The winter season wreaks havoc on a truck's suspension system and leaves truck parts like shock absorbers, stiff, brittle and unable to properly function through adverse road conditions like potholes.
With the arrival of Spring, now is time to discuss the importance of inspecting these parts early in the season for possible replacement. Replacement before long-haul trips can improve shock absorber performance and avoid potential dangers of failing shock absorbers.
“Stiff” shocks are caused by cold oil, a common problem in the winter season. According to DIYAutoService, “a drastic decrease in temperature causes your shock absorbers to restrict the movement of fluid through the metering holes as the oil inside gets thicker and denser.”
Shocks that cruised on salty roads during winter may have corroded over time, too. Match Made Parts, a leading supplier of aftermarket shock absorbers, states that weak welding, cracked bushings and excessive oil loss are other reasons shocks may fail. Driving with bad shocks is never a good idea and will create bumpier rides for truckers.
Drivers will need to observe the warning signs of failing shock absorbers to determine if they need replacement. Monroe, a leading supplier of shocks and struts, points out that uneven tire wear, noticeable road vibrations in the steering wheel, knocking sounds and unstable bouncy rides are all symptoms of bad shocks.
A “bounce test” will help diagnose if truckers are driving with faulty shocks and can be performed in an empty parking lot or in a repair shop. It is important to note that a good shock will not bounce back quickly when pressed. If conducting the bounce test in a parking lot, see if the truck’s rear continues to bounce after stomping down on the brake. If it does then the rear shocks are worn. (On cars, a bounce test can be done by pushing down on one corner of the vehicle. If cars bounce more than twice, it is time for replacement.)
Truckers will also need to visually inspect shocks to see if they are free from dents, bends and oil spills. If they are not smooth to touch, it is time to switch out shocks for new ones. Typically, shock absorbers should be replaced every 150,000 miles, according to Match Made Parts.
