Replacing conventional hydraulic rear shocks, on most vehicles, goes pretty quickly. For a do it yourselfer without air or electric power tools and using a floor jack and jackstands, say
20-30 minutes per side
. This is provided that the fasteners aren’t rusted solid.
How long do shocks take to replace?
How long does it take to replace rear shocks? It will take
about 30 minutes
if you’re learning as you go. If you know what you’re doing, it will probably take about 20 minutes.
Is replacing shocks difficult?
Shocks are relatively simple and cheap.
Struts are more complicated
and you will need a spring compressor to remove the springs. After replacing the front struts you will need to get a wheel alignment.
How long does it take to put shocks and struts on a car?
In most cases, it shouldn’t take
more than a couple of hours to get back
on the road again. If you’re interested in replacing shocks and struts on your vehicle, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’re discussing the difference between the two and how to replace them so you can save some money.
How much does it cost to replace my shocks?
A typical shock and strut replacement can set you back anywhere
between $450 and $1,100
on parts and labor combined. An individual shock and strut assembly costs around $150 to $900, while estimated labor costs for replacing a shock and strut assembly can range anywhere from $150 to $300 per assembly.
Can I drive my car with bad shocks?
If your shocks and struts go bad,
you shouldn’t drive your car for long
. Driving with bad shocks and struts is a safety risk because the stability of your vehicle is compromised. You will experience poor handling, excessive body roll, a wobbly steering wheel, and poor traction.
Will replacing shocks improve ride quality?
The customer may think that new shocks and struts will simply make their ride smoother, but the truth is that new shocks and struts
can do a whole lot more
. New shocks and struts can make a vehicle corner and brake like when it was new.
Do you have to replace all 4 shocks at once?
Shocks and
struts should always be replaced in pairs or, better yet, all four
, for even, predictable handling and control. … Remember, too, that whenever the struts are replaced, it becomes important to check the alignment, as it may have changed, to protect your vehicle tires and assure maximum safety.
How long are shocks good for?
On average, if your car has been “babied,” you can expect your shocks/struts to last about 10 years. If you have really used your car like a workhorse, 5 years is probably all you can expect. This means that for the average driver,
7 or 8 years
is the maximum life expectancy of most shocks and struts.
Can I replace just one shock absorber?
Do you have to replace both shock absorbers or struts if only one is bad?
It’s not necessary
, but it’s usually recommended to replace them in pairs, for example, both front struts or both rear shocks. … If you replace only one shock absorber, it may create “unevenness” from side to side when driving over bumps.
Is it worth it to replace struts?
Struts don’t need to be replaced unless
your vehicle is bouncing like it’s on a pogo stick or bottoms out in potholes and over railroad tracks — or unless a mechanic finds that they’re leaking fluid or have been damaged. In some climates, they can also rust.
What are the signs of bad shocks?
- Instability at highway speeds. …
- Vehicle “tips” to one side in turns. …
- The front end dives more than expected during hard braking. …
- Rear-end squat during acceleration. …
- Tires bouncing excessively. …
- Unusual tire wear. …
- Leaking fluid on the exterior of shocks or struts.
Is an alignment necessary after replacing struts?
Replacing those struts
requires no alignment
.
What is the difference between shocks and struts?
Even though they do the same thing, shocks and struts are completely different parts. A shock cannot be used to replace a strut and a strut cannot be used to replace a shock. … The major difference between shocks and struts is that
a strut is a structural part of the vehicles suspension system where a shock is not
.
What noise do bad shocks make?
If you experience similar vibrations on smooth roads, your shocks, struts, or steering stabilizer may be worn. Unusual noises – When shocks and struts are worn out you may hear a
clunking or knocking sound
. This sound is caused by metal-to-metal contact when the shock or strut bottoms out when hitting a bump.
How do you know when shock absorbers need replacing?
- Shock Absorbers Leaking. This is one of the most common signs that your shocks are shot, and it’s an easy one to spot. …
- Uneven Tyres. …
- Bad Vibrations. …
- Stopping Takes Longer. …
- Swerving, Nose Diving and Veering. …
- Knocking Noise. …
- Bumpy Rides.
When replacing shocks what else should be replaced?
Shocks and struts should always be
replaced in pairs (front axle or rear axle)
, and it’s even better to replace the shocks/struts on all four wheels at one time. This helps maintain reliable handling and a consistent response on both sides of the vehicle.
How long do KYB shocks last?
The only dig on KYB shocks is that they only last
7-9 years on average
. While this is the typical lifespan for shocks, higher-end brands can last even longer.
Is it OK to just replace rear shocks?
It’s not necessary
, but it’s usually recommended to replace them in pairs, for example, both front struts or both rear shocks. … If you replace only one shock absorber, it may create “unevenness” from side to side when driving over bumps.
Do expensive shocks make a difference?
Premium shocks do a
much better job at protecting your vehicle’s components
as well, we’re talking road/pavement/pothole damping characteristics here.
What happens if shocks are bad?
Other signs of car shocks and struts in bad condition are
unusual noises over bumps
, excessive body lean or sway in turns, or that the front end of the vehicle dives sharply in hard braking. Bad shocks also can affect steering control and cause uneven tire wear. … Carrying heavy loads also will wear out shocks faster.
Do car’s have both shocks and struts?
Every wheel on your vehicle has either a shock or a strut –
never both, never neither
. However, you may have struts on your front wheels and shocks on your rear wheels.
How many shock absorbers does a car have?
All vehicles have
four shock absorbers
(or a strut/shock absorber combination) at each wheel. The good news is that your shock absorbers don’t require scheduled maintenance like other parts in your vehicle. This doesn’t mean they never need replacing. Shock absorbers do fail over time.
Do new shocks settle in?
shocks will settle slightly
, but a large wheel gap is most likely due to incorrect installation.
How much does it cost for car alignment?
How much does an alignment cost? A front-end alignment usually costs
between $65 and $100
(some brands, of course, are more). At that price, it should be a regular part of your car care regime. To make an alignment even more economical, some car care facilities offer lifetime alignment packages for around $200.
How long does an alignment take?
Under normal circumstances, a wheel alignment will take an
average of one hour
, whether it’s a two-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive vehicle. If there’s too much wear and tear or damage on the suspension system, steering bushing, track rod, or other parts, it’ll take a longer time as some components have to be replaced.
What causes shock absorbers to fail?
Possible causes:
The end stop for the spring path is defective or missing (e.g. due to an accident). This means that the damper must perform the end stop’s function, which causes excessive strain.
Incorrect adjustment of the air spring level
. Excessive strain caused by extreme use on poor roads.
Are struts in the front or rear?
Struts are
typically installed in conjunction with the front wheels
, but depending on a vehicle’s setup and driveline, they can also be mounted at the rear wheels. Just as there are different types of cars, there are different types of struts.
