How to Diagnose a Bad Strut or Shock on Your Car

In this video I'll go over in detail on what are some symptoms of a failed strut or shock absorber and the best methods in diagnosing a bad shock or strut. Also I'll show you the difference between a monotube and twintube shock and how a dent can effect each type.
Please Consider Supporting me on Patreon at : / members
Facebook: / ratchets2015
Twitter: / ratchets15
Instagram: / ratchetsandwrenches
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of Ratchets and Wrenches, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. Ratchets and Wrenches assumes no liability for any property or personal damage that may arise from doing a repair on your vehicle after watching any of my repair video's. Due to factors beyond the control of Ratchets and Wrenches, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Again Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Ratchets and Wrenches.

[@manuelsalvatierra2940]

RnW 2020

[@miguelare3]

I second that!

[@futureshock7425]

I can hear them all unsubscribing now poor babies

[@papatorr3669]

@@futureshock7425 waaa, good idea!

[@infotechsailor]

for President! [of Venezuela]

[@byrdkeion33]

Miguel Arellano has come a

[@adamswartz7670]

How do you keep such a straight face all the time hahahahaha

[@kishorsapkota8029]

STFU just get the information from video. Otherwise if you could make like this one, you can go ahead.

[@joshuaharris243]

@UCCWC5sa8-rSkSm9vSygwL7g you stfu

[@8bert9]

I figured I had bad struts because when I get on rough road my steering wheel moves all over the place. I have watched at least 10 videos and you were the only person to mention the erratic steering behavior. Thanks!!!

[@davehunt3410]

Same. Solid advice!

[@sheffielduk3428]

The only guy on KZbin to mention the symptom I am experiencing!!!! Wheel shaking left to right when going over bumps! Done all 3 shocks got 1 left haha

[@biggirldaqueen9482]

My wheel is shaking as well

[@sheffielduk3428]

@BigGirl DaQueen you're legs will be shaking if I have anything to do with it da queen ;) hahaha

[@dodobird5409]

I replaced my Struts on my Honda Pilot after it was making a clanking noise when going over bumps. It fixed the problem and I soon realized how bad the struts needed to be replaced becuase of the difference it made. Also good to mention that the car needed an alignment after replacing them.

[@zackgreth7838]

This is starting to happen to my car

[@mrlilmex1772ify]

I have a Honda Pilot myself , started to feel the road more and feel bumps more if that makes sense, I searched bad strut symptoms and your comment was the first one I read , it’s a sign haha thanks

[@noahgomez1673]

Did one side of your car feel loose?

[@kazj1728]

Did your Honda Pilot’s suspension make what sounded like a single loud metal “ping!” sound? I’m not sure what happened as the car drives fine.

[@coryulrich6489]

Can you practice helping to find your kids cocain in the white house?

[@akeemhector4516]

You do a very good job at explaining exactly what your doing, very helpful and appreciated

[@chadsoucek4678]

Awesome video. I started watching you when I was working on my first car and you were the only one with good videos on 2000 vw Passat repairs. Good to see you’re still having fun with it.

[@gbwalther3198]

Thanks for the great real-life demo. Down-to-earth approach! Clear and concise.

[@hammerhead6537]

I forgot, thank you for the video. They are always informative and fun to watch. Semper Fi, USMC.

[@KeyWestSaltLife]

Great overview and summary of possible issues. It definitely helped me to diagnose my worn out strut issue

[@tawermeister99]

Thank you so much for this video. Every time I went over a bump or pothole the steering wheel did exactly what you said it would. That helped me diagnose my problem after already changing droplinks and bushes on my anti roll bar. Would you recommend changing just the shock absorbers? Or do the whole suspension with the springs too?

[@b4804514]

My car had worn bearing on the upper strut mounts Ford was famous for that problem. It would be a good time to replace those when you are replacing the struts.

[@emilieesimmons6105]

This was EXTREMELY helpful. Thank you

[@williamkreth]

BRO! love your content! Thanks so much! I can't afford to hire a mechanic to fix my beaters so I have to HAHA

[@AdnanKhan-lu9yh]

Thank you so much. Very helpful information to decipher a diagnostic issue my mechanics were facing.

[@marcusdarnell3348]

Thanks I learned something new today!

[@Metalheadmike1211]

I need new struts in my car. This fit my car perfectly. I can’t even go over the smallest bumps without my car bouncing like crazy. Driving on the highway when it’s windy is scary. My car feels like it’s wobbling.

[@michaelmiguelicutti2829]

Same, car drives like a boat right now.

