how to repair rear shock absorber

by Julius Walter Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

How to Repair a Shock Absorber

Disassembly. Remove the shock absorber. ...
Cleaning the Components. Cleaneverypartand set it apart to dry. ...
Replacing Faulty Components. Check for damaged components. ...
Shock Absorber Assembly. Thisis the shockabsorberrebuilding part. ...
Testing and Adjusting. After putting together the shock absorber, it is now time to test it. ...

Full Answer

When do you need to replace your shock absorbers?

Vibration or rough ride
Shock absorber is leaking fluid
Uneven tyre wear
Nose diving on braking
Car rocking on cornering or in high wind
Longer braking time
Damaged shock absorber
Bottoming out on road

How to rebuild shock absorbers?

Regular inspection is key; rebuild if you discover any of the shocks:

Are very wet where the shaft exits the body, or you can see oil has leaked out of the shock
Have scored, scratched, or bent shafts
Feel rough, lumpy, or otherwise not-smooth when compressed with the spring removed

How much to replace rear struts?

To replace just the strut, shops charge about $175 per side for the parts and about $100/strut for labor. You replace struts in pairs; the two front struts or the two rear struts. When the job is done, the shop must perform an alignment. So the total cost runs about $600. To install new strut assemblies, plan on around $750.

How to replace rear springs and shocks?

When Is It Time To Replace My Vehicle's Springs?

Coil Springs. Coil springs are wound in a spiral formation and are positioned vertically on the vehicle. ...
Leaf Springs. Typically found on vehicles with solid axles such as pickups, SUVs, and vans, a leaf spring setup is composed of one or more lengths of arched steel pieces ...
Torsion Bar Springs. ...
Opportune Times To Replace Springs. ...

Can you repair shock absorbers?

Not every shock absorber problems can be repaired. Parts that you can replace individually include mounts, shock absorber bushings, seals, piston, and compression oil. As a rule of thumb, you should only consider shock absorber repair if the existing shocks have not done more than 35 000 miles or slightly more.

How can you tell if your rear shock absorbers need replacing?

The Warning Signs Of Worn Shocks And StrutsInstability at highway speeds. ... Vehicle “tips” to one side in turns. ... The front end dives more than expected during hard braking. ... Rear-end squat during acceleration. ... Tires bouncing excessively. ... Unusual tire wear. ... Leaking fluid on the exterior of shocks or struts.

Can you drive with a broken rear shock?

Can I drive with a damaged shock absorber? Yes. Although it won't be a comfortable journey. A broken shock absorber will result in your car bouncing around, as well as excessive rolling, squatting and diving.

Can I replace rear shocks myself?

If you need to replace your car's shock absorbers but don't want to pay an expensive mechanic's fee, you can do so on your own with a little effort. Shocks are essential to a car's performance, giving it a smooth and even ride.

How can I tell if my rear shocks are bad?

Look for these signs that indicate it might be time to get your shocks and struts checked and replaced.Unusual tire wear (including cupping). ... Rubber shock covers that are cracking, peeling or off-center. ... Leaking fluid. ... Ride issues. ... Braking issues. ... Swaying. ... Unusual noises.

What causes shock absorbers to fail?

Poor sealing surfaces will cause the unit to leak. If the pitting or lost chrome plating is large enough, it can damage the seal, which can lead to water and debris getting into the unit and damaging the valves and piston seal. If the outside of the shock body is damaged in any way due to road debris or collision.

What does a broken shock sound like?

How much does it cost to replace rear shocks?

Replacing rear shocks will typically cost between $1,000 and $1,150. Unfortunately, those looking for a deal have very little wriggle room when it comes to this replacement. The parts for rear shock replacements cost roughly $900, while the labor costs for replacing rear shocks are typically around $200.

How much does it cost to fix a broken shock?

A typical shock and strut replacement can set you back anywhere between $450 and $1,100 on parts and labor combined. An individual shock and strut assembly costs around $150 to $900, while estimated labor costs for replacing a shock and strut assembly can range anywhere from $150 to $300 per assembly.

How do you tighten rear shocks?

1:565:53Vorshlag Tech Tip: How to Tighten Strut and Shock Top Nuts - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe only way to do this properly is an impact gun. Either electric or pneumatic. As you can seeMoreThe only way to do this properly is an impact gun. Either electric or pneumatic. As you can see there's a big gap there.

