Maintenance tips and driving habits crucial for extending the life of your shocks and struts.
Some vehicles seem to have constant shock issues. No matter what you try, they just can't seem to hold up. That may be true in some instances, but more often than not, it's because of poor maintenance. You might not even have the right set installed on your vehicle to begin with, at least not for the way you’re using your vehicle.
This isn't about making you feel bad. Shocks are crucial for vehicle performance, but we often don't realize their importance until we run a few to the ground. Thankfully, replacing one or two before they're due for service can save you the headache.
Our goal is to provide advice to help you make the most of your driving experiences. Even if you’re already having issues with your shocks and struts, don’t worry. We can still get you up to speed on how to get a long and healthy life out of these critical suspension components.
Difference Between Shocks and Struts
Sometimes, you'll hear the terms shocks and struts used interchangeably, while other times, they're strictly separated into their own categories. Once you become more familiar with them, you'll understand why people use the names interchangeably. For that, we need to take a closer look at the suspension system.
For a vehicle to move effectively, its wheels must be able to articulate as the surfaces below them change. Springs support the vehicle's weight, experiencing cycles of compression and expansion as the wheels encounter bumps and obstacles on the road.
These springs excel at their job, but they do have one flaw: On their own, they will continue to bounce long after encountering an obstacle, resulting in a harsh, uncontrollable ride. To counteract this, a shock absorber is used.
As the name implies, a shock absorber absorbs shock. These simple devices use a valved piston traveling through hydraulic fluid to regulate compression and rebound. They mount in a position that allows them to follow the same path as the springs, effectively stabilizing the assembly.
The difference between shocks and struts lies in their design. Struts combine the roles of the shock absorber and spring into one assembly. By combining a coil spring and a shock into a single unit, struts offer a more space-efficient package, allowing for the use of superior suspension and steering systems.
Signs Your Shocks or Struts Need Replacement
Shocks and struts see a lot of abuse, as their role is to manage the springs under the weight and momentum of the vehicle. Naturally, this wear means they'll need replacement over time; how long depends on the vehicle and its usage.
Shocks can last anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 miles. That's a pretty big interval, and there's no guarantee they’ll even make it as far as the low end. Since the undamped motion of the springs can spell big trouble for performance and the service life of other suspension components, it's important to recognize when shocks are due for replacement.
The most apparent signs include clunking noises or a rough ride quality. Additionally, if you notice the vehicle bounces excessively over bumps or exhibits poor handling, it's likely the shocks or struts are worn out.
To confirm, you can conduct a simple test by pressing your body weight down on the suspect corner. If the suspension compresses easily and rebounds slowly, then the shock is failing to do its job. A visual inspection is another way to determine if the shocks are done for. Any signs of fluid leaking from the shock means an internal seal is broken, and the shock can no longer perform as designed.
Picking the Right Shock for the Application
Choosing the appropriate shocks and struts for your vehicle is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and prolonging the life of your suspension system. While shocks have the same fundamental role in every suspension system, they can vary significantly in design and function.
As mentioned earlier, the basic shock design features a piston with valving that travels through fluid inside the shock body. As the piston moves through the shock, it forces the fluid through the valves, manipulating the motion of the piston. This has a direct impact on compression and rebound characteristics.
Manufacturers can adjust these elements, however, effectively customizing shocks for different applications. Modifying piston features, such as the valving, can alter compression and rebound to improve ride quality and handling. Additionally, adding gas to the system and incorporating external reservoirs can enhance fluid stability and further improve performance.
The specific combination of these changes will determine if a shock is best suited for normal driving, hauling heavy loads, high-performance driving, and so on. By mismatching shocks to the application, you only ensure it won't work as you need it to. For example, using a shock designed for regular commuting in off-road conditions all but guarantees premature failure.
The good news is that you don't need to have an engineering degree to determine if a shock is the right match for your vehicle. Most manufacturers specialize in select areas, such as Belltech, KYB, and Competition Engineering, which are more performance-orientated, or Skyjacker and Rancho, which specifically target off-road vehicles.
Even brands that cast a wider net, like Monroe and Bilstein, make things really easy by offering different series of shocks that are designed to suit different use-cases, including towing, track use, and regular commuting. All you need to do is read the series description and decide if its right for you.
Gain some more detailed insight on choosing the best shock absorbers for your vehicle.
How to Avoid Damaging Your Shocks
We can’t stress it enough: Matching shocks and struts to their intended application and respecting their limitations are crucial for extending service life. Otherwise, you subject them to stressors they’re not designed to handle, resulting in premature failure. Since shocks require minimal maintenance over their service life, ensuring proper matching is the most impactful step you can take.
That's not to say it's the only way to extend the life of your shocks and struts. Here are a few more quick tips to ensure your equipment lasts for the long haul:
No Unnecessary Stress. Leaving your vehicle loaded up with cargo is only placing unnecessary loads on your shocks. If you have the option, unload the vehicle to take stress off the suspension.
Keep Things Dry. Shocks and struts are incredibly resilient, but, like most things, moisture is their enemy. Always do your best to park your car in a dry environment to avoid issues. Your entire car will thank you.
Take it Easy On Rough Roads. Sudden, harsh impacts spell trouble for all things mechanical. Unless you have an off-road racing set of shocks or struts on your vehicle, slow down on rough roads to avoid damage.
Perform Regular Inspections. Periodically inspect your shocks and struts for signs of damage, leaks, or wear. Look for any visible signs of trouble and don’t delay on addressing it.