What’s the bump on Shocks and Struts?

By Brian Klaubert

Many people are unsure of whether they have shocks or struts, and when they need to be changed. If you have a car or mini-van you most likely have struts, certainly on the front wheels and probably on the rear wheels too. If you have an SUV,  pick-up truck, or full sized van you most likely have shocks on all four wheels. But shock or strut, they both serve the same function. They control the way your car responds to bumps, cornering, and braking.

What does it matter which you have? Since you can’t change your car’s design, the only difference that will matter to you is how expensive they are to replace. This is one of those areas where life isn’t really fair. It is much less expensive to replace shocks on a big SUV or pick-up than to replace struts on a smaller car. For example, the cost to replace all four shocks on a 1999 Chevy Suburban is about $350. The cost to replace four struts on a 1999 Toyota Camry is about $830, or two and a half times as much. Briefly explaining, there is just a lot more to disassemble to replace a strut than to replace a shock. The strut itself is also a little more complex, so is a more expensive part than the shock.

When do they need to be replaced? If you have less than 80,000 miles you probably don’t need to replace this item yet. If you have more than 100,000 miles you most likely would benefit from new shocks or struts. A qualified repair facility can advise you by bouncing the car a few times and taking it on a quick drive. If it seems that your car bounces more than it used to, or your tires skid under hard braking more than they used to, this is also an indicator to have your car checked.

What real and tangible benefits will you receive from replacing your shocks or struts? If they were truly worn out, you should feel a significant improvement in comfort while driving. The shocks restrict the vehicle from bouncing too many times after you hit a bump. They also limit how far the car leans over when going around a corner.

The most important benefit from replacing your shocks can be in maintaining the shortest possible stopping distance when braking. You have undoubtedly both felt and seen cars pitch nose down under heavy braking. Shocks or struts are intended to minimize that pitch. When pitch occurs the percentage of vehicle weight on the front tires versus the back tires shifts significantly to the front tires. The rear tire’s ability to stop the vehicle is reduced as weight comes off of the tire.

In practical terms, worn shocks or struts can add 15 to 30 feet to your stopping distance. Does that really matter? The next time you screech to a sudden stop just inches from the bumper in front of you, give it some thought.

Brian Klaubert owns Christian Brothers Automotive-Hamilton Mill on Hwy 124 in Dacula.