How Do You Know When Your Vehicle Needs New Shocks or Struts?

Imagine this: you’re driving down a bumpy road and you notice some new noises coming from the suspension. It almost sounds like a little gremlin is tapping away with a mallet. Or maybe your suspension seems to be soaking up the choppy terrain, but you’re feeling those bumps inside the cabin a little more than you think you should. Regardless, the ride feels unsettled, unstable, or just not quite right. If either of these scenarios sound familiar to you, chances are you need new shocks or struts.

But before we dive into proper diagnosis and treatment of this common problem, it’s important to know exactly what job these important parts perform. It’s also useful to meet the best doctor in the industry: Monroe.

What Do Shocks & Struts Do?

Shocks and struts fall under the “ride control” category in the automotive parts industry. This means they are responsible for keeping your vehicle stable by absorbing the bumps and jounces you would otherwise feel while driving down the road.

Essentially, they’re responsible for dampening the movement of the springs in your suspension. If your vehicle didn’t have these parts, the suspension would bounce wildly up and down after hitting a pothole or a bump. So, they play a key factor in control—keeping the suspension level and holding the tires down against the road.

I’ve said it before: there’s nobody in the industry who knows ride control better than the experts over at Monroe. They have led the way in the ride control category ever since the early days of the automobile, and they show no signs of slowing down. It’s a safe bet that no matter what your vehicle needs, Monroe makes it.

Properly functioning shocks and struts are a critical part of vehicle safety. As you can see in the video below, worn shocks or struts can seriously affect your vehicle’s stability.

How (and When) Do I Inspect My Vehicle’s Shocks or Struts?

There are several steps you can take on your own to check the status of your shocks or struts. Consider incorporating these procedures into your regular maintenance. Even if you don’t plan on doing the work yourself, you’ll save your mechanic some time and effort diagnosing the problem—which should translate to some financial savings for you as well!

Take a Drive

Speaking as a former dealer technician, I can tell you that the first thing a good tech will do when they start working on a car is a road test. If I had to diagnose a noise complaint, I would drive down some of the roughest, nastiest roads and evaluate what I could hear.

You can do this yourself any time you get behind the wheel. Turn the radio down and pay attention to any clunks, knocks, squeaks, or other noises which may be coming from your suspension. We’re looking specifically for noises when driving over a bumpy road surface, especially around 25-40 mph. We also want to try and figure out where the noises may be coming from: front, rear, left, or right side.

We know that shocks and struts are responsible for dampening suspension movement after hitting a bump, so let’s test out this function. If you hit a dip in the road surface and the suspension bounces up and down more than two or three times, chances are good that your shocks or struts are worn out and need to be replaced.

Take a Peek

After the road test, it’s time for a visual inspection. With all four wheels on the ground, push down firmly on each corner of the vehicle to compress the suspension, then release. The suspension should return to the original position without bouncing more than one or two times.

For a closer inspection, safely support the vehicle in the air with jack stands or ramps. Grab a flashlight and look at the suspension. Pay close attention to where the shaft enters the body of the shock or strut. If this area is damp, it can be an indication of leaking seals inside the shock or strut. Additionally, if your shocks or struts are mounted to the suspension with a rubber bushing or mount, inspect that bushing for signs of cracking, tearing, or other wear.

Take Some Advice

As always, it’s a good idea to have a professional look over the vehicle, especially if you don’t have a lot of experience or confidence in the area. However, with the knowledge gained from reading this, you should have a rather good idea of what your vehicle may need for repairs.

Which New Shocks or Struts are Right for Me?

Monroe Quick Strut Assembly
Quick Strut Assembly | Monroe

The experts over at Monroe have crafted an extensive catalog of replacement shocks and struts. They’ve got something for every type of vehicle, driver, and budget. Backed by the company’s “Feel The Difference” Guarantee, you can buy with confidence knowing that Monroe stands behind the quality of its products.

Quick Strut

These pre-assembled struts feature U.S.-grade steel springs, OE-style strut mounts and bearings, and are application-specific; no “one size fits all” nonsense here. Quick Strut assemblies are a direct bolt-on part which saves you time and labor costs. Plus, they’re made to last, thanks to superior materials, corrosion resistant coatings, and OE-quality components.

Monro-Matic Plus

If you’re looking for the maximum “bang for your buck option,” the Monro-Matic Plus is a high-quality and cost-effective lineup of replacement shocks and struts. Striking the perfect balance between comfort, control, and quality is a tough thing to do these days, but the experts over at Monroe have absolutely hit the nail on the head with this lineup.

Monroe Magnum Loaded Strut Assembly

For those of you with half-ton pickups, look no further than the Magnum Loaded Strut Assemblies. These strut assemblies are specifically designed for late-model pickups to provide a comfortable ride while still being able to carry the typical pickup payload.

Gas-Magnum Shock Absorber

Speaking of trucks and SUVs, if you’re looking for more firm control without an overly harsh ride then the Gas-Magnum Shock Absorber might just fit the bill. These shocks feature: a larger oil capacity for better heat dissipation, nitrogen gas-charge for improved ride and handling, and improved valving for maximum performance without sacrificing ride quality.

Reflex Ride Control

If you’re looking for a more performance-oriented shock or strut, take a look at the Reflex lineup. Reflex shocks and struts feature valving technology which automatically adjusts to absorb rough road impact, giving you better control. They also ensure enhanced stability, reduced body roll, and dive during evasive maneuvers or tight turns.

Max-Air Shock Absorbers and OESpectrum Electronic Shock & Struts

For those with more specialized suspension setups, the Monroe Max-Air Shock Absorbers and OESpectrum Electronic Shock & Struts offer OE-style and fitment, 100% compatibility with OE electronics and connectors, all at a lower cost than the OE parts.

OESpectrum Lineup

Last, but certainly not least, we’ll wrap up this list with the Monro OESpectrum lineup. These ride control products are all specifically designed for each application, with just the right technology to provide you with maximum control without harshness. If your late-model vehicle needs shocks or struts but you don’t want to buy OEM parts, the OESpectrum lineup is 100% the way to go!

The folks over at Monroe have been leading the way for over 90 years now, so it’s easy to see why they’re considered to be the industry leader. Check out the company’s YouTube page and website for more information on product offerings, and stay tuned for our upcoming “Shock and Strut Replacement Guide” article coming soon!

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