[@wewhoareabouttodiesaluteyo9303]

@@michaelmiguelicutti2829 Glad your first name is not Bob, Spongebob XD

[@ismaelsalazar7705]

Lmfao!! I didnt expect that greeting

[@blakelee3291]

That's how trump greets the ladies 😂

[@johndamjohn]

Trump 2020. United We Stand with biden we fall. The whole pussy grabbing thing is all talk he has never actually done that. Biden on the other hand definitely has touched children inappropriately on camera as well as sniffed their hair and whispered in their ear totally inappropriate

[@jrm163]

The explanation is very thorough! Thanks!

[@jimh2061]

Very good basic info. Thanks

[@edv8819]

YOU MADE ME LAUGH AND EARNED A SUBSCRIBER!

[@pete1319]

Fricken hilarious man that sums it up love your vids thanks

[@pankkkk]

Hi. Are shocks buffer worth it ? Any guide on them ? Like how long do they last and any percentage on much improvement on installing them ?

[@barrybennett3970]

Best explanation ever.. "RESPECT"!

[@janpalmer3025]

I fix cars because of videos like yours, they are excellent videos.

[@user-ep5hb5pe8i]

Very clear explanation Thanks alot

[@sponsellerfd]

Love your commentary, lol, and the instructional video!

[@PotatoeChipz]

Looking good brotha. Struts and shocks are one of the easiest for the lay man to understand because many people have driven a bicycle. Applying the concept of a mtn bike shock to the car's shock/strut is identical. How to identify a failing vehicle strut: 1 - the oil is coming from the strut 2 - oil around the shaft That's about it. If no oil is leaking but there's a knocking over bumps and uneven cornering, the upper strut mount needs to be replaced but not immediately necessary. Generally a worn strut and/or strut mount won't throw off the alignment too much and rotating the wheels every 5k (oil change) would be good. This doesn't apply to the other 10% of vehicles out there.

[@MikeThaPhilosopher]

Funny and educational lol! Love it

[@deepcow]

I just replaced my two rear shocks, it’s been a while, I was shocked at how expensive they’ve become. It’s been 30 years since I bought a pair, they really have gotten expensive.

[@gslavik]

Inflation will do that. Also stagnating wages.

[@Pube83]

They're not expensive if it's a basic vehicle, around $60-75 a corner online for basic kyb (even cheaper with spring sales/rebates). Cheap Chinese sensen are like $120 for four. That's pretty cheap for such a vital component that makes a huge difference in making an older car feel newish.

[@PotatoeChipz]

You were shocked at how expensive shocks were to replace since 30 years ago when you originally upgraded your 4x4 with new shocks? That's shocking.

[@soniasias6226]

Lexus dealership asked for $2500 for rear shocks only.

[@deepcow]

@@soniasias6226 Dealerships and big chain shops are complete thief’s when it comes to repair.

[@mbs5328]

You make some excellent training videos. Can you recommend a scan tool for the serious engine performance DIY'er?

[@jotu173]

google these... Bluedriver (NO recurring fees) or Thinkcar (recurring fees). I have the bluedriver and it totally saved my rear today. I am 1K miles from home and all of a sudden a bunch of errors were thrown. This caused my VSC light to go on AND cruise to totally STOP working (important to have cruise when traveling 1K miles back home). Bluecar allowed me to scan and find out all issues AND reset ALL codes so my cruise worked again. It probably saved me $500. - 1K in the last 12 hours in potential tows and BS proposed shop fixes... FOR REAL.

[@GromGoVrom]

I have the Bluedriver and it's great. Easy to use.

[@alcerrito123]

what about prices and what to look out for when buying aftermarket

[@michaellevin1008]

Just subscribed to this guy hilarious beginning

[@FUNNYFIGHTER001]

Love it, keep it up

[@kevinserrano1623]

Should partner up with Scotty Kilmer and do a cameo in one's video. You guys are awesome and funny!

[@arfaniautos4314]

Good job

[@Qro_Cali_0184]

Q bien maestro,a casi describido lo q hace mi carro,aunq baya a baja velocidad como 40 o 50 millas por ora, se siente q bailotea ligeramente cuando agarra un peqeño bache,yo crei q era toda la suspensión por q el mecanico no le encuntra nada..no cabe duda alguna q tengo q reemplazar los strut shocks.gracias por la explicación 🙌👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@Mezmo2010]

Good explanation, thanks

[@jasonbarnes2636]

Good advice.

[@JCTheLawnCareGuy]

😂😂😂 you’re the best!!!!

[@sdivakar1459]

Very Nice Explanation RnW.

