There’s so much that goes into making a modern vehicle perform the way it does. Multiple parts work in unison to deliver what we have come to expect from a decent car. Each group of parts has specific purposes and when it comes to a vehicle’s suspension, it’s largely responsible for the handling and ride quality. Both these areas or aspects are tremendously important in defining a vehicle’s characteristics.
Without suspension, as we know it today, vehicles would have been dangerous and uncomfortable. Among the long list of parts that make up this complicated but incredibly beneficial feature are shock absorbers. Like most mechanical parts on a vehicle, shock absorbers go bad over time. This can be due to a few reasons which we will discuss below. In addition to that, this guide will also help you troubleshoot bad shock absorbers.
Purpose of Shock Absorbers
The primary function of shock absorbers is right in its name, i.e. shock absorption. However, there’s a little more to it. Before we go any further though, it’s important to point out that we are talking about both struts and shock absorbers in this troubleshooting guide. Struts are essentially shock absorbers with additional components that make them more fit for use in a vehicle, and they are usually found at the front of a vehicle.
The main additional component with struts is the springs they use, however, it’s almost always the shock absorber that gives out first. The easiest way to understand shock absorbers is by imagining them as an oil pump-like part that helps reduce the impact of road surface imperfections on the rest of the vehicle. It uses the oil to smoothen any sharp movements. While it might seem like it’s only working towards aiding comfort, handling is also an important purpose.
Shock absorbers also make sure to keep the movement of the springs and other suspension components in check. Without absorption, these parts would move uncontrollably on rough surfaces. Most vehicles use shock absorbers specific to them. What that means is that they take into account factors like the vehicle’s weight and other measurements to ensure the vehicle handles and rides as intended.
Another purpose of shock absorbers is to ensure that all four wheels remain in contact with the road at all times. For example, if a vehicle is leaning towards one side in a corner, the shock absorbers on the outside will extend while the ones on the inside compress. This ability to maintain the rebound and compression is what ensures the maximum amount of grip at all times. With all four wheels in contact with the ground, the vehicle will have the best steering and braking ability.
Why Do Shock Absorbers Go Bad
Bad shock absorbers are to be expected at some point. Just like many other parts of a vehicle, it’s made of materials like metal, rubber, and plastic. These materials, especially when being put through a high amount of usage and extreme conditions can degrade. Other factors like heat, dirt, and debris can also cause bad shock absorbers. In addition to this, even regular usage paired with time can age shock absorbers.
Furthermore, one of the most integral parts of a shock absorber is the oil inside it. This oil or hydraulic fluid has a life cycle. With time and usage, the oil begins to underperform. It shouldn’t come as a surprise as it’s normal for oil to lose its viscosity. A consequence of the fluid in the shock absorber going bad is inadequate performance. If you’re looking for replacement shock absorbers for your vehicle, make sure to check our selection for high-quality options.
Causes of Bad Shock Absorbers
In addition to all the factors mentioned above, shock absorbers can also go bad under regular usage and conditions. The amount of work shock absorbers do is quite incredible. It is believed that a shock absorber can compress around 1,800 times for every mile traveled on a smooth road. The sheer amount of compression cycles a shock absorber goes through over time, unsurprisingly, wears out every aspect of a shock absorber.
As mentioned earlier, it can affect the fluid in the system and reduce efficiency. In addition to this, constant usage can also lead to the seals and tubes themselves to get affected. Besides the wear from regular usage, other related suspension components can also lead to bad shock absorbers. For example, worn bushings like the ones on the control arms can lead to bad shock absorbers due to how they are interconnected.
When Do Shock Absorbers Go Bad?
Shock absorbers don’t have an expiry date, but they certainly aren’t designed to last forever. After reading the causes of bad shock absorbers listed above, it might be quite evident that external factors play a huge role in determining how long they can last.
Vehicles that are driven on rougher surfaces can have much higher wear on suspension components and that includes the shock absorbers. That being said, there’s still an average time frame and mileage one can expect out of shock absorbers.
While it varies from vehicle to vehicle, the average lifespan of shock absorbers is around 4 to 5 years. It has to be said though, that severe conditions and frequent usage can lead to bad shock absorbers much quicker. On the flip side, if the vehicle has reduced usage and favorable conditions, one won’t have bad shock absorbers for nearly double that period. Another method that’s used to dictate the life expectancy of shock absorbers is by looking at the miles.
The most common figure at which one is said to have bad shock absorbers is around 50,000 miles. However, it’s only a ballpark estimate and the only correct way to tell is by diagnosing bad shock absorbers.
How to Diagnose Bad Shock Absorbers?
The best way to tell if you have bad shock absorbers is by conducting a diagnosis. There are many ways to do it and if you notice two or more of the symptoms listed below, you likely have bad shock absorbers.
Fluid Leak
One of the most clear-cut indicators of bad shock absorbers is a fluid leak. If there is a noticeable amount of fluid seepage from the shock, it means that the seals within the shock absorber have failed. In most cases, you will have to take the wheel off to look for this leak as it will be present on the body of the bad shock absorber.
Bumpy Ride
Another way to diagnose bad shock absorbers is by determining whether the ride quality has deteriorated. You will be able to notice this after hitting a speed bump as the vehicle bounces for longer than usual. What this most likely suggests is that the vehicle now has bad shock absorbers and is failing to absorb the movement as it should.
Nose Dive
It’s also quite common for vehicles with bad shock absorbers to nose-dive under braking. While most vehicles have a minimal amount of nose dive due to the momentum, an increase can suggest that the shock absorbers have gone bad.
Rear Squat
Based on the same theory as the nose dive, the rear squat occurs due to momentum being pushed backward. A little rear squat is not out of the ordinary, but an excessive amount during acceleration can mean that the vehicle has bad shock absorbers. A consequence of rear squatting is that the front end will rise, making it easily noticeable.
Excessive Body Roll
Bad shock absorbers lose the ability to deliver the intended rebound and compression. As a result, they can end up compressing a lot more than usual. What this means is that if you are cornering, the forces will cause the vehicle to roll more than it should. At first, this will feel unpleasant, but as the shocks degrade further it can prove to be dangerous.
Metallic Noise
Bad shock absorbers will produce metallic noises towards the end of their life. In the majority of cases, this symptom will occur after the aforementioned ones. This metallic clunking sound occurs when the shock bottoms out. If you notice this symptom it’s a definite indicator of bad shock absorbers.
How to Fix Bad Shock Absorbers?
It’s highly recommended to fix bad shock absorbers soon because driving with bad shock absorbers can compromise the vehicle’s ability to steer, brake, and remain stable. In addition to this, it can also cause uneven tire wear. You must also not forget that suspension components are interconnected and bad shock absorbers can lead to other parts failing prematurely.
When it comes to fixing bad shock absorbers, there’s a possibility of repairing them if the damage isn’t too extreme. However, repairing bad shock absorbers can prove to be quite expensive, and you’d be better off replacing them altogether. Almost every manufacturer has a recommended replacement range which you can find in the owner’s manual.
Find Replacement Shock Absorbers Right Here!
Do you have bad shock absorbers? Worry not as we stock OEM-quality replacement shock absorbers for an extensive range of vehicles. From cars to trucks built in the USA and internationally, we got brand-new shock absorbers for them all. That leaves no reason to not replace your bad shock absorbers today. Keep in mind, shock absorbers should always be replaced in pairs.
