Should i buy shocks or struts

Because the terms are used interchangeably, customers often get confused as to which they need. To add to the confusion, some vehicles have struts on the front axle and shocks on the rear. If you search for your vehicle on Shockwarehouse, you will only see the correct units for your vehicle - struts if you need struts and shocks if you need shocks. Enter your vehicle information to find products for your vehicle. If you don't see what you need, call Shockwarehouse at What is the Difference Between Shocks and Struts?

A Strut. Note the spring perch that holds the vehicle's coil spring, making the strut an integral part of the vehicle's suspension. These are signs the rear shocks have met the end of their useful life.

If you get a flashlight, you can take a look at your shocks and struts. Do you see fluid usually brown in color leaking down onto the bottom part of the shock or strut? While you might have a leak elsewhere that is splashing on the shock, this has a different look to it.

This fluid leak should come straight down and not have a splash of fluid on one side only. Ask them to clean it off with a rag and drive home.

If it is leaking, you will see it again within a few miles. One way to check is to push or stand on the bumper and bounce up and down a few times, then hop off be careful not to fall! The car should bounce once more then stop. An old-fashioned way to check for this is for you or someone else to drive the vehicle while you follow behind.

When shocks and struts are very worn out, you can see the car bouncing along or swaying from side to side very easily. You may not notice your ride control has been compromised when these parts are wearing out, because it happens gradually. Bad shocks and struts are diagnosed through other methods.

Suspension bushings problems — cracking, peeling, off-center. Active leaking of oil on parts. A rougher ride. Longer stopping distance. Swaying after a turn or lane change or in cross winds. Noticeable bounciness more than one or two bounces after going over dips or bumps. Nose-diving when you apply the brakes. Contribute to stability as you accelerate, stop and turn.