subject: Auto Repairs - When to Replace Shocks [print this page] Auto Repairs - When to Replace Shocks Auto Repairs - When to Replace Shocks
Shocks and struts do not require replacing at specific mileage intervals like filters or spark plugs, but they do wear out and eventually have to be replaced.
When these parts wear out over time they can cause a rattle or a thump noise because the strut is coming in contact with the body of the vehicle since this sustaining mount has disintegrated and is not cushioning the strut anymore. You need new shocks (and/or struts) if your original shocks (or struts) are worn out, damaged or leaking. Leaking is easy enough to see (just look for oil or wetness on the outside of the shock or strut) as is damage (broken mount, badly dented housing, etc.). But wear is often more of a subjective thing to judge.
When exactly a shock or strut needs to be replaced is difficult to say. Since the damping characteristics of shocks and struts decline gradually over time, the decline in drive control often passes unobserved. So by the time you think you need new shocks or struts; it may be too late.
One way to determine if you need new shocks or struts is to consider how your vehicle has been managing and riding lately. Does it bounce excessively when driving on rough roads or when hitting a bump? Does the nose dip when braking? Does the body sway excessively when cornering? Does the suspension bottom out when carrying extra passengers or weight?
There's also an effortless test that can be performed that will determine when your shocks need to be replaced. A "bounce test" is a suitable means of checking the dampening power of shocks and struts. If the suspension continues to gyrate more than one or two times following rocking and releasing the bumper or body, your shocks or struts are showing their age and need to be replaced.
This easy bounce test is just that, bouncing on the front of the vehicle and watching to find out how many times the vehicle bounces up and down before the bouncing stops. Too much bouncing indicates worn struts and shocks. Basically, what you need to do is bounce the car up and down using your body weight a couple of times. When you discontinue bouncing and free the car, it should level off after one stroke. After releasing the vehicle, it ought to bounce one time and should come back to a level stand. If it continues to bounce after you let go more than one rebound act, then it shows the shocks needs to be changed. So that's how to tell when automotive shock absorbers should be replaced.
Shocks are a popular do-it-yourself item on most vehicles because they are fairly easy to replace and are generally replaced in pairs -- though this isn't very necessary if only one shock or strut is leaking or has suffered damage at a low mileage. . But struts are not. Most struts require a fair amount of suspension disassembly as What's more, the wheels must usually be realigned after replacing a strut. For this reason, you're probably better off letting a professional replace your struts.
Make sure they take a test drive with you and hear the same sound you do. You want to make sure the work order you sign states the complaint properly not just "replace struts". You do this in case the noise is still present after the repairs so that you have it in writing what your original complaint was.
