A shock absorber is a device that helps to smooth out the ride of a truck by absorbing the bumps and jolts of the road.
They are an essential part of any truck, and they come in a variety of different styles. Some are designed to be air-filled, while others use oil or nitrogen gas.
No matter what type of shock absorber is used in a vehicle, they all serve the same purpose: to improve ride quality.
By absorbing the impact of the road, shock absorbers help to keep the truck from bouncing around too much, which not only makes for a more comfortable ride but also helps to prevent wear and tear on the suspension system.
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Symptoms of Broken Shock Absorbers
With all the info in mind, if you’re driving and feel a jolt every time you hit a bump, your car might be in need of new shock absorbers.
So, it’s essential to know what to look for when it comes to diagnosing problems with shock absorbers.
Here are six common symptoms of bad shock absorbers, along with the approximate replacement cost for each.
Keep them in mind the next time you’re in the market for new shocks—you may be able to save yourself some money by replacing them yourself!
1 – Knocking Noise
One of the most common symptoms of bad shocks is a knocking noise that comes from the suspension.
This noise is caused by the metal components of the shock absorber hitting each other.
If you hear this type of noise, it’s a good indication that your shocks are in need of replacement.
2 – Leaking Fluid
Another common symptom is leaking fluid which can be caused by a number of different things, but it’s most likely due to a seal that has been damaged or worn out.
If you see fluid leaking from your rear or front shock absorbers, it’s important to have them replaced as soon as possible.
3 – Vibrations
If you feel vibrations coming from the suspension, it’s another sign that the shock absorbers need to be replaced.
These vibrations are caused by the shocks being unable to dampen the movement of the suspension.
As a result, the suspension will bounce around more than it should, which can lead to a number of different problems.
4 – Swerving
If you notice that your truck is swerving more than usual, it’s another symptom that the shocks are worn out.
As a result, they’re unable to keep the suspension in place; the suspension will move around more than it should, which can cause the truck to swerve.
5 – Brakes React Slowly
If your vehicle’s brakes are taking longer to stop the truck, it’s possible that the shock absorbers are not working as effectively as they should be.
When the shocks aren’t dampening, your brakes will take longer to stop the vehicle and therefore need to be checked and fixed as soon as possible.
6 – Uneven Tire Wear
The tires wearing unevenly is another symptom of bad shocks.
When the shocks are worn out, they will not keep the suspension in place and will allow the tires to move the wrong way.
This also means that one tire may be getting more pressure than the other, resulting in uneven wear on both sides.
What About the Shock Absorber Replacement Cost?
The general rule of thumb is to replace your shocks every 50,000 miles. However, this can vary depending on the type of truck you have and how often you use it.
Replacing your shock absorbers is not a difficult task, but it’s important to know how to do it correctly. As doing it yourself might not be feasible for most, there are plenty of mechanics who can do it for you.
The average cost to replace all four shock absorbers is between $200 and $400. This cost will vary depending on the type of truck you have and where you get the work done.
If you’re looking to save some money, you can find used shock absorbers that are in good condition.
Installing used shock absorbers that are in bad condition can cause even more problems down the road, so make sure you check the working and quality before getting them installed.
Are Shocks, Springs, and Suspension the Same Thing Or Different?
No, shocks, springs, and suspension are not the same thing. The shock absorbers are responsible for absorbing the bumps and vibrations from the road.
The springs are responsible for supporting the weight of the vehicle, and the suspension is responsible for both of these things.
Shocks and coil overs are also two different types of suspension components. Shocks dampen the movement of the suspension, while coil-overs provide support for the suspension.
Final Thoughts
All in all, it is not advisable to drive with a faulty shock absorber. Doing so can cause even more damage to your truck and may even lead to an accident.
The cost to replace your shock absorbers is relatively low. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it’s important to have them replaced as soon as possible.
Waiting too long to replace them can cause even more damage to your truck and may even lead to an accident.
Based in Orem (Utah) John Paterson graduated from Utah Valley University and has begun writing in 2009. He has a large wealth of experience in writing articles related to cars, automotive repair, wheels, cleaning/maintenance, and much more. He has also written instructional articles in a similar niche for a few online publications as well. Currently, he works as a mechanic in his personal garage shop where he loves serving his countrymen from his heart.