How to Check Shock Absorbers

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If you feel like your vehicle's ride quality is not what it used to be, it is a good idea to know how to check shock absorbers. It is fairly simple and easy to do. And it can save you from an unnecessary visit to a garage, or inversely, indicate that you need to get the car to a professional.

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  1. With the car on a flat surface, it should appear perfectly level, i.e. both sides being the same height off the surface.
    • If you actually know the specifications of your car's suspension, you can measure the height. If the height is at or below the minimum specs, then you should take the car to a professional for further evaluation and repair. Being at the "minimum" is just that. It is no longer at the ideal, and something has changed.
  2. This is not a scientific test and is somewhat subjective. But it can be helpful when taken in conjunction with other checks made.
    • Stand in front of the car and carefully place your foot on the bumper, or your knee on a surface that won't dent or bend; it doesn't have to be center. Shift your weight onto that point, pushing the car down. Then quickly remove your foot, or weight. The car should bounce up and return to its original position rather stiffly, without continuing to bounce. If it bounces more than a couple of times, this is an indication that perhaps the shock absorbers are weak. [1]
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  3. Look for signs of liquid that is or has been running down the shock absorber. If present, then your shock absorbers could be bad. Once the seals begin leaking, the shock absorber becomes ineffective. [2]
    • You will need to get the car into a garage to confirm your observations and replace the shock absorbers. [3] Note that you want to get a confirmation that the liquid tracks you observed are indeed emanating from leaking shock absorber seals. It could easily just be something splashed up from the road.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How can I replace shocks myself?
    Hovig Manouchekian
    Auto Repair & Design Specialist
    Hovig Manouchekian is an Auto Repair and Design Specialist and the Manager of Funk Brothers Auto, a family-owned business operated since 1925. With over 30 years of experience in the automotive industry, Hovig specializes in the process of auto repair and maintenance. He is also very knowledgeable in common automotive issues and needs including engine repair, battery replacement, and windshield accessory and maintenance. Hovig's knowledge and hard work have contributed to Funk Brothers Auto winning Angie's List Super Service Award for five consecutive years.
    Hovig Manouchekian
    Auto Repair & Design Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Shocks are pretty straightforward compared to their counterparts, which are struts. They're usually separate from the coil springs, so they don't require much disassembly except for them to be removed from the vehicle and the suspension. So, it's usually the top mount and the lower mount that need to be disconnected. Sometimes, on certain cars (more modern-day vehicles), there's some paneling that needs to be removed to gain access.
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  • Question
    When I go over a hard bump at about 45 mph, I get a hard bang from the front wheel. What is this?
    Community Answer
    That sounds like a bad strut or improperly installed strut. You need to take the car to a mechanic, unless you can do the repair yourself.
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  • Question
    How does a garage check shock absorbers on a vehicle?
    Community Answer
    A shock absorber works with the suspension springs: The springs let the wheel bounce up and down for a smooth ride. The shock absorber quickly stops the bouncing to return the vehicle to a level and stable position and keep the wheel on the road. The usual way to test a shock absorber is to push down on a corner of the vehicle a few times to get it to bounce and then stop pushing and see how much it continues to bounce before stopping. A good shock absorber should stop the bouncing right away. If it bounces several times then the shock absorber is considerably worn.
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      Tips

      • Never change a single shock absorber. They should at least be changed in pairs (both front or both rear). If replacing OEM shock absorbers, then changing all four is recommended. If one is bad, the others aren't far behind.
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      • Understand that testing shock absorbers is very important. Surveys clearly indicate that most drivers don't realize that shock absorber condition is critical to vehicle safety. Providing a comfortable and pleasant riding experience is actually a by-product of shock absorber function, not the object. Vehicle control and reducing wear on the rest of the suspension are the primary jobs of shock absorbers. Comfort and handling come from the overall design of the vehicle and its entire suspension system.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://knowhow.napaonline.com/testing-your-shocks-how-much-bounce-is-too-much/
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPh75zckPWE
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqDiMSxnIGo
      4. https://www.autoblog.com/2016/01/12/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-shock-absorber/
      5. https://www.aa1car.com/library/ride1.htm
      6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNG-e_04Q_g

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