Many people take the suspension components of their vehicle for granted. Mechanics may recommend replacing the shocks and struts based on mileage rather than performance. The fact remains, if a driver doesn't notice a significant change in the performance of their vehicle, they do not feel the need to replace components and question the validity and caliber of the mechanic. Shock and strut manufacturers are obviously going to recommend replacing these components frequently, as well as mechanics. Here's how to sort through the fact from fiction.

Testing the Suspension Components

You can perform self-tests on your shocks and struts to help you determine efficiency. One of the leading causes of people not understanding how important the suspension components is that the shocks and struts weaken slowly over time. The driver becomes used to the weakening components, so they don't necessarily recognize the shocks and struts are being compromised. Bounce test the front and rear bumpers by placing your knee on the bumper itself. Push down onto the trunk or hood and add weight to your knee to jounce the suspension. Give it three or four good bounces and then release the vehicle. Two or more rebound bounces from the suspension indicate weakness. Test drive the vehicle, specifically for quick take-offs and hard braking. If the vehicle dips in the rear on quick acceleration and does not rebound well or if the vehicle nose-dives when the brakes are applied hard, the shocks and struts are probably weak. Drive over bumps and around corners. Bumps can easily create clunking noises when the shocks or struts are bottoming out. Cornering the vehicle on a compromised suspension can cause the car to rock back and forth. Inspect the tires for a feathering or cupping pattern. This is caused by the hopping of the vehicle's suspension when demand is placed on it. Visually inspect the shafts of the shocks and struts for signs of oil leaks or caked on grime. This indicates the shocks are leaking and should be replaced.

Recommendations Versus Diagnosis

The Motorist Assurance Program took a conservative approach to replacing suspension components. Unless the shocks or struts were visibly or physically compromised, they applied no mileage replacement intervals. This benefits the drivers from being ripped off, but it also places them in charge of how they want the vehicle to perform. Shock and strut manufacturers recommend replacing the components at least every 50,000 miles. But they are in business to sell shocks and struts. Mechanics will concur with the manufacturers because many get paid by repairing vehicles, and some on commission. Geographical and driving techniques can sometimes play a huge role in whether shocks or struts need to be replaced on service intervals or can last longer. Manufacturer defects can play another. There are a lot of variables to consider. In addition, automakers generally place inferior suspension components to higher quality aftermarket shocks and struts available on the market. You can enhance your ride by replacing the shocks and or struts every 50,000 miles. The real question is whether or not you need to. Keep in mind that shocks and struts are a safety component. When compromised they will decrease the efficient handling of the vehicle. They are the second component that separates the vehicle's handling on the road other than the tires. If safety is an issue with you, find a quality aftermarket shock and strut and replace them every 50,000 miles. Many come with a lifetime warranty, so all you have to pay for is labor charges, unless you install them yourself. If cost is more of an issue with you, apply the conservative approach and wait until you have a compromised shock or strut. Always replace shocks and struts in axle pairs for the best results.

Source:

Shock Absorber and Strut Diagnosis

FAQs on Shocks and Struts

Shock and Strut Tutorial