4 Ways To Tell Your Shocks Need To Be Replaced

Is it Time To Replace Your Shocks?

If you've been following our series on suspension parts, then you know how important it is to make sure your shock absorbers are working properly at all times. Without working shocks, not only will your ride be uneven, you will feel every bump in the road when you are driving. This can cause problems in other areas. For instance, uneven road surface can damage other parts of your suspension system as well as engine components, which can cause unnecessary wear and tear. This means that making sure your shocks are working properly is an incredibly important step when you are ensuring your fleet vehicle is running as intended.

If you want to know a little more about what constitutes a bad shock absorber, then this is the post for you. Our team of commercial vehicle experts have laid out the following three reasons that your shocks may be going bad. Read on to learn more about your shock absorbers.

One: Fluid Leaks Coming From The Unit

Of course, any leak in any of your semi-truck's components is call for a replacement. However, it is extremely important to make sure that your shock absorbers are not leaking when you make your regular checks. Since shock absorbers are filled with oil that are designed to help dampening, any leakage can mean that the shock won't work well and your vehicle will not handle the way it is supposed to.

Two: Rattling Sounds

If there are rattling sounds coming from your shock absorber unit, then you will want to make sure you replace it. Rattling or knocking sounds coming from under your truck may be due to a loose shock. It can also mean that your shock absorbers have lost all of their oil and is rattling inside the shock body.

Three: Uneven Tire Wear

If your tires are wearing uneven, this may also be a sign that your shocks are bad and need to be replaced. With worn out shocks, your semi-truck can bounce which causes a reduction in contact with the road. With more than your average amount of bouncing, your tires can experience accelerated wear, including tread cupping or scalloping of the tires. When making your regular checks, make sure to inspect your tires for strange patterns or cupping on the tread. This can often mean there is a shock absorber issue that requires immediate attention.

Four: Bad Ride Quality

If you notice that your steering wheel is rapidly moving back and forth when the road is even, then it could easily be a sign that you have bad shocks. If you have your shock absorbers that are loose, stuck, or damaged, the tires will not make proper contact with the road, resulting in a bouncy and uncomfortable ride. Not only can this result in poor ride quality, but it can also make your other engine components experience undue wear and tear.

Read More About Suspension Systems

If you would like to know more about the suspension system in your commercial vehicle, then we have plenty for you to read through. From shocks to leaf springs we have several articles for you to look through designed to help increase your knowledge on the subject. Click on any of the links below to see our posts.

1. Getting To Know Your Suspension System
2. Getting To Know Your Suspension: Shock Absorbers
3. Getting To Know Your Suspension: Shocks vs. Struts
4. Getting To Know Your Suspension: Torque Rods
5. Getting To Know Your Suspension: Leaf Springs
6. Getting to Know Your Suspension: U-Bolts

Shop Now For Suspension Parts!

Are you looking to replace some of your suspension components? If so, you have landed in the right spot! We have a massive online catalogue for you to look through with all of the parts you'll ever need. No matter what suspension parts you are looking for, we have it available in our online store. Whether it's stabilizers, shock absorbers, torque rods, or U-bolts, we have everything you are looking for. We also have parts from Match Made, Monroe, Gabriel and all of your favorite manufacturers.