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can you replace struts with shocks

by Mallie Gutmann Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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If your vehicle uses struts, you cannot replace them with shocks. A shock is the piece of the suspension system that helps coil springs absorb the impact of the road. It's the shock's job to take the bounce out of the movement of the car.Feb 3, 2022

Which is better struts or shocks?

What to look for

  • Chrome plated piston – It is quite important to look out for only the high-quality materials when it comes to shock and struts. ...
  • High-quality paint – The paint is quite crucial as well. ...
  • Polished shafts – Polished shafts are also one of the important things when it comes to finding the top class shocks or struts. ...

More items...

How much does it cost to install shocks and struts?

To replace the shocks of the same axle, on average, it will cost you around $250 and $600 in parts while labor costs will land you around $150 and $350. When it comes to struts, they are slightly more expensive. To replace a pair of struts, the total cost on average is between $400 and $1000, including wheel alignment.

When to replace struts?

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How much to replace shocks?

How much is it to replace shocks and struts? A typical shock and strut replacement can set you back anywhere between $450 and $1,100 on parts and labor combined. An individual shock and strut assembly costs around $150 to $900, while estimated labor costs for replacing a shock and strut assembly can range anywhere from $150 to $300 per assembly.

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Which is better struts or shocks?

Struts are designed to be much stronger than shocks since they are weight-bearing components. Additionally, they help dampen vehicle jolts and improve your vehicle's steering and alignment.

Should I replace struts or shocks first?

Shocks and struts should always be replaced at the same time. Unlike some steering and suspension components, the left and right shocks/struts tend to wear down at the same rate. If the left shock or strut is damaged, there's a good chance the right side also needs to be replaced.

Is it worth it to replace struts?

Struts don't need to be replaced unless your vehicle is bouncing like it's on a pogo stick or bottoms out in potholes and over railroad tracks — or unless a mechanic finds that they're leaking fluid or have been damaged. In some climates, they can also rust.

What happens if you don't replace your struts?

By not doing it's job – absorbing the shock – not having them replaced can lead to damage in the ball joints, wheel hubs, and many other components of the suspension. Without something to absorb the shock and energy of hitting a bump, it spreads throughout your car and will lead to damage.

When should I replace shocks and struts?

every 50,000-100,000 milesGenerally, shocks and struts wear out every 50,000-100,000 miles. If you're a more aggressive driver and/or frequently drive on rough roads, they will wear out faster. Shocks and struts don't go out all at once; they deteriorate slowly over time.

When replacing struts What else should be replaced?

If you are replacing a strut on a vehicle, you need to inspect the sway bar links and look up if there are cam bolts that can make camber adjustable. The sway bar links will make sure the suspension is silent after the strut is replaced and they probably need replacement due to wear.

Do coil springs need to be changed when replacing the struts?

Do coil springs need to be changed when replacing the struts? The answer is no: if the spring is in a good shape, it can be re-used with the new strut.

How do you know when your struts are bad?

1:557:08How to Diagnose a Bad Strut or Shock on Your Car - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow as far as how you can tell whether you have bad shocks or struts. Well. Let's start off with aMoreNow as far as how you can tell whether you have bad shocks or struts. Well. Let's start off with a good visual inspection of the tires. So you could have uneven wear on your tires. If you have bad

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How often should I replace struts on a car?

Struts are wear items that absorb countless bumps in the road, which is why replacing struts on a car is recommended every 50,000 miles. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device. Videos you watch may be added to the TV's watch history and influence TV recommendations.

What to know before replacing shocks?

What to Know Before Replacing Your Own Shocks or Struts. It can be intimidating to think about taking your vehicle's suspension apart. When you get right down to it, however, it’s probably less complicated than assembling an Ikea bookcase. Doing your own suspension work can also save you many hundreds of dollars.

Why are air shocks important?

Air shock absorbers improve ride quality by limiting suspension movement. They also have a direct effect on handling and braking. Worn shocks can make for an uncomfortable ride, but, more importantly, they can compromise your ability to control the vehicle. So, it's important to keep shocks ship-shape.

How many bolts should be on a strut?

