Here at Ferrel's Garage we hear about how our customers feel that their vehicle just does not ride like it used to. Their vehicle is lacking the firm ride and handling it used to have. The handling and ride quality is even more noticeable after comparing to a ride in a newer vehicle with less then 40,000 miles on it. These comments tend to always refer to tired, weak and/or leaking struts and shocks.
I have complied a small list of information on struts and shocks and their importance to a vehicle and ride quality.
- Struts
- Struts help maintain consistent handling and braking by keeping the tire firm to the road.
- Struts also help reduce uneven tire wear and premature failure of suspension joints and bushings.
I have attached a picture of a shock from a customer's vehicle that had a noise over bumps complaint. This vehicle had roughly 80,000 miles on it. After road testing the vehicle, duplicating the customer's complaint, lifting the vehicle and performing a visual inspection, we found the rear shocks leaking and able to be compressed with minimal effort. The rear shocks compressed so easily because there was not much fluid left inside. With the customer's approval we installed new rear shocks. After installing the new rear shocks the noise was eliminated and the ride quality from the back of the vehicle was greatly improved.
The most comments I hear about a new vehicle is how much firmer, better handling and how it takes bumps when compared to an older car. These comments are the same that I receive after new struts and shocks are installed. coincidence?
Although new struts and shocks can be a costly adventure, they are a wonderful investment to make in a vehicle if you plan on keeping your vehicle for many years.