Shocks Worn Out?
HOW CAN I TELL IF SHOCKS AND STRUTS ARE WORN OUT?
Although this test in not intended to replace a proper inspection by qualified technician, it will give you an idea regarding the wear of either shocks or struts.
Here’s a few things you can do to check yourself. But use caution – this is not intended to be a replacement for a proper inspection of your suspension and steering by a qualified technician.
Push down quickly and firmly on the front and rear of your vehicle. If the car bounces more than once or twice, you may need to replace your shocks and struts.
Some initial signs of suspension problems are:
- Tire Wear: Your tires seem to have excessive or uneven tread wear.
- Leaking: Your shocks or struts are leaking fluid.
- Damage: Your shock or strut casings are dented or damaged.
- Mounts: The shock or strut mounts are broken or worn.
- Drifting: Your vehicle seems to float, sway or drift during turns.
- Rough Ride: Your vehicle bounces excessively when you hit a bump.
- Dip or nose dive: Your vehicle tends to “nose dive” when you apply the brakes.
Here’s a Look at the Key Components of Your Cars Steering and Suspension System
The image below shows you where the key components of your car’s suspension and steering systems are. Click the image to enlarge:
Illustration of a Typical Steering and Suspension System
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SHOCKS AND STRUTS?
What’s the different between Shocks and Struts?
Shock absorbers are more common on trucks and SUV’s while struts are usually found on cars. The shock absorber cushions the bouncing of the wheels using nothing but hydraulics.
On the other hand, struts are a little more complex. They absorb the shocks by combining steering elements and support for the vehicle. At first glance, struts appear like a shock absorber with a spring on top.
Typically, when it comes to cost, struts are more expensive to replace. That’s because they’re a more complex part.
Regardless of what your car has, shocks and struts cannot be interchanged. If your car was built with struts – then they have to be replaced with struts. You can’t switch from struts to shocks.