'll pinpoint which one on a lift.

My steering wheel isn't centered / the car pulls, do I need an alignment?

Very likely. A pull or off-center wheel points to alignment, though we'll also check for a worn part causing it first.

Can worn suspension fail Virginia inspection?

Yes. Excessive play in ball joints, tie rods or steering components is a safety failure. We can inspect and repair in one visit.

How do I know if I need shocks or struts?

Bouncing after bumps, nose-diving when braking, or cupped tire wear are classic signs. We'll confirm before recommending replacement.

Will fixing this stop my tires wearing out?

If bad alignment or a worn part is eating your tires, yes, that's exactly why we align after suspension work.

Suspension & Steering Repair

What you get