Front shock absorber replacement
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Front shock absorber replacement
How much does a front shock absorber replacement cost?
Feeling every bump and undulation of the road inside the cabin of your vehicle is an unpleasant way of travelling.
Not only is it uncomfortable, it causes wear and tear on components that are vital for the safety of you and other motorists.
That’s where shock absorbers come in. The shock absorbers are designed to do just that – absorb shocks and bumps from the road before they get transferred into the cabin, and work in conjunction with the springs to provide a comfortable ride as well as keep the wheel and tyre in contact with the road at all times.
The shock absorbers do wear out over time, and need to be replaced to ensure the handling of your vehicle is as safe as possible.
Front Shock Absorber replacement can cost between $250 - $700 and up, depending on the type of shock absorbers and if other components need to be removed to allow access.
What is a shock absorber?
A shock absorber is usually a cylinder with two compartments that are filled with either a liquid or a gas.
When the vehicle travels over a bump in the road, the shock absorber piston compresses the liquid or gas, helping absorb the bump without transferring the shock into the cabin.
It then returns to its normal position, ready for the next bump or undulation.
It also keeps the wheel and tyre in contact with the road to maximise traction and handling.
Symptoms you need your front shock absorbers replaced
- Bouncy ride
- Tyres wearing unevenly
- Harsh impact when driving over bumps
How is this repair performed?
- The shock absorbers will be inspected
- If they require replacing, the wheels will be removed and the old shock absorbers discarded
- The new shock absorbers will be fitted and the rest of the suspension inspected for worn or damaged components
- The wheels will be refitted and the vehicle tested for correct operation
Tips to remember
- Shock absorbers should always be replaced in pairs, to ensure the vehicle handling remains stable and predictable.
- Some newer vehicles have the shock absorbers and springs fitted together. This is known as a suspension strut. When replacing these struts, they may require bushes and plates to be inspected and replaced if they are deemed to be unsafe.
- If your shock absorbers are worn out or leaking, uneven and/or rapid wear of your tyres may result, and emergency stopping distances can increase – especially in wet or slippery conditions.
How important is replacing worn or failed shock absorbers?
The shock absorbers are responsible for eliminating most of the road vibration that is transferred through the body of the vehicle.
They also play a key role in keeping your wheels and tyres on the road at all times.
Having worn out or leaking shock absorbers can decrease the grip your tyres have on the road, increasing stopping distances and reducing traction and handling capabilities of your vehicle - as well as making the ride of your vehicle uncomfortable.
If you've read this far, you obviously care about your car. A lot. So next time you need a service, repair or inspection, visit AutoGuru. We let you search and book from over 1,600 qualified mechanics, who eat car troubles for breakfast.
