Strut replacement in Lansing MI
Shock Absorber replacement in Lansing MI
Why replace your struts and shocks to:
- restore safe vehicle control
- improve ride comfort
- decrease suspension parts wear and tear
- prevent excessive tire wear
Other related suspension repair in Lansing MI area include:
- ball joint replacement
- spring replacement
- suspension repair
- strut repair
- shock repair
- wheel alignment
Chuck's Garage Lansing
3503 W Saint Joseph St
Lansing, MI 48917
(517) 267-9900
Strut & Shock Replacement FAQ
How long should shock absorbers or struts last?
The question of when to replace shock absorbers and struts depends on many factors: how many miles a vehicle is driven, condition and type of roads it’s driven, and whether it’s driven gently or with performance in mind!
All those factors make it difficult to give a definite age or mileage number. However we would expect shock absorbers or struts to last at least four or five years. It’s also not unusual for shocks and struts to last 10 years before needing to be replaced on a vehicle that has lived most of its life on smooth pavement and a mild climate.
Rough roads with potholes, large cracks, and sharp ridges that run across the pavement will cause faster wear in shocks and struts. Also frequently carrying heavy loads or driving on unpaved roads can cause rapid wear.
And winter weather and road salt can also shorten shock absorber and strut life.
Instead of using time or mileage to decide when to replace shocks and struts, use them as a guide for when to have your entire suspension inspected for damage, wear, and leaks. A simple guide is once your vehicle is reaches five years of age start doing a more thorough chassis inspection to uncover if and what parts actually need replacement.
Can worn shocks and struts cause other problems?
Worn shocks or struts can cause vehicle handling and braking control problems making your vehicle difficult to handle and operate safely.
Worn shocks or struts can cause uneven tire wear and excessive suspension part wear. Worn Struts and shocks allow abnormal suspension movement which accelerates suspension part and resulting tire wear.
There are many potential causes of vehicle ride and handling issues, unusual noises, and tire wear problems. A new set of replacement shock absorbers or struts won't solve all problems. It is best to have a complete suspension inspection by a qualified mechanic and repair your vehicle for a smoother, safer ride.
What noise does a bad strut make?
Knocking or clunking noises when driving over bumps are a clear sign of a bad or failing strut assembly.
The struts allow your vehicle chassis, wheel assembly and body to move smoothly and under control when you hit a bump while driving. When the strut is worn out or damaged it will produce a knocking or clunking sound that can be very noticeable. Often the noise can be identified by pushing your fender down and rapidly releasing when the vehicle is parked.
Do struts squeak when they are bad?
Yes, struts can squeak. Bumps, potholes, getting in and out of the vehicle and braking can cause your strut to squeak and groan. But they should be carefully inspected. The squeaking also can be caused by worn suspension parts such as ball joints or suspension bushings.
Should you replace struts in pairs?
It depends on the reason the strut is being replaced. If the strut is being replaced due to pot-hole or collision damage, and the vehicle is not too old or high mileage, a single strut can be replaced.
If the vehicle has high mileage or is older than 10 years it is usually recommended to replace automotive struts at least in pairs. For example, both front struts or both rear shock absorbers are usually replaced. If the struts are being replaced due to poor function on an old or high mileage vehicle it is best to replace all four struts.
This is because a new shock absorber will absorb road bumps better than the old one and having a new strut or shock absorber on one side can affect the handling and safety of your vehicle.
High performance vehicles should always have struts replaced as a whole set due to how strongly struts affect the handling and safety of a vehicle.
Should the suspension springs also be replaced with new struts?
The answer is no: if the spring is in a good working order it can be re-used with the new strut. Springs support the vehicle weight and have no effect on the function of the strut or shock absorber. Vehicle ride height should be measured before replacing struts.
How much does strut replacement cost?
Strut and shock replacement cost varies greatly depending on the vehicle and the quality of parts used. Please contact us for a shock or strut replacement cost estimate in Lansing, MI. You can also make an appointment for a shock and strut inspection.
Common Indicators You Need New Struts
5 Clear signs that you need new shocks or struts
From nose dives to squatting and body roll to ride quality these five simple signs will let you know it's time for some suspension strut repair.
Have you ever seen an vehicle bouncing up and down going down the road? Or notice when a vehicle makes a tight turn and it looks like it might roll over?
Those are the two most common signs that a suspension shock or strut has worn out.
Unlike the engine, which gets regular oil change service, your struts get no regular service. They work until they are worn out and then need to be replaced.
A good auto service shop will do a thorough vehicle inspection at every service visit and warn you when your struts are getting to the end of their life.
Five Signs of Strut Replacement Needed
Here are the five signs you need new struts:
- Vehicle ride quality is poor. While ride quality is very different between vehicles, from tight, bouncy suspension on a pickup truck to the soft, absorbent feel of a luxury car, all vehicles should perform to a standard based on what their intended purposes.
The person who knows best how your vehicle handles is the person who drives it the most. If your vehicle is feeling more bouncy, rough, or tends to "roll" on turns, it's time to get your vehicle's struts inspected.
- Nose dive when brakes applied. This is a common issue in larger, heavy vehicles when shocks or struts get weak. Nose diving is caused when you apply your brakes and the front of the vehicle dips toward the ground.
Nose dive can be a safety issue in severe cases. It can also cause delayed braking action and affect vehicle steering when the vehicle bounces or impacts the ground.
- Your vehicle has excessive body roll or lean during a turn. If you have to do a swerving reaction to avoid a collision excess body roll can cause a loss of vehicle control or vehicle roll over accident.
If the struts or shocks of your car or truck are starting to wear out the body will have a leaning feel even on the slightest turns. This can be a major safety issue so mention to your auto repair technician next time you have your vehicle inspected.
- Your vehicle "squats" when accelerating from a stop. If your shocks and struts are weak when you accelerate the momentum of the vehicle will be transferred rearward, which will cause the vehicle's front end to rise into the air.
- Visible damage to the strut or shock absorber including dents or fluid leaks. Each shock or strut has an internal reservoir of hydraulic fluid allows them to stabilize and control the vehicle. Signs of a damaged or leaking shock or strut is a clear indication that it is time for strut replacement.
With these five simple signs of strut and shock problems you can be sure it's time for a suspension inspection and possibly shock or strut replacement.
