– Vehicle bouncing: Pay attention to how your vehicle responds when driving over bumps or uneven surfaces. Excessive bouncing or a “floating” feeling may indicate worn-out shocks or struts.
– Nose dive during braking: When you apply the brakes, if you notice a significant forward pitch or nose dive of the vehicle, it could be a sign of worn shocks or struts.
– Uneven tire wear: Inspect your tires for uneven wear patterns. Excessive wear on the edges or cupping can indicate a suspension problem, including worn shocks or struts.
– Leaking fluid: Look for signs of fluid leakage around the shocks or struts. Oil stains or wetness on the exterior of these components may suggest internal seal failure and the need for replacement.
– Visible damage: Inspect the shocks or struts visually for any physical damage, such as dents, dings, or corrosion. Significant damage can impair their performance and necessitate replacement.
– Excessive body roll or sway: If your vehicle leans excessively to one side during turns or experiences a noticeable side-to-side swaying motion, it may indicate worn-out shocks or struts.
– Uneven ride height: Pay attention to the vehicle’s ride height. If one corner of the vehicle appears lower than the others or if the overall height is noticeably different, it could indicate a problem with the shocks or struts.
– Mileage and age: Consider the mileage and age of your shocks or struts. Typically, these components have a lifespan of 50,000 to 100,000 miles (80,000 to 160,000 kilometers) or around 5 to 10 years. If they have reached or exceeded these limits, replacement may be necessary.
