[ad_1]
Shocks and struts do not require replacing at specific mileage intervals like other parts such as spark plugs, but they do wear out and eventually have to be replaced. You need new shocks (and / or struts) if your original shocks (or struts) are worn out, damaged or leaking. Leaking is easy enough to see (just look for oil or wetness on the outside of the shock or strut) as is damage (broken mount, badly dented housing). There are also instances where the original shocks may not be worn, damaged or leaking, but may no longer be enough for the task they are needed for. In such cases, upgrading the suspension with stronger or stiffer shock (or strut) is recommended to enhance vehicle performance.
But when exactly a shock or strut needs to be replaced is a bit challenging to say. Since the damping characteristics of shocks and struts depreciate gradually over time, the decline in drive control often passes unobserved. So by the time you think you need new shocks or struts; it is usually past the point when they ought to have been replaced. When these parts wear out over time they can cause a rattle or a thump noise because the strut is coming in contact with the body of the vehicle since this sustaining mount has disintegrated and is not cushioning the strut anymore.
Another way to determine whether or not you need new shocks or struts is to consider how your vehicle has been managing and riding lately. Does it bounce excessively when driving on rough roads or when hitting a bump? Does the nose dip when braking? Does the body sway excessively when cornering? Does the suspension bottom out when carrying extra passengers or weight?
There is also a simple test that can be performed to determine when your shocks need to be replaced. It is called a "bounce test". A "bounce test" is a sure means of checking the dampening capability of shocks and struts. This easy bounce test is just that, bouncing on the front of the vehicle and watching to find out how many times the vehicle bounces up and down before the bouncing stops. Too much bouncing indicates worn struts and shocks. Basically, what you need to do is bounce the car up and down using your body weight a couple of times. When you discontinue bouncing and free the car, it should level off after one stroke. After releasing the vehicle, it ought to bounce one time and should come back to a level spot. If the suspension continues to gyrate more than one or two times subsequent to rocking and releasing the bumper or body, your shocks or struts are practically telling you they are old and need to be replaced.
So that is how to tell when automotive shock absorbers should be replaced. Shocks and struts are generally replaced in pairs; though this is not very necessary if only one shock or strut is leaking or has suffered damage at a low mileage.
Shocks are a popular do-it-yourself item on most vehicles because they are easy to replace. But struts are not. Most struts require a fair amount of suspension dis-assembly and the wheels are usually realigned after replacing a strut. For this reason, it is more advisable to let a professional replace your struts. Make sure they take a test drive with you and hear the same sound you do. This is to ensure the work order you sign states the complaint properly not just "replace struts" so that if the noise is still present after the repairs you can use it to state what your original complaint was.
[ad_2]
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Auto-Repairs—When-to-Replace-Shocks&id=4580194
