If you’re city-based and drive carefully all the time on well-maintained, perfectly smooth tar roads, your shocks could last up to 10 years . But for those of us who may hit potholes from time to time and drive on dirt roads now and then, expect to get around 5 years from your shock absorbers.
What is the lifespan of shock absorbers?
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.
When should shock absorbers be replaced?
Generally, shocks and struts wear out every 50,000-100,000 miles . If you’re a more aggressive driver and/or frequently drive on rough roads, they will wear out faster. Shocks and struts don’t go out all at once; they deteriorate slowly over time.
Should I replace all 4 shocks at the same time?
Shocks and struts should always be replaced in pairs or, better yet, all four , for even, predictable handling and control. After all, all four have been on the vehicle for the same number of miles and worked under the same conditions.
Will new shocks make ride smoother?
Shocks and struts help keep the vehicle stable during acceleration and braking. ... 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.
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.
How do I know if I need new shocks?
Several common signs can warn you that shock absorbers or struts need replacing, such as when your vehicle bottoms out over railroad tracks, speed bumps or dips in the road, or it keeps bouncing well after the fact. ... If the vehicle continues to bounce after you let go , your shocks need replacing.
How much does it cost to change 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.
Do better shocks make a difference?
Most upgraded shocks are wider and longer , which helps increase the amount of oil used in each shock and allows the extra heat to dissipate. You can also look at remote reservoir shocks which will help increase the fluid or oil flow when the shock experiences more extreme heat conditions.
Will better shocks improve ride quality?
A good place to start with suspension is to consider changing out the shocks and/or struts of your car. ... If it’s been a while since your struts or shocks have been changed or if you can’t remember the last time you got new ones, a new set can greatly improve your ride quality compared to your old, worn-out ones.
What shocks give the smoothest ride?
The smoothest riding shocks you can get would be ones identical or nearly identical to factory tuning, typically something like the Bilstein B4 series, KYB Excel-G Series , or Monroe OE Spectrum. All of these have the most forgiving valving for road handling and comfort.
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.
Can bad shocks cause pulling?
WORN shocks and struts will no cause your vehicle to pull to the left . Cupped tires will, depending on severity, cause a slight shake in the steering wheel and may cause a slight thumping sound.
What is the difference between shocks and struts?
Struts serve multiple purpose : the internal shock absorber will dampen the movement of the spring as it compresses and rebounds itself while the vehicle is travelling and with its spring it will support the weight of the vehicle while it is moving so that it can adapt to road irregularities In sum, while the shocks ...
Why do I feel every bump while driving?
If you start to feel every bump on the road, it’s a clear sign that there is a problem with your shock absorbers or struts , that needs to be checked. An easy check is the bounce test. Simply push your entire weight down on your car’s bonnet. Release and count the number of times the car bounces.
Should I replace front or rear shocks first?
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 . Rear shock absorber. This is because a new shock absorber will absorb road bumps better than the old one.
