Repair Topics / Shocks

• How to check shock and struts
• Car front suspension noise ticking popping bumping and rattling
• How does a clutch flex hose work?
• Why is my car making a popping noise?
• Why is my car making a rattling noise?
• Why is my car vibrating?

MORE: Shock or strut questions

Question: 2002 Ford Taurus, miles: 67,000. After all four struts were replaced, the rear of the car was high and the ride was very bumpy (non-cushioned). The car went up very slightly (normally) on bumps, but would land very hard with a jolt when it came down. This happened even when going over very slight irregularities in the road. When going over highway dividers, the car would bounce very hard. The rear struts were replaced a second time and the ride was OK (not good), but the rear was still raised. In about three months the ride became very bumpy, as it previously had been. My mechanic loosened the bushings and then put the car on the ground and bounced it to let the struts "settle" in, but it did not help. The car was still raised (but maybe an inch less) and the ride was still very bumpy as before. The struts could be defective. It seems that the car is supported too much by the struts and not enough by the springs. Also, the struts could have been damaged if they were supporting the car too much. 1) Do you have the "Ride Height Spec" ? I tried to get it from Ford but they do not have it. 2) What do you think my problems (very bumpy, non-cushioned ride & raised rear) are, and how can they be solved?

Answer:   You could have faulty struts or they may have been improperly installed. It is very important to use struts from a major manufacturer. There are some very poor quality struts on the market which could account for the problems you are having.

Question: 1999 Ford Windstar mileage: 55,000.  The Ford dealer has informed me I need new rear shocks at a cost of $250 or so in parts & labor.  I have replaced shocks myself a long long time ago, but I figure it can't be that hard.  Is this a simple bolt on job in the Windstar or are there any tricks I need to know?

Answer: Replacing struts requires a special tool (spring compressor) and is more involved than shocks.

Question: 2002 Ford Explorer Sport mileage: 56,000.  Recently I turned a corner and heard a bang (like a rock hitting the wheel well. Since then, my Explorer seams a little "mushy" when driving.  I'm wondering if the shock absorber went bad.  I don't really notice much in city driving, but when hitting higher speeds on the interstate, it says up & down when I hit a small rise.   Bumps are ok, but when there's a small rise in the level of the road, the car goes up and down.  Specifically in the left front.  (This is where the noise came from.)  Bad shocks or something more?

Answer: It is possible that you do have a bad or broken shock.  Also, check the shock mounts to see if they have been broken loose from the frame.

Question: 2001 Nissan Altima mileage: 92,000.  How can you tell when or if it needs new struts?  Are they on the front and back?  Do both sets need to be replaced?  What type of damage could result if not taken care of?  Thanks!   Looking forward to your response.  Is it worth putting money into a car that has 92,000 miles?

Answer: Two tests are used for checking out struts.  The first one is to visually inspect for oil leaks and the second one is to check the amount of bounce to the car when going through a dip in the road.   They are in the front and rear and should be replaced in pairs.

Question: 1999 Buick Park Avenue mileage: 145,000.  I was just told that my left front strut was beginning to leak.  Service manager said that struts need to be changed in pairs.   I talked with someone else and they said it is not necessary to change in pairs.  Which is correct?

Answer:   It is a good practice to change both front struts at the same time.  As struts wear, they act differently.  A new strut/shock on one side and an old strut on the other side may adversely affect handling of the car.

Question: 1999 Ford F-350 mileage: 30,000.  I have a f-350 that is giving me considerable sway getting up to highway speed and on deceleration but not so much at cruising speed.  I have new radials, balanced, proper inflation, etc.  I have 3'' springs, 6 leafs.  I have utility body, welder, torches, and tools on board, but am well under gross vehicle weight.  Leaf springs do have a little squat to them.  Would helper springs be in order or should I be looking elsewhere? Also has rear anti-sway bar.

Answer:   Your swaying problem may be due to worn out or weak shock absorbers.  Replace with new to recheck problem.

Question: 1999 Jaguar XJ6 mileage: 93,000.   How do I replace the rear shocks. I cannot seem to find out where the shock shaft penetrates the floor of the car.

Answer:   The top of the shocks are hooked to the sub-frame. Remove inspection cover to access.

Question: 1999 Lincoln Continental mileage: 105,000.   From time to time the "ride control' light and buzzer indicates a warning.  That happens after I am driving for about 10 -15 minutes.  The buzzer sounds about 12 times, then the light that reads "ride control” stays on until I restart the car.  I have found that if I jack the car up just a little without turning the ride control switch (in the trunk) off, the air pump starts and the light and buzzer do not sound a warning sometimes for a few months.  How can I correctly fix the problem?  Thanks.

Answer:  Your shocks are leaking air and the only fix is replacement.

Question: 1997 Lincoln Continental mileage: 100,000.  I have air shocks on my car. They do not seem to be working correctly.  Is there a way to bypass the pump and pump them up annually, then cap them off?  Please let me know ASAP.

Answer:  We do not know of any way to by-pass the pump for your air shocks.  The problem may be the air shocks themselves are leaking and need to be replaced.

Question: 1999 Cadillac Deville, miles 156,000.  Blew its rear air suspension system.  After calling the dealer, I was informed that I must replace the entire rear system at a cost of $1200.00.  The driver's side air shock is fine along with the ride sensors, why do I need to replace the entire system.  Would getting a used passenger side air shock work?  Thank you.

Answer:   If you want to replace the one bad shock, just be aware that you will probably have to replace the other three very shortly thereafter.

Question: 1996 Lincoln Continental, mileage: 120,000: Our front air shocks are leaking and we have been told you can repair them instead of replacing them. They inject a liquid that slowing gels and seals the leaks. Do you have any idea what type of product they use to do this?

Answer: That is a good idea, try a bicycle shop and ask for "Tire Slime", give that a try. We use it in our mountain bike tires all the time.

Question: 1999 Nissan 300Z mileage: 105,000. The rear end of the car feels loose when I drive over bumps in the road. It often feels like I could lose control of the car. The tires are in good shape and I cannot see anything else that would be wrong. I was wondering if the rear stabilizer bar could be broken or damaged.

Answer: A likely cause would be the rear struts. Also, check suspension for damaged or bent parts. Check rubber bushing is suspension components.

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Repair Topics / Shocks