[@stevegocrazy5409]

This guy needs to be the president that disclaimer was fire 😭

[@Eddythe_Eagle]

I was wondering. I have a 2010 elantra with 82,000 kms. Problem is that the ride is really harsh and noisy. The rear shocks give a really rough ride on rough road. Steering is ok, and they are not leaking. I had a mechanic check it out, and he said it may be the upper mounts. Rough noisy rid eover rough roads. Also I wonder if it may be a mount problem. Also I am not sur if In can replace the shock because there is a upper rear mount that I have to remove, but I do not have a hoist to remove those mounting bolts. What do you think! Thanks

[@jotu173]

You da Man! Considering KYBs to replace my OEM toyota struts. How can I tell if I need an entire new "quick struts" or just a new strut (and reuse the OEM spring)??? Someone else told me that it is usually best to keep the original spring portion because they are usually much better than any spring you will get on non genuine toyota. Do you know any test or way for me to tell if the OEM spring portion of the strut is worn out or not? In other words, I am affraid that if I transfer the OEM spring to a new KYB strut, that I will quickly find out that I should have replaced the spring too. You always have such excellent videos! Help! :-)

[@emanuelungurean9809]

Thank a lot! All the best!

[@chadpugh1490]

Probably be a good idea to have your alignment checked after replacing front suspension components. Especially if you didn't go OE.

[@rockyfz7593]

Thank you so much Sir... 🙏🏼

[@ibrahimeltony4865]

It is also not necessarily see a leak in the shocks. For me every time I decided to change them and when I inspect them I see that they became very loose. Very small force were enough to compress them. That means also that the car is carried by the struts and engine mounts only... You can imagine how the dampening and vibration be in this case. So my advice to myself is to change them regularly regardless of their conditions. Say 60-70 km are fair enough for them.

[@andrewgraves7106]

haha i love your presidential jab lol, also you are very informative in your description of diagnosis, thank you for the laugh and information

[@kevinfrancisco1730]

Hi there! Need help here. My Nissan bottoms out when I hit a bump... not sure if I need new shocks or coils. What do you think is the problem? Thanks.

[@PishbolL]

Wanted to ask if the pontiac vibe had a known head gasket issue ? THX

[@SuperAfghanstyle]

How often should struts and shocks be replaced?

[@rdhj]

I have a 2012 ford focus with front struts and sway bar links that are 1.5 years old and i just put in new lower control arms...I thought the new control arms would fix my slight vibration and inside tread cupping, but it has not..Then I have noticed that I here clunking which i think is from the strut mount. i do remember hitting a bad pot hole months ago and wondering if that destroyed the bearing..However, after jacking the car up and pulling on the wheel and forcing it up with a pry bar under the tire, everything seems tight and I can not reproduce the clunk. Only here it when hitting holes in the road. Any advice? Hate to do all the work to take the strut out and still not be able to tell if its bad.

[@W333dm4n]

is a shock absorber considered broken if the shaft doesnt come back, but compresses with good resistance you you can pull it out with the same resistance

[@jamieofalltrades536]

Is there a way to inspect them while you installed? What about a constant clunking noise as you drive and hit bumps?

[@dougn2350]

That could be sway bar links or bad shocks. Best to have it checked out by a mechanic you trust.

[@alexlp6782]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge

[@ivanhernandez6584]

😂😂😂 te la mamaste wey.. keep up the awesome videos

[@paulwade9191]

Thank you for the information . IT tells me why my car is acting like im running on nylon tires I almost crashed going over a grade on the bridge so it thank you PS that's your funny guy president and that movie you just made that's funny haha

[@1800BusterCheeks]

Your absolutely right bud! Mine are both shot

[@raeesmaredia1885]

Hello I just replace my front new struts(Monroe) on 2014 ford explorer and it makes every time I hit puddle or it's normal because its just new struts

[@captainyasopp154]

When I make left turns or go over bumps or hills I'll hear a slight ding or hear noises from the left side idk if it's the shock or the thing that connects the wheel

[@jewllake]

I was dying at 0:49 Seconds! Perfect!

[@skatijim]

I could listen to you say assembelly all day,so smooth 😂great videos 💪👌👌

[@yrvanmichel1446]

Lmao I love the comedy to start

[@jesuszuniga1257]

hi what can cause wheel bounce at highway speed already replaced both struts. The wheel bounces on concrete pavement only and not on asphalt

[@Chopperdog]

I replace my front shocks with heavy duty ones it made no difference because the coil springs are stuffed instead springs wear out after awhile.

[@antoniom5876]

I took my car to firestone last week because everything I would go 70mphs or above on the highway my steering wheel would shake. They said this was due to the struts being bad... is this true or did I get scam??

[@futureshock7425]

If you’re bouncing down the road on tiny bumps like you’re in a lowrider on hydraulics yeah you need new ones

[@giovannimartinez3089]

My truck started doing that this week. I bought it a couple months ago and it was riding stiff and rough. Now its bouncy like a lowrider. Should a i fix the strut and shocks or just shocks?

[@DivineMisterAdVentures]

Oh, you rock, man! That was so clean and simple.