Can you change shocks without lifting vehicle?

You can definitely do it without removing the wheels but you'll have to jack up the truck.

How long does it take to change rear shocks?

around one to two hoursTypically, it takes around one to two hours to change struts, according to most professional mechanics. Even if you decide to replace them on your own, the estimated time is the same as long as you have previous mechanical skills and follow the process correctly.

How do you check rear shock absorbers?

0:361:56How To Check Your Shock Absorbers - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf a vehicle is sitting low or down at one side is likely to be a weak or broken coil spring pushMoreIf a vehicle is sitting low or down at one side is likely to be a weak or broken coil spring push down hard on the corner of the vehicle. And make the vehicle bounce.

How do I know if my shock absorbers are worn?

2:379:24Good Shocks Vs Bad Shocks : 5 Ways To Tell - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis seal is gonna wear out over the time and the oil start to leak which brings us onto the numberMoreThis seal is gonna wear out over the time and the oil start to leak which brings us onto the number one sign of warning toxin struts which is leaking oil so even go behind the wheel.

What do worn out shocks sound like?

Unusual noises – When shocks and struts are worn out you may hear a clunking or knocking sound. This sound is caused by metal-to-metal contact when the shock or strut bottoms out when hitting a bump. In addition, these noises could be a result in worn shock or strut mounting components.

How do I test my car shock absorbers?

0:101:52How to - Checking Shock Absorbers // Supercheap Auto - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou need to replace the shock. Absorbers. If the shock absorbers are performing well the car willMoreYou need to replace the shock. Absorbers. If the shock absorbers are performing well the car will rebound. Only once and then slowly return to its original. Position.

What does oil on a shock absorber mean?

Oil on the shock absorber body, nearby components, or on the ground indicates a leaking shock absorber. The seals may be broken or the shock absorber body torn. Worn seals can be repaired easily. You only need the right parts and the knowledge about the process to do it.

How to fix a worn shock?

Generally, you would have two options to fix the problem of worn shocks: repair the broken part (s) or do a shock absorber reconditioning. Contrary to what many people think, shock absorbers can be fixed. It is usually cheaper than having to buy new ones, especially when you have to replace four of them at a go.

How many miles can you drive with shocks?

As a rule of thumb, you should only consider shock absorber repair if the existing shocks have not done more than 35 000 miles or slightly more. The driving conditions will also matter.

Why does my car stop after applying brakes?

The tires need to hug the road closely for proper braking. If the wheels are constantly moving up and down , it can be sometime before the car comes to a stop after applying the brakes.

Is it cheaper to repair a shock absorber?

Regardless of whether you choose to do the repair yourself or use shock absorber rebuilding services, shock repair is always cheaper than buying new ones. However, some damages or wear cannot be repaired and require replacing the whole shock.

Is it better to replace shock absorbers or repair?

When you have several of these devices to change, repairing may be a more cost-effective option. Replacing a shock absorber involves throwing away all the old parts. That would be harmful to the environment. Repairing means you only discard a few pieces of the device.

Do shock absorbers need to be replaced?

If the shock absorbers have neared the end of their life, it would still need to be replaced after some time. Repairing broken shock absorbers can be time-consuming and require knowledge about these auto parts. The shock absorber repair cost may be close to the purchase price.

How to disassemble a shock absorber?

You should have all the disassembling kit with you before beginning the process. Use car jacks to lift the car. Then unmount every part that requires to disassemble the shock absorber.

How to clean a car shock absorber?

That is why it is always filled with dust and clogs. Sometimes, just cleaning the shock absorber might fix the problem for you. Use a brush to clean those dust. Reach every corner of the shock absorber to clean it properly.

What to do if your shock absorber doesn't look good?

If you found any parts that don’t look well, you need to fix it. Sometimes it is worth changing that specific part. You don’t have to change the whole shock absorber in that case. If there is a problem with a specific part, you can easily replace it. Parts are available in the market. If there is a leak in your shock absorber, you can always use leak fix aftermarket products to fix the leak temporarily—no need to change any parts which don’t show any signs of wear.

What happens if your shock absorber is broken?

