How to Tell if Shocks Are Going Bad

Shocks are designed to induce resistance to movement of the body of the vehicle, resulting in a dampening effect on a rough surface. They have no effect on the height of the vehicle. Shocks are filled with hydraulic fluid and nitrogen in place of air. The size and type of pressure release orifices determine how well the shock operates.

Things You'll Need

• Floor jack
• Jack stands

Instructions

1. Test the dampening or rebounding ability of the shocks by rocking the front of the vehicle up and down, allowing it to rebound. Good shocks should stop the vehicle from bouncing on the first bounce. Resistance should be felt when pushing down on the front. This is an easy and accurate test. Do the same for the rear of the vehicle. Stand or kneel on the bumper to get it rocking, and then step off and watch the number of rebounds.

2. Test the shocks by driving over a rough surface. There should not be any bouncing. Recovery from a bounce induced by a rough surface should be immediate.

3. Jack up the vehicle and lower it onto the jack stands. Inspect the shocks from underneath. Look for oil leaking from around the arm, indicating a failed seal. Look for any damage, dry rot, and cracked or missing bushings. If any of these are evident, replace the shocks.