Shock Absorber

Worn or damaged shock absorbers will drastically reduce braking operation and efficiency, and will result in premature tyre wear. Unsafe shock
absorbers also negatively affect road holding, stability control and make the vehicle very difficult to control around corners.

To test a vehicle’s shock absorbers, use the Bounce Test: Apply a downwards force to one corner of the vehicle and “bounce” the vehicle three
times. Release the vehicle at the bottom of a “bounce” and allow the vehicle to recover to its original position. This should happen instantly.
If the vehicle continues to “bounce” then the shock absorber on that corner needs to be replaced.

Please note:
It is vitally important that both the left and right shock absorbers are replaced at the same time.

The 5 Tips

  1. Test your shock absorbers
    Take your car to an empty parking lot. See what happens when you continually accelerate and brake. If your vehicle continues to bob up and down even after you have come to a complete stop from a slow speed, it may be time to change those shocks.
  2. See if your car bounces
    You can also check your car’s bounce by pushing down on the bumper. If it takes it several bounces to return to its initial position, your shock absorbers may be weak.
  3. Is your vehicle lop-sided?
    Park the car on a level surface and examine the car from the front and rear. If you notice your car isn’t level, it can mean something is off with your suspension and shocks.
  4. Look for loose bolts
    Check to see if there are any loose bolts, which may make a rattling noise when you’re driving. Loose bolts can also mean something is off with your shocks.
  5. Are the shocks leaking?
    Examine your shock tubes to see if they’re leaking any oil or liquids. This can also indicate bigger issues with your car’s shock absorbers.

How often should you replace your car’s shock absorbers?

Most auto manufacturers recommend that you replace your shock absorbers at least every 80,000 kilometres. However, this may vary depending on how much driving you do and where.

  • Your mechanic should check them out during every visit to the repair shop.

Can you replace your own shocks without the use of a mechanic?

If you’re the type who enjoys DIY projects and you have the tools and experience and you can find some at a reasonable cost, you might consider doing the work yourself. Most shocks will come with detailed instructions for their installation. However, that’s a lot of “ifs” and shock absorbers are a vital part of your car’s steering mechanism.  Is it worth it? If you’re unsure how to go about it, consider a visit to your trusted dealer, instead.