If your car feels like a bounce house or you hear clunking on bumps, bad shock absorbers are probably to blame. They’re the part that stops your wheels from rattling and keeps the ride steady. Ignoring them can wear out other suspension parts, hurt tyre life, and make driving unsafe. Below we’ll show you the easiest way to spot worn shocks and the steps to fix or replace them.
The first clue is the feel of the car. Does it sway a lot on a corner? Do you get a sudden dip after a pothole? Those are classic signs of weak shocks. Listen for rattles when you drive over uneven roads – a metal‑on‑metal sound often means the shock mounts are loose or the absorber itself is broken.
Another tell‑tale sign is uneven tyre wear. If the bottom of the tyre is worn more than the top, the suspension isn’t holding the wheel steady. You might also notice a longer stopping distance because the car doesn’t stay flat under hard braking.A quick visual check helps too. Pop the wheel well and look at the shock rod. If you see oil leaking or the rod is dented, the absorber is done. Even if there’s no visible damage, a bounce test works: push down on the front corner of the car and let go. One bounce is normal; several bounces mean the shock isn’t damping correctly.
When you’ve confirmed the shocks are bad, decide whether to replace them yourself or let a garage handle it. DIY replacement is doable if you have a jack, basic tools, and a service manual for your model. You’ll need to remove the wheel, detach the bolt holding the shock to the body, and slide the old unit out. New shocks bolt in the same way, but always torque the bolts to the manufacturer’s spec.
If you’re not comfortable with lifts or torque wrenches, a professional job costs about £80‑£150 per shock including labour. Prices vary with brand and vehicle type, but it’s worth investing in a good quality absorber – cheap units wear out fast and can cause more damage.
After fitting new shocks, test the ride. The car should feel steadier, cornering should be tighter, and the bounce test should show just one rebound. Don’t forget to align the wheels – new shocks can change geometry, and an alignment prevents uneven tyre wear.
Regular maintenance helps prolong shock life. Keep the suspension clean, avoid harsh impacts, and check the bolts during tyre rotations. If you notice any of the warning signs early, swap the shocks before they cause bigger problems.
Bottom line: Bad shock absorbers make every drive feel rough and unsafe. Spot the signs early, either do a simple DIY swap or get a professional to fit quality units, and you’ll keep your car handling smooth for miles to come.
9 June 2025
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