There should be three bolts holding the bottom of the strut in place, which you can loosen with a socket wrench. Up top, the strut extends inside a strut tower with a serious bolt inside the engine compartment. You may need to use an impact wrench with a socket extension to get it loose.

Why are struts important?

Struts are an integral component of your vehicle’s suspension system, and kind of important if things like handling, stopping, and riding in comfort matter to you. A way to visualize struts is simply to picture a shock absorber and coil spring combination, working together to smooth out bumps in the road.

How often should I inspect my shocks?

In general, you should inspect your air shock absorbers every 12,000 miles. Signs that your shocks may need attention include: Struts are wear items that absorb countless bumps in the road, which is why replacing struts on a car is recommended every 50,000 miles.

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spray them again, and then remove the wheels, hint, loosen the lug nuts before you put it up in the air (jack stands).. and it blows to have to drop the car down to loosen them and then jack it back up.. you only want to break the lugs loose not any farther until you have it up in the air..

Shocks Or Struts?

Shocks and struts are often used interchangeably, but this is incorrect. This is because they serve the same purpose, but they are not identical parts.

When Should Shocks And Struts Be Replaced?

Now that you know what shocks are and how they differ from struts, it is important to know when they should each be replaced.

How To Test Shock Absorbers

If you suspect that your shocks are damaged or just want to check them, there is a simple way to test them.

How To Test Struts

Because the struts are different in terms of their location and function, the test for shock absorbers will not work for them.

Cost Of Replacing Shocks And Struts

Shocks and struts are usually reliable for 50,000 to 100,000 miles, but these numbers are only estimates and the reality could be less or more.

Conclusion

Shock absorbers and struts play a key role in making your car drive smoothly and absorbing all the shocks from uneven asphalt and potholes.

Why do you need shocks and struts?

Whether you’re noticing problems or nearing the mileage checkpoint, maintaining shocks and struts can prevent long-term damage to your car. Because everything in the car is connected, a problem with the suspension can lead to other problems.

How to know if you need struts and shocks checked?

Because the primary goal of struts and shocks is to prevent the amount of suspension movement, the most telling sign that you need to have them checked is if you are experiencing a bumpy ride. Your car is designed to comfortably withstand a certain amount of movement, so if you experience bumpiness or shakiness while driving, ...

What happens when you lurch forward while braking?

Braking Issues. When struts are worn or damaged, the vehicle will often compensate in other ways. You may notice a “nose-diving” sensation as well as instability while braking. If you feel a lurch forward while braking, you’ll need to have your struts and shocks checked out by a mechanic.

What is a shock absorber?

Your car’s shock absorbers are designed to limit the amount of suspension movement by dampening spring oscillations. Struts similarly reinforce the the active components of the suspension to the same end, which means that struts and shocks are what keep you from hitting your head on the ceiling of the car every time you hit a bump ...

How to tell if a car needs shocks?

One of the first signs people notice when their car needs new shocks or struts is poor steering response . The steering wheel will often become stiff and hard to turn, and their may be unusual noises when turning wheel.

Can struts be damaged?

While often strut damage is better felt than seen, you might notice visibly dented or damaged struts or shocks. In addition to this physical damage, fluid leaks among struts and shocks are common when a car needs replacements. Mounts and bushings can also become corroded, damaged, or worn as time goes on.

What is a strut in a car?

"Struts" are an integral part of your suspension, usually combined with a spring and other pieces to support the wheel and tire. A strut contains a shock within it, so a strut performs a similar function to a shock.

How many shocks are there at each wheel?

There is always ONE shock OR strut at each wheel. Whichever design your vehicle has, you cannot replace "struts" with "shocks", or vice versa, when performing a service replacement.

What is a coilover shock?

Although not covered in this article, a coilover is a shock absorber surrounded by a coil spring. Many feature manual height adjustment. Whether your vehicle has shocks or struts, if you plan on keeping your ride for a while, buy the best quality items you can. Always replace shocks or struts in pairs!

What is a shock absorber?

