6 Signs Your Shocks Need Replacing

Shock absorbers are essential to your truck’s performance. Not only do they keep your tires connected to the road, but their vibration control protects other suspension components from premature wear, giving you a smoother ride. And worn shocks affect your stability, steering and ability to stop.

Here are six signs to watch for when evaluating your shock absorbers:

• Breaks – Breaks can occur at the mounts, on the bushings or on the shock itself. They can be caused by incorrect shock application; incorrect ride height; sudden, jarring movements; overtightening of bushings or improper installation.
• Cupping – Tire cupping, or uneven wear, is caused by the cyclic loading and unloading of the tire, either because it’s bouncing or because something is wobbling in the suspension. Typically, cupping caused by worn shocks leaves a repeating pattern on the tires. Once tires start to cup, they’ll continue to wear unevenly. So you’ll need to replace both the worn shocks and the damaged tires.
• Leaks – While oil misting on the outside of a shock is normal, a leaking shock is a failure circumstance. Leaking shocks will show clear signs of oil seeping in streams from the upper seal down the shock body and may drip oil from the shock. They are caused by high temperature and pressure, or side loads that wear the seals on one side, causing them to leak.
• Rattling – The sound of metal components rattling inside of a shock can indicate internal failure, even if no external damage or leaks are visible.
• Sway – If your truck sways or leans on turns, or when you’re changing lanes, your shocks may be wearing out. This often happens as a course of normal operation.
• Vibration – If your truck has a soft, undulating ride or you feel excess vibration in the steering wheel, this can indicate a problem with your shocks. Bottoming and/or topping out frequently can damage a shock’s internal components, limiting their effectiveness.

Be sure to have your shocks professionally inspected every 12 months to ensure premium performance. And when it’s time for a replacement, consider competitively priced Road Choice® shocks.

Road Choice shocks are heavy duty, hardworking and built to withstand extreme conditions, with:

• Solid steel end mounts and eye rings
• Corrosion-resistant chromed piston rods
• A unique hydraulic stop design that absorbs energy and protects the axles, air springs and shock mounts from impact damage.

Click here to view our full line of Road Choice shocks for trucks, trailers and buses. You can also search for any Road Choice product by part number, cross reference or description, or explore our network of more than 500 North American retailers to find a location near you.