It’s advisable to have your vehicle’s shocks and struts inspected every 12,500 miles and replaced every 50,000 miles. While it’s straightforward to identify wear on items like tires, brakes, and windshield wipers, assessing shocks and struts is more challenging despite their critical role in vehicle safety.
During routine maintenance visits for tire, brake, or alignment services, it’s a good idea to ask your mechanic to inspect the shocks and struts as well. They can assess their condition and advise you on whether replacement is necessary based on factors like wear and tear, leaks, or other signs of damage. Since shocks and struts play a crucial role in your vehicle’s handling, stability, and overall safety, it’s essential not to overlook their maintenance. Regular inspections and timely replacement can help ensure a smooth and safe driving experience.
Signs That Indicate Your Shocks and Struts Need Replacement
These are some signs that indicate it might be time to replace struts and shocks. It’s important to have your vehicle inspected regularly by a qualified auto repair like Brock Automotive to assess the condition of the suspension system, including the struts and shocks. They can provide expert advice on whether replacement is necessary based on the specific condition of your vehicle. Remember that worn-out struts and shocks not only affect ride comfort but also compromise vehicle safety, so it’s essential to address any issues promptly.
1. Excessive bouncing
Excessive bouncing of your vehicle following bumps or road irregularities may indicate worn-out struts or shocks. These components are designed to absorb the impact of road imperfections, maintaining stability and comfort. When they become worn, they lose their ability to dampen the movement effectively, leading to increased bouncing.
2. Poor handling
When struts and shocks wear out, they may contribute to instability while driving, manifesting as excessive body roll or swaying, especially when navigating corners. These components play a crucial role in maintaining the vehicle’s balance and responsiveness by controlling the movement of the suspension. When they deteriorate, they’re less effective at managing the vehicle’s weight transfer during turns, resulting in a less predictable and potentially unsafe driving experience.
3. Uneven tire wear
Uneven tire wear, characterized by bald spots or excessive wear on specific areas, may signal issues with your suspension system, potentially stemming from worn struts or shocks. The suspension components are responsible for maintaining proper alignment and distributing the vehicle’s weight evenly across the tires. When struts or shocks are worn, they fail to adequately absorb shocks and vibrations, leading to uneven tire contact with the road surface.
4. Leaking fluid
The presence of visible fluid leaks on the exterior of the struts or shocks often indicates internal damage and signifies the necessity for replacement. These components contain hydraulic fluid, and leaks suggest a breach in their seals or casings. Such leaks compromise the effectiveness of the suspension system, leading to diminished shock absorption and potentially unsafe driving conditions.
5. Excessive noise
Knocking, clunking, or squeaking noises experienced when driving over bumps or rough terrain can serve as indicators of worn-out suspension components, including struts and shocks. These noises typically arise due to the inability of deteriorating struts or shocks to effectively dampen the impact of road irregularities. As a result, the suspension system fails to absorb shocks adequately, leading to audible sounds as components move and interact with each other.
6. Mileage and age
Most manufacturers typically advise inspecting struts and shocks for wear and tear between 50,000 to 100,000 miles. However, it’s essential to note that factors such as driving conditions and vehicle usage can impact the lifespan of these components. Additionally, if your vehicle is several years old and has never undergone strut or shock replacement, it’s wise to consider preventative replacement. Over time, even without visible signs of damage, these components may degrade, affecting ride quality and safety.
Suspension & Steering Repair Services in Beaverton, OR
If you notice that your vehicle is not driving as smoothly as it used to, or you hear strange noises every time you make a turn or hit a bump, it might be time to bring your car in for a suspension and steering system inspection. At Brock Automotive Import Service, we have the skills, equipment, and manpower to provide top-quality suspension and steering repair services in Beaverton, OR for all makes and models of European and Asian import vehicles. Contact us today at (503) 994-1211 to get started.