Your shocks and struts do more than make your ride comfortable. They help your tires stay planted on the road, improve braking stability, and keep your vehicle controlled over bumps, potholes, and turns. When shocks or struts wear out, your vehicle may still “drive,” but it won’t handle or stop as safely—and it can start wearing tires fast.
Here are 10 common signs your car, SUV, or truck may need shock or strut replacement.
First: What’s the Difference Between Shocks and Struts?
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Shocks (shock absorbers): control bouncing and body movement.
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Struts: combine a shock absorber with structural suspension parts and often support vehicle weight and alignment geometry.
Many vehicles have struts in the front and shocks in the rear—but it varies by model.
10 Signs Your Shocks or Struts May Be Worn
1) Your vehicle bounces excessively over bumps
If your car keeps bouncing after hitting a bump, your shocks/struts may not be controlling spring movement properly.
Why it matters: less control and longer stopping distances on rough roads.
2) Nose-diving when braking
If the front end dips hard during braking, worn struts/shocks can contribute to weight transfer issues.
Why it matters: stability during emergency stops can be reduced.
3) Squatting in the rear during acceleration
If the rear end drops noticeably when accelerating (especially in trucks/SUVs), worn rear shocks can be part of the issue.
4) Vehicle feels “floaty” or unstable at highway speeds
A drifting, floating, or “wandering” feeling often shows up when dampers are weak.
Why it matters: crosswinds, ruts, and lane changes feel less predictable.
5) Clunking or knocking noises over bumps
Worn struts, mounts, shock bushings, or related suspension components can create clunks—especially on potholes or speed bumps.
Why it matters: noise often means looseness, wear, or movement that shouldn’t be there.
6) Uneven tire wear (cupping/scalloping)
Bad shocks/struts can cause tires to “hop” slightly, creating cupped or scalloped wear patterns.
Why it matters: tires get noisy, traction drops, and you may need tires sooner than expected.
7) Steering feels less responsive (or you need constant corrections)
Worn front struts can reduce steering stability, especially on rough roads.
8) Vehicle sways or leans more in corners
If your vehicle leans more than it used to, shocks/struts may not be controlling body roll properly (though sway bar links/bushings can also contribute).
9) One corner sits lower or looks uneven
A sagging stance can mean spring issues (not always the strut itself), but it’s still a suspension warning sign worth checking.
10) Visible oil leak on the shock or strut body
If you see oily residue on the strut/shock, it may be leaking internally.
Why it matters: leaking dampers lose performance and typically need replacement.
Is It Safe to Drive with Worn Shocks or Struts?
Often it’s “driveable,” but safety and control can be reduced—especially in emergency maneuvers or on wet/snowy roads. Worn dampers can cause:
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Longer stopping distance
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Reduced traction over bumps
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Faster tire wear
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Less stable handling and lane changes
If you’re noticing bouncing, clunking, or uneven tire wear, it’s best to inspect sooner than later.
Do You Need an Alignment After Struts?
Often, yes—especially after front strut replacement.
Struts are part of the suspension geometry, and replacing them can affect alignment angles. A proper alignment helps:
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Prevent uneven tire wear
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Improve steering feel
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Keep the vehicle tracking straight
(Rear shocks typically don’t affect alignment as much, depending on design.)
What’s Included in a Suspension Inspection?
A proper check usually includes:
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Road test for bounce, noise, and handling
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Inspecting shocks/struts for leaks and wear
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Checking mounts, bushings, sway bar links, ball joints, tie rods, and control arm bushings
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Inspecting tire wear patterns
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Measuring ride height (when needed)
Suspension symptoms can overlap, so diagnosis matters.
Book Shocks and Struts Service
If your vehicle feels bouncy, unstable, noisy over bumps, or you’re seeing uneven tire wear, book a suspension inspection. We’ll confirm whether shocks/struts are the issue and recommend the best repair plan.
Location:
8304 Fairmount Dr SE
Calgary, AB, T2H 0Y8
