Shock Absorber / Strut
What it is
Shock absorbers (and struts, which also support the vehicle's weight) damp the springs so the car settles after bumps instead of bouncing. They wear gradually, so decline is easy to miss.
What it does
They control body movement and keep the tyres in contact with the road. Worn shocks cause floating, excessive bounce, nose-dive under braking and longer stopping distances.
Symptoms of failure
- Bouncing or floating after bumps
- Nose-dive when braking, squat when accelerating
- Clunking over bumps
- Cupped or uneven tyre wear
- Oil leaking down the shock body
Which vehicles need it
Every car. They wear so gradually that many drivers do not notice until replacement restores the ride.
Replacement cost
| DIY (part only) | $40–$180 |
|---|---|
| At a shop (parts + labor) | $250–$700 |
| Replacement interval | Often inspected around 50,000 miles; replace when worn or leaking — always in axle pairs. |
| DIY difficulty | Moderate (DIY) for shocks; strut assemblies need a spring compressor (or buy pre-assembled) |
| Recommended brands | Monroe, KYB, Bilstein, Sachs |
Where to buy the part
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Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my shocks are worn?
Signs include a bouncy or floaty ride, nose-dive under braking, clunking over bumps, and cupped tyre wear. The old "bounce test" is a rough guide; a road test and inspection for leaks are more reliable.
Should I replace shocks in pairs?
Yes. Replace them as an axle pair so the damping is even side to side; mixing a new and an old shock causes unbalanced handling.