Suspension System Repair: How To Diagnose & Replace Shock Absorbers Part 2

In part 1 of this series, we discussed the purpose of struts and shock absorbers on your vehicle, along with a simple test to determine if replacement is necessary. In this part you will learn how to easily identify which type you have, and preparation for the job.

Preparation

First, park the vehicle in a level and well-lighted area. Unless your vehicle has high ground clearance, you may need to remove one or two of the wheels in order to determine what type of shocks are used and where. To determine this, it is only necessary to remove one each of the front and rear wheels, one at a time. When doing so, remember to use all appropriate safety precautions.

After a given wheel is removed, you should be able to visually determine which type of system your vehicle uses. Compare your observations to the following illustrations:

Typical Strut:

If what you see looks similar to the image shown at left, then it is a strut. To replace these requires special tools such as a strut or spring compressor, along with certain techniques. As mentioned earlier, this type of work is best done by a professional. Likewise, if what you see resembles the image to the right, then it is an individual shock absorber and you can probably replace it yourself. Look closely at the ends of the shock absorber and note how they attach to the rest of the vehicle. Some shock absorbers will have two rings, one at each end, just as the one shown here. Bolts will pass through these rings to attach the shock absorber. Also, the shock absorber might only have one ring, usually at the bottom, and a threaded rod at the top with a nut attached. Both types do the same job – the difference is simply the mounting method.