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The comfort of your ride relies on the proper function of all of the components that make up your car’s suspension system. The most crucial components to your smooth ride are the shock absorbers and Macpherson struts (a.k.a. shocks and struts) which serve to both absorb imperfections in the road and control the amount of “bounce” in the ride. Let’s take a deeper look at these suspension components.
Similarities Between a Shock Absorber and a Macpherson Strut
Both of these components utilize a piston working against hydraulic pressure to dampen road bumps, however, the primary difference is in structure and function. The strut will appear larger in size and it is typically developed as a part of the car’s suspension, and even plays a role in the car’s alignment. It is for this reason that when you are replacing the struts, the car will need to have an alignment.
Signs of Shock Absorber and Macpherson Strut Wear
If you see any signs of fluid leaking from either a shock or strut, that is an indication that it should be replaced. Other signs of wear include:
- Feeling like your rides are becoming more “bumpy” or “bouncy”
- Hearing noise when you go over bumps, or when you turn (although a variety of things could cause this)
- A bent or broken shock or strut
- Excessive rust on the shock or strut
Kneble’s Auto Service Center can perform the following services related to shocks and struts:
- Shock Absorber Replacement
- Replacement of Struts
- 4 Wheel Alignment
- Ride Comfort Diagnosis
- Noisy Ride Diagnosis
Ready to Make An Appointment For Your New Shocks and Struts?
At Kneble’s Auto Service Center we always want to make the process of getting your car serviced as convenient as possible. To ensure that we can get your car serviced in a timely manner, we ask that you make an appointment for service.
We are able to accommodate those who desire to wait for their shocks and struts to be inspected or replaced as we feature a comfortable waiting area complete with TV, complimentary refreshments, a library, desk, and a charging station. And yes, we even have free Wi-Fi!
In some cases, we may determine that the car needs to stay overnight either due to the time required for service or the unavailability of parts.
If you need service and have not made an appointment you can always feel free to call us at (609) 625-3286 to get on the schedule.
Please note that we offer a shuttle service within a 10 miles radius of the shop (Ocean City, Cologne, Pomona, and surrounding areas).
Frequently Asked Questions About Shocks and Struts:
We recommend replacing shocks and struts at the intervals set by the manufacturer.
Most front-wheel drive vehicles have struts in the front and shocks in the rear. Most rear-wheel drive vehicles and trucks utilize shocks on both the front and rear wheels. I visual inspection can confirm and if you are unsure, one of our Service Advisors or ASE Certified Technicians can inspect the vehicle and confirm.
9 signs your shocks or struts are wearing out
Shocks and struts don’t fail all at once. They wear gradually, and by the time you notice the ride has changed, other suspension parts may already be taking damage. Here are nine symptoms to watch for:
- Bouncy, noisy ride. The car doesn’t settle after bumps the way it used to.
- Poor steering control in curves or crosswinds. You’re correcting the wheel more than you should be.
- Bottoming out over bumps. The suspension compresses all the way and hits the bump stops.
- Reduced traction. All four tires aren’t staying in contact with the road at the same time, which is especially dangerous in rain.
- Cupping wear on the tires. Uneven, scalloped wear patterns that mean the tire is bouncing rather than rolling smoothly. This is one of several tire wear patterns that signal a problem. If you’re seeing this, have your tires inspected at the same time.
- Longer stopping distance. A bouncing vehicle can’t transfer braking force to the road effectively. This is a safety issue. If your stopping distance has increased, have your brakes checked along with the shocks and struts.
- Front end lift during acceleration. The nose rises more than normal when you hit the gas.
- Nosedive during braking. The front of the car dips hard when you brake.
- Body roll in turns. The outside of the car lifts noticeably as you go around a curve.
Worn shocks and struts also put extra stress on other suspension components like ball joints and control arms. Replacing them early saves you from a bigger repair bill later. If you’re noticing two or three of these symptoms together, call us at 609-625-3286 and we’ll put it on the lift.
