Shocks and Struts

Shocks and struts control how your vehicle's suspension responds to road inputs - dampening bounce, maintaining tire contact, and keeping handling predictable under braking and cornering. Struts are structural components that also support vehicle weight; shocks are dampers only. Both wear gradually, typically needing replacement between 50,000–100,000 miles depending on road conditions and driving style. Air suspension components often fail sooner, especially in cold climates. When buying, decide between complete strut assemblies (which include the spring and mount, saving alignment time) versus bare struts or cartridges (lower cost, more labor). OEM replacements match factory ride characteristics; aftermarket brands like KYB, Monroe, Bilstein, and Gabriel offer options from budget-friendly to performance-tuned. Always confirm fitment by year, make, model, and trim - spring rates, extended lengths, and mounting hardware vary significantly even within the same nameplate.

Signs you need replacement

• Excessive bounce or float after hitting a bump. If your vehicle continues to oscillate more than once or twice after a dip or pothole, the damping fluid inside the shock or strut is likely depleted or leaking.
• Oil streaks or wet residue on the shock body. A visible film of hydraulic fluid running down the shock body is a definitive sign of seal failure - a leaking shock or strut should be replaced promptly, not monitored.
• Nose-diving under braking or body roll in corners. When shocks and struts lose damping capacity, weight transfer becomes exaggerated - you'll notice the front end dipping sharply during stops or the car leaning heavily in turns.
• Clunking, knocking, or rattling over rough pavement. Worn strut mounts, jounce bumpers, or loose shock hardware produce metallic clunks when the suspension reaches full compression or rebound - often louder in cold temperatures.
• Uneven tire wear, especially cupping or scalloping. A shock or strut that can no longer keep the tire firmly planted allows the wheel to bounce rhythmically, wearing the tread in a wavy or cupped pattern around the circumference.
• Vehicle sits noticeably lower on one corner. A collapsed air strut or a broken coil spring (often associated with a failed strut assembly) will cause one corner to sag, which is also visible as an asymmetric ride height.

Frequently asked questions

• How often should shocks and struts be replaced? Most manufacturers recommend inspecting shocks and struts at 50,000 miles and replacing them by 75,000–100,000 miles under normal driving conditions. Trucks used for towing, vehicles driven on unpaved roads, or cars in high-pothole urban environments often need replacement earlier - closer to 40,000–60,000 miles.
• Should I replace shocks and struts in pairs, or just the failed one? Always replace in axle pairs - both fronts or both rears together. A new strut on one side and a worn unit on the other creates uneven damping, which causes pulling, asymmetric braking, and unpredictable handling. The cost difference is modest compared to the handling and safety benefit of matched damping across the axle.
• What else should I replace when doing struts, and how hard is the job? Replace strut mounts, bump stops, and bellows at the same time - these are inexpensive ($15–$60 per corner) and labor is already sunk. Complete strut assemblies eliminate the need for a spring compressor and cut job time significantly. DIY difficulty is moderate on most unibody vehicles; expect 2–4 hours per axle. Professional labor typically runs $150–$350 per axle, not including parts.