Services

Power Steering Repairs and Service

Power steering is standard. The heart of any power steering system is its pump. The pump pressurizes the power steering fluid that provides assist for steering.

Most pumps are driven by a belt that is run by the engine – a few are electrically powered. A high-pressure hose passes fluid from the pump to the steering gear. A low-pressure hose returns the fluid back to the pump.

These hoses can develop leaks, so it is a good idea to inspect them at every oil change. Low fluid can damage the power steering pump.

That is why the fluid level is on the checklist for a full-service oil change. The fluid needs to be compatible with the hoses and seals, so check your owners’ manual for the right type.

The fluid cleans, cools and lubricates the power steering system. It breaks down as the years go by and collects unwanted moisture, so it needs to be replaced from time to time. Many manufacturers specify power steering service intervals.

Unfortunately, this important service is sometimes left off the maintenance schedule for many of us in Brisbane. So, when in doubt, every 25,000 kms/40,000 km or two years is a good fallback.

Power Steering Warning Signs

Here are some warning signs of trouble with your power steering:

  • It’s harder to turn the wheel
  • there’s erratic power assist,
  • you hear loud whining coming from the pump
  • you have to top-off the fluid frequently
  • you hear squealing belts.

Remember to never hold the steering wheel to the far right or left for more than a few seconds at a time. That will wear out your power steering pump real fast.

Other steering components can be bent or damaged from wear or hard knocks. Ball-joint, idler-arm, steering gear, steering knuckle and tie rod to name a few.

Warning signs here are steering play, wandering, uneven tire wear, and off-center steering wheel. An annual alignment check will reveal bent or damaged steering components.


Brake Repair

Brakes are perhaps the most important safety device on your car. Every car’s brakes consist of two major components: a brake pad and a disc. The discs help transfer heat generated from the friction of hitting the brakes.

However, thermal stress can always set in, causing your brakes’ discs to crack, rust or warp. Brake pads also need to be changed regularly or else they’ll create scarring on the disc surface, which reduces the overall power of your brakes.

Fortunately, our technicians offer a thorough brake repair service. This service includes such features as disc pad and brake shoe replacement on the front or rear wheels, applying grease to the wheel hubs, replacing caliper pins and removing excess air from your car’s hydraulics.

We carry out these inspections and repairs with the utmost efficiency because we care deeply about your safety on the road and will go to every length to make sure your brakes are working correctly.

We recommend that you get your brakes inspected twice a year for wear-and-tear and other signs of damage. This will increase the lifespan of your brakes and the overall performance of your vehicle.


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    Clutch Repair

    A clutch is a mechanical device which engages and disengages power transmission especially from driving shaft to driven shaft.

    In the simplest application, clutches connect and disconnect two rotating shafts (drive shafts or line shafts). In these devices, one shaft is typically attached to an engine or another power unit while the other shaft provides output power for work.

    Your clutch is an essential part of your car, helping you keep things running smoothly while you change gears. But because they’re kept out of sight, it’s not always easy to see when your clutch is having problems.

    You might, though, notice odd signs like the revs climbing and falling of their own accord or a grinding noise whenever you change gears or even the clutch slipping a little, cutting down your acceleration.

    If you’re still not sure if your clutch needs to be repaired, you can always call Clarke’s Mobile Mechanic for guidance, which we provide at no charge.

    As a trusted auto center, our technicians will always be honest about diagnosing your car’s issues and helping you decide if it’s your clutch or another component that needs fixing.


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      Car Battery Replacement

      Don’t want to get caught out with a flat battery on a cold and dreary morning. We can help keep you fully charged.

      Your car battery is an important element of your car, it is a source of energy to start your ignition and it provides power to car accessories.

      Other than your car battery being dead and not being able to start your car, the other signs your battery is on the way out include; corrosion and stains around the battery terminals and age. Short trip driving or infrequent car use, give a battery less time to re-charge, making it more likely to go flat.

      Clarke’s Auto Marine are battery experts and will always give sound advice. We have a large range of batteries to suit any type of vehicle so we are always prepared for that emergency flat battery disaster. When you call us for a service we can also use the latest diagnostic equipment to test your battery.

      Car Battery Recycling

      Did you know that scrap batteries contain hazardous materials which, if not disposed of properly, can potentially be harmful to humans, pets, wildlife and the environment? The good news is that 99% of a battery is recyclable!

      By recycling scrap batteries Clarke’s Auto Marine Service is helping to prevent harm to people, animals and the environment, save energy and reduce landfill.

      Our scrap batteries are delivered to specialist recycling centers where components are reclaimed and recycled to use in the manufacture of a range of products, including new batteries.


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        Car Suspension Repairs Service

        Your car’s suspension is a part of the chassis, or all the systems underneath the body like the frame, steering, and wheels. The suspension system includes all the shocks, struts and ball joints that keep your vehicle balanced on the road.

        If you feel your car bouncing excessively over bumps or leaning hard when you’re making a turn, it could be a warning sign about your suspension.

        You also don’t want to risk any wear-and-tear on your ball joints, which can cause your car to wander while driving down a straight road.

        Car Suspension Maintenance

        It’s best that you check your shocks and struts regularly for signs of leakage, or to pay attention for any awkward shifting or leaning while you’re driving.

        It’s also recommended that you get your ball joints inspected at least twice a year with the help of a respected mechanic.

        Clarke’s Mobile Mechanic provides excellent servicing for the suspension system of any car make or model.

        Our mechanics will take good care of your vehicle, including small but vital tasks like lubricating your ball joints and any other suspension components.

        We also know how to look for damage to parts like shock absorbers, control arms and brushes, McPherson struts and more.

        Having been a local business for over 20 years, Clarke’s Mobile Mechanic knows how to put the most experience to work on your car and to always treat the car owner with fast and friendly service.


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