Shocks and Struts are some of the more difficult auto parts to assess functionality. You need new shocks and/or struts if your original shocks or struts are worn out, damaged or leaking. A leaking strut or shock is the easy enough to identify - just look for oil or wetness on the outside of the shock or strut, as is a damaged shock or strut - broken mount, badly dented housing, etc. Alternatively, wear is often more difficult to identify. There are also circumstances where the original equipment shocks may not be worn out, damaged or leaking, but may not be suitable for the job they're being asked to do. In such cases (trailer towing, hauling overloads), upgrading the suspension with stronger, stiffer or some type of special shock (or strut) may be recommended to improve handling.
Shocks and struts do not have specific mileage replacement intervals like oil filters or spark plugs, but they do wear out and eventually have to be replaced. How long a set of original equipment shocks will last is difficult to determine. Some original shocks may be getting weak after only 50,000 or 65,000 Kilometers. Typically struts last upwards of 80,000 to 100,000 Kilometers.
When exactly a shock or strut needs to be replaced is difficult to determine. Because the damping characteristics of shocks and struts deteriorate gradually over time, the decline in ride control often passes unnoticed - by the time to think you need new shocks or struts, it's usually way past the point when they should have been replaced.
One way to evaluate your need for strut or shock replacement is to consider how your vehicle has been handling and riding lately. Does it bounce excessively when driving on rough roads or after hitting a bump? Does the nose dip when braking? Does the body roll or sway excessively when cornering or driving in crosswinds? Does the suspension bottom out when backing out of the driveway or when hauling extra passengers or weight? All of these are indications that you may need to replace your shocks and/or struts.
A "bounce test" is still a great way of checking the dampening ability of shocks and struts. If the suspension continues to gyrate more than one or two times after rocking and releasing the bumper or body, your shocks or struts are showing their age and may need to be replaced.
Why Replace Shocks and Struts?
Weak or worn shocks and struts won't necessarily become a driving hazard if you continue to drive on them, but there are studies that show worn shocks increase the distance it takes to stop a vehicle on a rough surface. Increased body sway due to weak shocks or struts can also increase the risk of skidding on wet or slick surfaces.
Worn shocks and struts also increase suspension wear and can have a negative effect on tire wear. The reason why most people decide to replace shocks or struts is to improve overall ride quality. If you're sick of bouncing and rocking on rough roads, a new set of shocks or struts will firm up your suspension and restore proper ride control and comfort.
If performance handling is your desire you can upgrade to premium "gas" charged shocks or struts. These are charged with high pressure nitrogen gas to help minimize foaming in the hydraulic fluid inside the shock. This lessens "fade" on rough roads and helps the vehicle maintain better ride control while cornering.
There are also "heavy-duty" replacement shocks and struts that have larger diameter pistons than stock shocks and struts. These provide increased resistance for greater control - but may be a little too stiff for everyday driving. Some shocks have special valves or adjustable valves that allows the amount of resistance to vary depending on desired feel.
If you tow a trailer or haul extra cargo another shock option to consider is overload or air-assist shocks. Overload shocks have a coil spring around them to increase the load carrying capacity of the suspension (these also tend to ride stiffer than standard replacement shocks). Air-assist shocks have an adjustable air bladder that acts like a spring to carry the additional weight. With this type of shock, air can be added on an "as needed" basis when hauling extra weight.
Replacement
Shocks and struts are generally replaced in pairs - though this isn't absolutely necessary if only one shock or strut is leaking or has suffered damage at a low mileage.
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Shocks and Struts Ottawa