But if your shock absorber is broken, your tire will not be able to attach to the surface. This will reduce the braking efficiency of your car. Nosedive or Rear Squat: You may also feel the car body is nose-diving or rear squatting while braking. This is a common issue of a bad shock absorber.

How many miles does a shock absorber run?

Consider repairing the absorber if it has run less than 35 000 miles. Fluid Leaks: If you see oils or fluids in the shock absorber body, the chances are high that your shock absorber has a leak or cracked somewhere. This leak can be easily repaired with the right knowledge and repairing the product.

How long does it take for a shock absorber to wear out?

The shock absorber is a blessing for making our ride smoother. But like other mechanical parts, this can also wear out after several days of use. You should keep your eye on the maintenance of your car so that you can figure out what’s wrong with these parts. Also, take regular care offered by the manufacturer.

What to do if you can't fix a shock?

Also, if the case is severe and not repairable, then you need to change the shock absorber. If you desire so, make sure you buy one of the best shock absorbers available in the market.

How to remove shock absorber?

You should be able to remove the shock absorber now. Start at the top by pulling it away from the shock mount. Then, push it away from the bottom shock mount. If you have trouble you may need to use a pry bar and mallet to loosen the shock. Do It Right: You may need to compress the shock to remove it from the vehicle.

How to fix a squeaky rear wheel?

Step 1: Remove Your Vehicle’s Old Shock Absorber. Jack up your vehicle and put it on stands, and remove the rear wheel where you'll be working on. Show More Show Less. Then, place a jack under the lower ball joint or control arm. Raise the jack upward slightly to relieve the tension of the suspension. Show More Show Less.

How often should you have your shocks and struts inspected?

It’s recommended you have shocks and struts professionally inspected every fifty ...

How to remove splash guard bolt?

Use a socket wrench and 10mm socket to remove the splash guard bolt, and splash guard. Then, remove the bottom nut using a socket. Next, remove the top bolt (s) with your socket. Do It Right: Not all vehicles will have a top bolt to remove, some have a threaded stud that doesn't require removal.

Why does my shock absorber leak?

Due to an accident crash or maybe due to some other heavy impact on the shock absorber, the piston bents down. In such a situation, the shock absorber fails to move correctly. This ultimately leads to shock absorber leaking.

How long does a shock absorber last?

Usually, the age of shock absorbers is several years long. They can cover more than 50 thousand miles. Eventually, they start to wear out, which results in leakage. You must follow the instructions of the manufacturing company to know when shock absorber replacement should be done. It’s better to replace before facing the problem of leakage.

What happens when your car is in an accident?

When your vehicle faces a serious accident, it jars the suspension. You should understand that it will result in shocks leaking. In some cases, even the accident wasn’t that serious, but still, it affects the suspension. So, try to check it yourself or take it to the mechanic for examination. Learn what you need to do, replace the shock absorber or repair.

Is it cost effective to replace a shock absorber?

● Cost-Effective : Replacement of shock absorber is expensive as you travel to the marketplace and buy a completely new shock absorber. However, the repair is cost-effective because you are going to use older parts that become perfect for use after correction.

1. Lasting Period

Well, nothing is meant to last forever, neither will the rear shock absorber. The shocks of these days are manufactured for lasting for a specific period. After several years, you will see shock absorber leakage or worn-out situations.

2. Driving Lane

Shock absorbers are closely related to the lane you are picking up for driving your vehicle. They are designed for reducing the shock and keep your tires on the ground whenever there is a defect on the road.

Bouncy Rides

The first thing you will feel when the rear shocks are leaking is an uncomfortable voyage. As the shock absorber is leaking, it won’t be able to keep the tires on the ground as much as it did before. As a result, the tires won’t be on the ground and instead, they will bounce. So, you will encounter bouncy rides now and then!

Nose Dive

If you are using the brake while driving the vehicle and you see that the front part of the vehicle is pointing toward the ground or it is dipping forward, you must understand that it is a nosedive. And mostly, this happens for shock absorber leaking.

Tire Wear

Tire wears can happen for a lot of reasons. But if you are having a bouncy ride and there is too much tire wear in a short period, the reason behind this is the rear shock absorber leakage.

Steering Wheel Vibration

For the front shock, you might see the steering wheel vibrations. But as we are only talking about the rear one, we are keeping that aside. But if you face this symptom, your rear shock absorber is just fine, check the front one for leakage.