Shock Absorbers
Shocks
- We specialise in the fitment of Gabriel and Monroe Shock absorbers.
- In addition to front and rear shocks, we also replace strut mountings
- Our shocks are backed by a three year guarantee
- Wheel alignment is checked free of charge
- We are well known throughout Cape Town for the quality of our work on shock replacements, as well as for our competitive prices
Symptoms of Worn Shocks
Roadholding Signs
- See-sawing on takeoff
- Steering wheel vibrates
- Sharp stops (car nose dives when braking)
- Banking on corners
- Increased radius on bends and corners, car does not hug the road on bends
- Car veers excessively in side winds
- Excessive bounce on rough surfaces
Physical Inspection
- Leaking fluid/caked-on dirt with oily patches
- Dents and deformation
- Bald patches on tyres
The Bounce Test
- Take each corner of the vehicle and push down hard
- The corner should drop, rise and settle again
- If the body continues to move up and down, there is a good chance your shocks need replacing
The Risks of Worn Shocks
Drivers have a tendency not to notice when their shocks fail. This change happens gradually over a period of time and drivers gradually adjust their driving of compensate for the extra roll or bounce.
A worn shock will reduce the driver’s ability to control the vehicle.
We recommend that you replace your shocks every 60 oookm or every three years. When last did you check yours?
Loss of Road Handling
Worn shocks can cause excessive spring movement of the vehicle, making the vehicle difficult to handle. Worn shocks also affect brake control, reduce the efficiency of Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESP) and can cause the car to sway dangerously.
Shock absorbers that are in good condition are not only a necessity for proper car handling but become especially important in emergency manoeuvres. Worn shocks won’t keep your wheels glued to the road, no matter how new your tyres are. On wet roads, even with good tyres, worn shocks can cause the tyres to bounce and lose grip. At best, road handling is poor in wet weather.
Worn shocks require a longer stopping distance and also means less control when concerning or caught in a cross wind.
Wear and tear on other parts
A worn or damaged shock absorber can cause tyre wear and damage to the suspension. Worn shocks cause the tyre to bounce, creating worn or bald sports, which accelerate tyre wear and reduce tyre life.
Excessive spring movement on the vehicle will not only make the vehicle more difficult to handle but can also cause suspension and steering components to wear-out more quickly because of the extra movement to the suspension.
Poor ride comfort
Good shocks not only enhance safety and performance but also comfort providing a smoother ride. A road surface isn’t smooth and the wheels of a vehicle are inclined to bounce over the bumps. Shock absorbers dampen the road shock and prevent the wheels bouncing by keeping the tyre in contact with the road surface under all conditions.
With worn shocks you will experience a vibrating steering wheel, sharp stops, banking on corners, excessive veering in side winds and a bouncy suspension. When a car’s shocks are worn, the driver needs to concentrate more on keeping the car on the road. A tired driver is a dangerous driver.
Insurance claim repudiation
If you are involved in a collision and have worn shocks you may face the risk of your insurance being revoked since your insurer requires that your vehicle be properly maintained.