Are Your Shocks And Struts Bad? Look For These Signs
Do you suspect that the shocks and struts of your vehicle's suspension need to be replaced? If so, it helps to know what signs to look out for that can indicate that your vehicle might need suspension work.
Premature Or Uneven Tire Wear
Your vehicle's tires should wear down evenly if everything is working properly. However, worn-down shocks and struts can cause one tire to wear down unevenly because the parts no longer have total control over the vehicle's suspension. Take the time to measure the tread depth of all your tires along the middle and edge of the tread so that they can be compared. If the tread wear is uneven, then it's worth investigating the problem further.
Push Test Failure
An easy way to test your shocks and struts is to do a simple test where you push down on the vehicle and see how it reacts. If the shocks and struts are working and in good condition, the vehicle will bounce back up and immediately settle into the default position. If there is a problem with the shocks and struts, the vehicle is going to bounce up and down for a while and eventually settle into the default position. You'll want to do this on each corner of your vehicle to test each set of shocks and struts. Be concerned if one corner of the vehicle is reacting differently than the others.
Vehicle Dipping
Bad shocks and struts are also going to cause your vehicle to dip when braking hard. You'll notice that the front of the vehicle does a nose dive when applying the brakes, as opposed to being relatively level the whole time. This is an indication that your shocks and struts need replacement.
Suspension Fluid Leaks
Vehicles that frequently drive on rough terrain made of dirt and stone are more likely to have problems with suspension fluid leaking. This is because the piston rods of the suspension can become dirty, and that dirt ends up damaging the seal around the piston. Fluid will eventually leak out of the system and make your shocks and struts unable to do their job properly.
One way to check for a fluid leak is by looking for a buildup of grime and dirt on the shock and struts themselves. It is not normal for so much debris to stick to the part, and it will only really happen if oil is leaking out and causing the debris to stick to the part.
Share