Read the full video transcript
Are you bouncing down the road? Does the car suddenly not feel new again? Do you not have the control you used to have?
Hi, I’m Nancy at Kneble’s Auto, and that sounds like you have worn struts or shocks. Worn struts or shocks can wear at other suspension parts and cause a costly repair.
Now, a shock and a strut, they have the same function. They absorb the bounce of the vehicle, but your shock is mounted one end to the frame of the vehicle and the other end to the lower suspension. Whereas your strut, as this is a complete strut, is an integral part of the suspension.
Now, having a worn-out shock as this one is, you can notice a fluid leak that should not be. A worn out strut, the rod should not move.
There are nine things you can notice if you are having worn out struts or shocks. Number one, you could get a very noisy bouncy ride. Number two, if you’re taking curves or you’re in a wind gust, you may not have that steering control you’re used to having. Number three, if you’re going over bumps, you can bottom out your car. Number four, you may not have the traction you should have, as four tires are not always on the road at the same time. Number five, you can get cupping of the tires. They will not wear evenly. Number six, as you go to stop, allow for more stopping distance because you’re bouncing down the road. Number seven, if you go to accelerate the front of your car, it may lift a little. Number eight, if you go to stop the car, the front of the car may do what’s a nosedive. And number nine, as you’re taking the curve of the road, you may notice that the outer part of the vehicle away from the curve is lifting slightly because of your worn shocks or struts.
So definitely you want to have them tested, and you want to make sure that they’re in good condition because nobody likes a bouncy ride. Make the car feel like new.
What are bushings and why do they matter?
Think of bushings like the cartilage in your joints. They’re rubber (or polyurethane) components that sit between metal suspension parts like control arms, stabilizer bars, and subframes. They absorb vibration so metal isn’t grinding on metal.
Over time, rubber bushings get brittle, crack, and tear. When that happens, you’ll hear rattling over bumps (similar to a rattling sway bar), feel vibrations through the steering wheel, or notice increased road noise. If you’re hearing unusual sounds from underneath the car, wheel bearings are another common source worth ruling out. A worn bushing can also throw off your steering alignment, which leads to uneven tire wear.
If your technician recommends replacing bushings, always do both sides at the same time. Replacing only one side creates an uneven feel and puts extra stress on the new bushing.
Bushing replacement is a routine part of suspension maintenance and usually gets done alongside shock or strut work if the rubber has deteriorated. After any bushing or strut replacement, you’ll need a wheel alignment to make sure everything tracks straight.
Read the full video transcript
What seems more worn out lately, you, or your vehicle’s bushings? Do you know what bushings are? How about this? Are you feeling the age in your joints? Think of the cartilage in your body’s joints. Both the bushings and the cartilage serve in helping handle the impact of bumps in the road.
Hi, I’m Nancy at Kneble’s Auto Service Center. Before I tell you why it’s important to replace worn-out bushings, other than the loud rattling when driving over bumps, like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, and of course, subscribe to our YouTube channel so you can get this tip and other automotive pointers.
Bushings are made up of rubber and other materials, to help prevent friction between metal parts. You will find bushings mounted with your steering and suspension parts, such as control arm bushings, stabilizer bushings, and there are even subframe bushings.
Over time, rubber bushings, get brittle, crack, and/or rip. It’s not uncommon for your technician to recommend replacing the bushings. The recommendation will reduce loud rattling while driving over bumps. It will also prevent the vibration of the vehicle you may feel or possibly a loud road noise.
The age of the bushings and type of driving determine when it’s time to replace them. Make sure you replace both sides at the same time for an even feel. Extend your vehicle’s life with this fix.
Thank you for watching. And the next time you experience any of these problems, call us at 609-625-3286 and schedule to have your bushings assessed. We are located here at 5473 Somers Point Road in Mays Landing, next to Freddy J’s Bar and Kitchen.
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Our Address
5473 Somers Point Road
Mays Landing, NJ 08330
Our Hours
Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday:
8:00am – 4:00pm
Sunday: Closed
