It's difficult to know when to replace shock absorbers and struts. These difficult-to-inspect components often fail so slowly that you may not notice the reduction in ride comfort and handling. Furthermore, there is no set time or mileage when outdated shock absorbers or struts need to be replaced. Fortunately, there are ways to know when it's time to have your shocks and struts checked at Les Schwab.
What are shocks and struts?
Every car and truck is suspended by a combination of springs, shock absorbers and struts. If you look behind any of your four wheels, you'll see these hard-working parts moving up and down up to 1,900 times per mile. By the time you've driven your vehicle 50,000 miles, your shock absorbers and struts have done their job 75 million times, working together with your brakes, steering, suspension, tires and your modern collision avoidance systems to keep you in control preserves and can travel safely on the road.
What do shocks and struts do?
Shocks and struts in good condition help your car handle bumps, debris, sudden braking, swings, potholes, wind gusts or sharp turns. They control the lateral, forward and upward shift of the car's weight, keeping your tires in contact with the road and keeping you in control of your vehicle.
She also:
- Keep your tire in contact with the road.
- Make sure your tires and wheels don't move up and down too much.
- Contribute to stability when accelerating, stopping and turning.
- Increase driving comfort by absorbing shocks and impacts from irregular road surfaces.
- Help control a vehicle's body movements (side to side roll, bounce).
- Promote even wear for longer tire life.
Contrary to popular belief, shocks and struts typically do not support the weight of your vehicle or the load your truck or vehicle can carry. The feathers do the work. But worn shock absorbers and struts put more strain on the springs and other essential suspension components. Without the control that a good shock or strut provides, these other components become overloaded, causing fatigue and premature wear.
Signs that your shock absorbers or struts are worn out
Well-functioning shock absorbers and strutsincrease your safety on the road and help reduce damage to other parts of your vehicle. Look for these signs that it's time to have your shocks and struts checked and replaced.
Unusual tire wear (including cupping).If you notice cupping (as seen in the photo below) or other unusual tire wear, you may have a problem with your shocks or struts that are throwing off alignment. This can be especially important to note if a rotation has been performed but abnormal wear is still occurring.
Rubber bumpers that are cracking, peeling, or off center.These covers can be found at the top and bottom of the shock absorbers.
Delicious liquid.If you find clear or light brown fluid on the outside of shock absorbers or struts, this could indicate a failed seal.
Driving problems.If your car dives under braking, dips (loudly scrapes) when you go over a speed bump, the rear dips when you accelerate, or if your car bounces more than normal after going over a speed bump, this could be a sign of severe shocks. or strengtheners.
Remproblemen.Your car may take longer to stop than normal.
Waving.This can be especially noticeable after a bend, changing lanes or in crosswinds.
Unusual sounds.As shocks or struts wear out, they can no longer do their job. This can cause many different sounds, including knocking and banging.
See oursFrequently asked questions about shock and strut service repair.
What happens if I ride on worn or damaged shock absorbers and struts?
It's important to stay in touch with the road, especially when driving over bumps or moving with highway traffic. Your vehicle's suspension system, including shock absorbers and/or struts, is excellent for the job when all parts are working properly.
Over time, these parts will wear out. You may not even notice it as it gradually breaks down. If they don't work properly, it can reduce your control and safety. It can also cause additional wear and tear on other parts of your vehicle, including your tires.
Replacing worn parts before they break down can keep your car's electronic systems and suspension functioning properly, extending the life of your car and keeping you safer on the road.
Shocks and struts aren't just about a smooth ride
Today's vehicles are equipped with highly developed electronic safety systems (vehicle stability systems, ABS (anti-lock brakes), traction control, collision avoidance control and automatic braking). These all work together to keep the tires in good contact with the road and give them the most stability.
When you have to stop unexpectedly hard or make a turn, your car's collision avoidance systems immediately send electronic signals to the brakes and other crucial components. If handling components such as shock absorbers and struts are worn, they may not respond properly. In addition, the braking distance can be increased and brakes and tires can wear out more quickly. In addition, extra tension can be placed on the springs.
How long do they last (when should I replace them)?
It all depends on the level of wear and tear the shock absorbers and struts undergo, the quality of the roads you drive on, whether you are towing heavy loads and how aggressive you are behind the wheel. That is why periodic inspections are important.
Have yours checked annually (or every 12,000 miles) whenever you make any adjustments, change tires, if you experience any problems with ride control, or whenever you buy new tires.
Les Schwab can help
We are your suspension inspection experts. Our service people know what to look out for and how to return your car or truck to its original condition. Come by or make an appointment today.
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