Shocks and struts are hydraulic dampers. Your springs hold the car up, and the dampers control how fast the springs compress and rebound. A strut does double duty: it is also a structural part of the suspension that holds the wheel in alignment. Because they wear gradually, most drivers get used to worn dampers without noticing how much control they have lost.
This page covers the dampers themselves. For steering, alignment, ball joints and bushings, see our ride and handling page.
Signs of worn shocks or struts
- The car keeps bouncing after a bump or dip instead of settling quickly
- The nose dives hard when you brake, or the rear squats when you accelerate
- Body roll or sway in corners and on freeway ramps
- Oily residue on the outside of a shock or strut body
- Cupped or scalloped wear patterns on the tires
How we handle shock and strut work
We start with a road test and a bounce check, then inspect each damper for leaks, bent rods and worn mounts, along with the springs, strut bearings and dust boots. Dampers are replaced in pairs on the same axle so the car stays balanced side to side.
Many modern vehicles use complete strut assemblies that include the spring and top mount, which saves labor and replaces the worn rubber parts at the same time. Because a strut is part of the alignment, we recommend an alignment check after strut replacement.
Driving in Concord and Contra Costa County
Rough pavement, speed bumps in shopping center lots and the rolling hill roads across Contra Costa County all work your suspension hard. Trucks and SUVs that tow or carry loads wear their dampers faster than the mileage suggests.
Questions about shocks & struts
How long do shocks and struts last?
It depends heavily on the vehicle, the roads and how it is loaded. Rather than replacing them on a fixed schedule, have them inspected when you notice bouncing, nose-dive or uneven tire wear.
Do worn shocks affect braking?
Yes. Worn dampers let weight shift more suddenly and let tires lose contact on uneven pavement, which can lengthen stopping distances.
Published by Anywhere Automotive, Concord, CA. Diagnosis and pricing are confirmed after inspection.