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Read Our Services FAQ’s

What is the difference between shock absorbers and struts?
Struts and shocks are very similar in function but very different in design. The job of both is to control excessive spring motion; however, struts are also a structural component of the suspension. Struts can take the place of two or three conventional suspension components and are often used as a pivot point for steering and to adjust the position of the wheels for alignment purposes.
How do I know my shocks or struts need to be replaced?
It’s relatively easy for most vehicle owners to determine when their tires, brakes and windshield wipers are worn out. Shocks and struts, on the other hand, aren’t nearly as simple to inspect, in spite of the fact that these safety-critical components are high susceptible to everyday wear and tear. Shocks and struts should be inspected by your local Monroe Expert Plus dealer or any ASE Certified Technician every time it is brought in for tire, brake or alignment services.

During a road test, a technician may notice an unusual noise originating from the suspension system. The technician may also notice that the vehicle exhibits excessive bounce, sway, or dive during braking. This could warrant additional inspection. If the shock or strut has lost a large amount of fluid, if it is bent or broken, or if it has damaged brackets or worn bushings, it should be repaired or replaced. Generally, replacement of parts will be required if a part no longer performs the intended purpose, if the part does not meet a design specification (regardless of performance), or if a part is missing.

Replacement shocks may also be installed in order to improve the ride, for preventative reasons, or to meet a special requirement; for example, load-assisting shock absorbers can be installed for leveling a vehicle that is often used to carry additional weight.

 

How many miles do shocks and struts last?
Experts recommend the replacement of automotive shocks and struts at 50,000 miles. Testing has shown that original equipment gas-charged shocks and struts degrade measurably by 50,000 miles*. For many popular-selling vehicles, replacing these worn shocks and struts can improve the vehicle’s handling characteristics and comfort.

Unlike a tire, which rotates a specific number of times per mile, a shock absorber or strut may compress and extend several times per mile on a smooth road, or several hundred times per mile on a very rough road. There are other factors that affect the life of a shock or strut, such as, regional weather conditions, amount and type of road contaminates, driving habits, loading of the vehicle, tire / wheel modifications, and the general mechanical condition of the suspension and tires.

Have your shocks and struts inspected by your local Monroe Expert Plus dealer or any ASE Certified Technician once a year, or every 12,000 miles.

*Actual mileage may vary, depending upon driver ability, vehicle type, and the type of driving and road conditions.

What will happen if I don’t replace worn shocks or struts?
Shocks and struts are an integral part of your suspension system. They work to prevent suspension parts and tires from wearing out prematurely. If worn, they could jeopardize your ability to stop, steer and maintain stability. They also work to maintain tire contact with the road and reduce the rate at which vehicle weight transfers among the wheels when negotiating corners or during braking.

Are there any other parts I should consider replacing while having my struts / shocks serviced?

Because removal, replacement and alignment of struts or shock absorbers can be labor intensive, it is a good idea to have the “bearing / mounting plate”, and mounting bolts inspected along with other parts that are designed to protect the strut / shock such as the “jounce bumper” and “dust boot”. You’ll not only be saving yourself from paying for the same labor charges again, but you will also be protecting the investment you made in new parts.

Unlike a tire, which rotates a specific number of times per mile, a shock absorber or strut may compress and extend several times per mile on a smooth road, or several hundred times per mile on a very rough road. There are other factors that affect the life of a shock or strut, such as, regional weather conditions, amount and type of road contaminates, driving habits, loading of the vehicle, tire / wheel modifications, and the general mechanical condition of the suspension and tires.

Have your shocks and struts inspected by your local Monroe Expert Plus dealer or any ASE Certified Technician once a year, or every 12,000 miles.

*Actual mileage may vary, depending upon driver ability, vehicle type, and the type of driving and road conditions.

Does my vehicle need to be aligned after I have my struts replaced?
Yes. Monroe recommends alignments anytime replacement struts are installed. However, there are a few exceptions where the vehicle manufacturer does not provide alignment provisions, or where the alignment angles are not affected by a strut replacement. Examples include certain double wishbone, some modified type struts, and suspension systems which utilize shock absorbers.

Are there any other parts I should consider replacing while having my struts / shocks serviced?

Because removal, replacement and alignment of struts or shock absorbers can be labor intensive, it is a good idea to have the “bearing / mounting plate”, and mounting bolts inspected along with other parts that are designed to protect the strut / shock such as the “jounce bumper” and “dust boot”. You’ll not only be saving yourself from paying for the same labor charges again, but you will also be protecting the investment you made in new parts.

Unlike a tire, which rotates a specific number of times per mile, a shock absorber or strut may compress and extend several times per mile on a smooth road, or several hundred times per mile on a very rough road. There are other factors that affect the life of a shock or strut, such as, regional weather conditions, amount and type of road contaminates, driving habits, loading of the vehicle, tire / wheel modifications, and the general mechanical condition of the suspension and tires.

Have your shocks and struts inspected by your local Monroe Expert Plus dealer or any ASE Certified Technician once a year, or every 12,000 miles.

*Actual mileage may vary, depending upon driver ability, vehicle type, and the type of driving and road conditions.

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