A shock absorber is also known as a damper. It can be either a mechanical one or a hydraulic one. A shock absorber is designed to absorb the shocks or the damp shock impulses. It owes to a certain process of converting the kinetic energy into heat and then releasing it. Whenever your car faces any kind of shock, the shock absorber absorbs them so that the driver can drive the car comfortably. But after using them for a long time or because of any mechanical issue, they can get into faults. If they cannot get repaired, then you might do a shock absorber replacement. It is a professional task for sure, but if you have a little bit of experience in auto-replace works, then you can do it yourself. But for that, you should have a proper guide.
How To Do a Shock Absorber Replacement?
If your shock absorbers are not functioning properly, it can be because of the reason lack of oil fill or nitrogen gas. A faulty pair of shock absorbers can make your ride uncomfortable and cause some serious issues in your car, like torn tires.
If a driver feels bumpy, riding or taking extra time to stop, then it might possible your shocks are creating the issue. As a solution, you can just normally do a shock absorber replacement. Here is the process as followed:
- Lift your car and make enough space so that you can access the shock absorbers.
- Grab a screwdriver and lose all the shock-holding bolts.
- Put the car in gear and use the axle stands to raise the vehicle.
- Remove the wheels and remove the bolts and nuts that are holding the shock absorbers.
- After this, just remove the old shock absorbers.
- Now you need to install a new one. It is the exact opposite process of uninstalling.
- Make sure you tighten all the nuts and bolts.
- Get your car down and have a test drive.
By following these easy and simple steps, a user will be able to replace them. This is the step-by-step guide for a car shock replacement.
How Do You Tell If Shock Absorbers Need Replacing?
A faulty pair of shock absorbers can create a mess during your drive. But how can you get that your shock absorbers are getting faulty? These are some symptoms of damaged shock absorbers.
- While driving on high-way. The vehicle can get insatiable.
- During any turn, the vehicle bents to one side. You will also feel the car shaking over bumps due to faulty shockers.
- During sudden or hard braking, the front end dives more than expected.
- Whenever a driver accelerates the vehicle, the rear part starts to jump in a very inappropriate manner.
- The two pairs of tires start to jump accordingly.
- Fluids can leak on the struts.
These are the most basic and foremost symptoms by which it can get clear that you need a shock absorber replacement. Also, a user should give a frequent look at the vehicle’s health, to maintain the overall health of your vehicle.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Shock Absorbers?
Shock absorbers are the bone of the most critical role-playing car part. By providing luxury to the driver or the passengers, it ensures about every inch of comfort and safety. So, when it gets damaged or faulty, every driver should consider replacing them.
- As a source, the first one is local shops. Well, the availability depends on the brand or the model, but it is not a rare part so you can get it very easily. This way, a car shock replacement process will cost you somewhere around $500-$1000. Additional labor charges will add accordingly.
- Secondly, if any user wants to replace the faulty pair of absorbers with good pair of used ones, then any other existing user can be a good source. If both use the car and the model, then you may get one from the other user. You can get a bill of around $550-$800 this way.
- The third source is trusted online websites. Websites that sell used car parts are worth going for. The price may differ, but on average, the cost is around $445-$1200. If you install them yourself, then you can save some of your money. Otherwise, labor charges will be additional.
Why Should Shock Absorbers Be Replaced in Pairs?
Experts suggest that any user should replace a shock absorber in pairs. This is just because of getting the same performance from both of the absorbers. The user should ensure that both the shock absorbers are in the same working condition. If they are not in the equivalent working condition, passengers may feel different internal shocks. The improper situation will cause damping across the axle. This situation will lead to higher damage or premature wear.
FAQs
Well, shock absorbers and strut replacement costs may differ with the vehicle’s model or brand. But on average, the replacement cost is around $450-$1100. Labor charges will add to your bills.
● Absorbing fluid leaking.
● Inappropriate vibration.
● Odd working space of tires.
● Takes a long time to stop.
● Uneven jump while driving.
● Failed to serve passengers’ comfort.
Experts suggest that your shock absorbers should get changed in a certain period of time. Within every 50,000-100,000, the performance of the struts or the absorbers gets low. Then a user should replace them with a new pair.
Yes, you can drive with a damaged shock absorber. But you should not do this as it compromised your car’s health and your comfort.
