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It's surprising how little accurate information is available regarding shock absorbers/struts.
Almost everything you hear from mechanic shops and salesmen is wrong, and most of what you read on the internet is simply regurgitation's of the information that came from those simple-minded mechanics.
Before you decide to replace shocks, you need to understand what they do.
Imagine your tire is a Basketball, rolling down the road. When it hits a pothole or other bump, the basketball will bounce. You don't want the basketball to bounce, since that causes the basketball to leave the road.
The tire of your car bounces too, even though the springs try to keep it on the ground. But when the tires bounce you will feel the slight loss of control, especially if you're trying to maneuver a curve on a washboard road.
Properly functioning shock absorbers limit the speed with which a tire can travel in one or both directions.
Shock absorber salesmen will try to tell you that "Double Action" shocks are better, yet auto manufacturers typically use single action shock absorbers for most production vehicles. You don't need to control every action of the wheel/springs, just enough to prevent the tire from leaving the road. If a single action shock absorber is good enough for the automotive engineers, it's certainly good enough for me.
So, back to the original question; when do you need new shocks.
1. if the shock absorber(s) are leaking oil, you probably should replace them, even if they ARE still doing their job. If they're leaking oil, they are just about through.
2. If you can bounce the car by hand, and the car keeps going when you stop helping it... in other words, bounce the car up and down a couple times, then when you let go see how long it takes to stop; if it moves down, then pretty much stops after you quit pushing, the shocks are probably okay.
3. Check the bushings. These are the rubber grommets that go between the shock absorbers and the frame/axle. If the grommets are worn out or missing, you need new shocks; well actually you need new grommets, but they come with the new shocks.
4. If the vehicle tends to keep bouncing as you go down the road, you need new shock absorbers.
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∙ 11y ago
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If the front end bounces while breaking does that mean the shocks are bad?
yes you need new front shocks.
How do you know you need new shocks and struts?
the_front_end_of_the_vechicle_will_ethier_allow_the_front_to_droop_and_it_will_also_end_up_being_stiffer in_the_ride.Another_way_is_too_bounce_the_car_by_hand_watching_for_the_number_of_bounces_that_it_takes more_than_two_is_considered_sloppy_and_in_need_of_replacement.
Do you need new shocks to install a long travel kit?
It depends on the kit, most will provide new shocks, however not all do. As a general rule of thumb if you are increasing or decreasing the height of your vehicle you should replace the shocks to match the change.
Can you get 3 inches of lift by add new shocks on your 1995 jeep grand Cherokee?
No, you will need more than shocks to get 3 inches of lift.
When is it time to replace the shocks?
An easy way to tell when your shocks are worn out is to push down on the car to make it bounce. It should stop and come to rest after about two motions. If it continues much past that, you likely need new shocks.
Why does your 1999 ford expedition sit low in the front?
Maybe in need of new shocks, springs, exc.
How do you know if you need either new shocks or struts?
Try a simple test. Push your car or vehicle with a substantial force downwards, towards the ground. Do this by pushing the hood down or the drunk down. If your car bounces fast and did it like a spring. You need new shocks or struts. This will affect your riding comfort. Some manufacturers specify to change the struts or shocks every 75,000 miles.
How do you know when you need shocks?
Bounce your car. Get it bouncing good and jump off. If it bounces more than three times before stopping, your shocks are shot. You could also have a buddy follow you while you drive down a rough road. If your buddy sees daylight under your tires, you need new shocks.
Why do new alternators keep failing on 1984 GMC Sierra?
are you buying cheap shocks , such as lifetime warranty shocks either buy good shocks or genuine GMC shocks
Will new shocks and brakes effect your new alignment?
no
What does it mean when your car jumps while you're driving?
Not sure what you mean by "jumps". Maybe you need new struts or shocks.
How do you replace shocks on a Chevy Suburban?
Jack car up and remove tires for easy access, then simply unbolt front shocks and replace with new shocks. On the rear some models come with a type of ride leveling shock that will be noticeably fatter than a normal shock, this type of shock called Nivomat MUST be replaced with a comparable expensive Nivomat shock or you need to buy a replacement kit that includes new springs and regular shocks, this kit uses different springs to compensate for the non Nivomat shocks. To replace rear shocks you would follow similar steps to the front, jack up car, remove tires and simply unbolt the shocks and re-install the new shocks in the same order.
