WHY REPLACE
MY SHOCK ABSORBERS ?
Shock absorbers are consumable item, just like
tyres, brake pads and rotors and engine oil.
SOME SHOCK ABSORBER FACTS:
From a safety point of view, 95% of all brands
of shock absorbers should be replaced or
overhauled at least every 80-100,000k under most
normal driving conditions if you expect them to
maintain a reasonable level of vehicle control.
In some cases they may need to be replaced even
sooner if used in our harsh outback conditions,
corrugated tracks or with heavy rate coils and
heavy loads under 4WD vehicles.
Shock absorber fluid becomes thinner over time
(just like your engine oil). Also, the internal
moving parts of the shock absorber also wear
over time and eventually loose their correct
tolerances set in the factory. All of this means
that most shocks will not be performing at
anywhere near their optimum (as new performance)
or control after around 75-80,000k. This is the
reason that shock absorbers should be inspected
at regular intervals of approx. every 25,000k
and replaced when worn to maintain that safety
edge for you and the passengers in your 4WD -
probably your family and friends in most cases.
As a guide, most standard OEM shocks will have
lost the best part of their ability to correctly
control the suspension movements of the springs
by around the 50,000k mark and will not be
working at their optimum factory settings. After
market replacement shocks will last longer but
will also wear and have less control by around
the 75-80,000k mark.
We would recommend replacing most 4WD shocks
every 100,000k approx. Dont forget, they are
controlling a vehicle that weighs between
2,000kg and 3,500kg in most cases a lot more
than passenger car shocks and, in most cases
under worse road / track conditions at times.
Remember that it is your shock absorbers that
keep your tyres in contact with the road and
maintain stability of your vehicle, especially
under unforeseen situations that require a fast
response to avoid objects or to provide the
shortest possible braking distances to avoid
crashing your 4x4 !
SIGNS OF
WORN SHOCKS
TROUBLE STOPPING Worn shocks can cause up to
20% longer braking distances!
NOSE-DIVING / SWERVING UNDER BRAKES These can
be caused by worn shocks
EXCESSIVE
VIBRATIONS Bad vibes in your steering can be
caused by worn shocks
SIDE SLIDING
In normal side wind situations your vehicle
may veer off course This can be caused by worn
shocks
SHAKE,
RATTLE & ROLL Have you noticed your vehicle
doing The Rock n Roll over bumps and uneven
surfaces This can be caused by worn shocks
UNEVEN TYRE
WEAR If your tyres have random bald patches
check your shocks !