Shock absorbers, also known simply as " shocks " (which is what we will call them for the rest of this article), are the suspension components which stop your car or truck from bouncing up and down after hitting a bump.

Can shock absorbers be removed?

The replacement of shocks is much more straightforward. Shocks can usually be removed and installed without disturbing the springs, so special tools are not needed.

Why do shocks and struts wear out?

Shocks and struts wear out over time, and because of that, you’ll begin to see some impairment with your vehicle. Your drive may be bumpier, your tires may bounce, and you could hear squeaking and even see fluid leaking from your vehicle.

What is the difference between a shock and a strut?

Shocks are pieces in the vehicle that work with springs to keep the tires in contact with the road. The shocks help to make your ride smooth and keep your tires from bouncing significantly when you’re driving on the road. Struts are a combination piece, with a shock and a coil spring attached together. These are also part of the suspension in you ...

What is a strut in a car?

Struts are a combination piece, with a shock and a coil spring attached together. These are also part of the suspension in you vehicle that help keep it stable, moving safely and minimize bouncing when driving over bumps and uneven road. You can read about why shocks and struts are needed in this article.

Can you drive with a worn out shock?

Continuing to drive with worn out shocks and struts could lead to you getting into an accident that hurts you and your vehicle – and potentially some else’s car. We acknowledge that sometimes shocks and struts can be expensive, but they are a crucial piece of your vehicle.

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1.Do All Shocks and Struts Need To Be Replaced At The …

Url:https://denverexpresscare.com/do-all-shocks-and-struts-need-to-be-replaced-at-the-same-time

35 hours ago  · In an ideal world you’d replace both your shocks and struts at the same time. This is mainly a safety issue; Properly functioning shocks and struts are critical to keeping your tire’s contact patch on the ground, and that’s important for braking and steering. If you’ve got problems on both ends of your vehicle, then yes, you should replace all four at the same time. The only …

2.What To Know Before Replacing Your Car's Shocks & Struts

Url:https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/r/advice/car-maintenance/what-to-know-before-replacing-your-own-shocks-or-struts

34 hours ago  · If your vehicle uses struts, you cannot replace them with shocks. A shock is the piece of the suspension system that helps coil springs absorb the impact of the road. It’s the shock’s job to take the bounce out of the movement of the car.

3.Average Shocks And Struts Replacement Cost [2022 Guide]

Url:https://autochimps.com/shocks-and-struts-replacement/

33 hours ago  · How Much Would Replacing Your Shocks and Struts Cost? A normal shock and strut replacement can cost anywhere from $450 to $1,100, including components and labor. Individual shock and strut assemblies can cost anywhere from $150 to $900, with labor expenses ranging from $150 to $300 per assembly.

4.Videos of Can You Replace Struts With Shocks

Url:/videos/search?q=can+you+replace+struts+with+shocks&qpvt=can+you+replace+struts+with+shocks&FORM=VDRE

2 hours ago  · Whichever design your vehicle has, you cannot replace "struts" with "shocks", or vice versa, when performing a service replacement. Big Answer #2: Vehicles Have Either A Strut Or A Shock At Each Wheel; You Cannot Have Both At The Same Wheel; And When Replacing, You Always Replace Shocks With Shocks, And Struts With Struts.

5.6 Ways to Tell if It’s Time to Replace Shocks and Struts

Url:https://kenstrans.com/replace-shocks-and-struts/

4 hours ago There’s nothing forcing you to replace your front and rear shocks or struts at the same time. Typically, people do because they all wear down at the same rate. You will need to replace your shocks or struts in pairs, though: the front axle and rear …

6.Shocks Versus Struts: The Big Answers Revealed!

Url:https://www.carid.com/articles/shocks-versus-struts.html

9 hours ago Shocks and struts should always be replaced in pairs or, better yet, all four, for even, predictable handling and control. … Remember, too, that whenever the struts are replaced, it becomes important to check the alignment, as it may have changed, to protect your vehicle tires and assure maximum safety.

7.What happens if I don’t replace my shocks and struts?

Url:https://stevesautorepairva.com/blog/what-happens-if-dont-replace-shocks-struts/

18 hours ago

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