How to Test My Struts and Shocks
It may be time to replace the struts and shocks in your vehicle’s suspension, but did you know there’s a way to test them to make sure? If you need new shocks and struts, call us to schedule an appointment for your vehicle immediately. We will get you in and out of our shop quickly.
Park the Vehicle
Park your car, truck, or utility vehicle on a completely level surface that gives you plenty of space in front of and behind your vehicle. Do not park the automobile on an incline; it may move when you test the shocks and struts. You must park on a flat surface so your vehicle is level with the ground. If your garage floor is level, you can test the shocks and struts in the garage.
Set the Parking Brake
Before you conduct the test, ensure you have set the parking brake. Again, you want to ensure that the automobile does not roll while testing the shocks and struts. This is especially important if you drive an automobile with a manual transmission, as they roll easily when in neutral. If you drive an automobile with an automatic transmission, put the transmission in Park.
Push Down on the Hood
Step in front of your automobile and place your hands firmly on the hood. Push down on the hood several times to get your vehicle to bounce. Once you have a lot of bouncing up and down, release your hands from the hood and count how many times your car bounces. If it bounces three or more times, you must replace the front wheels’ struts. If it stops bouncing immediately, the struts are still in good condition and do not need to be replaced yet.
Push Down on the Trunk
Now, walk around to the rear of your vehicle and place your hands firmly on the trunk. Push down on the trunk several times to get the body bouncing again. Once you have a lot of bouncing going on, release your hands and count the times your vehicle stops bouncing. Again, if it takes more than three times, you must replace the shocks on the rear wheels.
