Shock absorbers wear gradually, so the change often goes unnoticed. If you experience any of the symptoms below, have your shock absorbers checked.
Shock absorber performance does not drop overnight; it declines over thousands of kilometres, and drivers get used to the change. Yet a worn shock absorber lengthens braking distance, reduces road holding and causes tyres to wear faster.
Wet oil traces, dents or rust on the body may mean the seal is leaking or the body is damaged.
If the vehicle bounces up and down several times after a bump and is slow to settle, the shock absorber is no longer damping properly.
The front of the vehicle dips noticeably when braking, or the rear squats when pulling away.
The body leans excessively in corners, or the vehicle drifts when changing lanes or in crosswinds.
Wavy, patchy (cupped) wear on the tread shows the wheel is not keeping constant contact with the road.
Noises from the suspension on rough roads may point to a problem with the shock absorber or its mounting parts (mounts, bushes).
As the wheels lose contact with the road, the vehicle takes longer to stop than before.
The vehicle feels as if it is "floating" at high speed, or there is vibration or wobble in the steering.
Check every 20,000 km
These checks give you an idea; for a definitive diagnosis, always have your shock absorbers tested at a workshop.
Look for oil traces, dents or rust on the body, and for tears in the dust boot and mounts.
Push down firmly on one corner of the vehicle and let go. It should rise once and settle. If it bounces more than once, the shock absorber may be worn.
Have your shock absorbers tested at a workshop for a definitive diagnosis.
Follow these points so your new shock absorbers deliver full performance and remain covered by the warranty.
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