[@uva514]

Do you recommend replacing struts as a maintenance item, or just when they are "bad"? At what mileage would you recommend replacing them?

[@PotatoeChipz]

Do a quick inspection of the springs making sure they're not cracked, then lift the boot on the shaft of the strut to see if they're dry. If all checks out positive--no need to replace. They're not a maintenance item. More a suspension part as to what type of road you drive on for the life of the vehicle. Hope that helps

[@tejasvaghasiya8053]

Should I get any problem like back pain and belly pain while driving car with bad shock absorber? Even in my last 3 years ride never felt like that which I felt last 2 to 3 days. Should it cause bad shock absorber?

[@ricepony33]

@wratchesandwrenches can you do a video in which shocks/struts last the longest? We all obviously have assumptions and brand favorites but as a mechanic you probably see more than most. #bloomberg2020

[@trysomehonesty9643]

Random comment, so not sure if you respond, but would bad front struts cause a slight jiggling feeling on smooth roads? It's like I'm going over cracks but there's no cracks.

[@98chicagobears]

HEY RATCHET IS THE GABRIEL ULTRA A VERY GOOD SHOCKS FOR THE CAR.

[@ernestorivas8369]

Lmfao dude im over here trynna learn about shocks and you hit me with the 🇺🇸 joke 🤣 great laugh

[@dougn2350]

I have an almost new car, 2021 Sonata with 42,000 miles. I started getting an odd noise from the rear suspension a few months back. At low speeds there's a rapid thumping noise when I drive over cracks in the pavement. I highly suspect the shocks. But with only 41k miles Im reluctant to replace them. Can bad shocks make thumping noises?

[@bohaggin5913]

Are you related to the mechanic Oc KZbin channel?

[@Chickenhead2174]

Hello Ma’am, may I check your oil?

[@Michael_Scott_Howard]

Did you know that the equations that describes motion and forces of the damper and spring are the same for an electrical capacitor and inductor. In fact early analog computers were used to simulation these mechanical devices since the equations are the same..

[@erichenry9941]

Lol you killing me 😂

[@kanadalitirci5975]

Çok güzel bir video.

[@dondada1949]

After replacing the two front struts on my car, I've noticed that it has become quite bouncy. What might be causing this issue?

[@kryptog1376]

What brand do y’all suggests that has the best oem ride for a sedan ??

[@kryptog1376]

I’m thinking about running KYB

[@saucyg407]

Can they cause the axle to pop out of the trans axle? Mines doesn’t break but slips out

[@Itz_toca_phia]

Hello...I had leaking in my front shock and i replace them...Some people said that is normal a little leak oil....

[@rubengh777]

My 2012 Honda Civic, shakes or vibrates at times, it comes and goes away. I replaced the engine mount and the back mount, I didn’t replace the transmission mount. It seems like it’s better but still some vibration. Various speeds. I suspect it could be the struts, they have over 200k miles. I want to get to the root of the problem… Any advice.

[@sisco0304]

Hi I think my struts or shocks are bad on my 15corolla do they fall under warranty right now it has a recall on srsaibags and safety belt it’s a death trap it’s parked right now I got a free rental but are they expensive

[@bjornironsides6474]

I don’t notice any of the issues here,but I hear a rattle at lower speed coming from rear passenger side. Sounds like outside, not interior. Checked the spare and it’s solid. Weird part is, I test drove it and didn’t notice... bought it 3 days later and heard it. Only change was dealer plate removed. What could it be? Don’t notice it hardly at all when up to speed

[@iowanforjustice5656]

That was hilarious!

[@theaussienurseflipper.8113]

My Nissan patrols got a bit of a death wobble. I noticed the driver's side shock absorber is missing it's bottom. Top ones look like nylon but there's nothing on the bottom, should be 2. I don't if I need to replace the whole shock or just buy rubbers, cheers

[@mikedoingmikethings702]

On my 2008 Altima, I did all the test but all of them checks out. But when I’m driving on the freeway and there’s an uneven road, it rocks like a boat side to side. So I completely removed the spring and tested the strut and yep, busted shocks! The monroe struts for some reason was busted on the top 2” of the struts and works fine further down. Probably the reason why the tests I did passed.

[@HectorHernandez-jq7hw]

What if I hit a bump and there is a clanking sound come from the front. Is that bad struts? Not my sway bar links. Changed those already.

[@deasttn]

It very well could be. Are your ball joints good?

[@HectorHernandez-jq7hw]

@@deasttn no. That's probably what it is then

[@xXFuZeSnipeZzXx]

Hector Hernandez Late answer, but usually clanking sounds are from sway bar links, or the bushings on the sway bar. Changed my links yesterday and it is much better now

[@mrhombregordo9556]

I'm so late yet SOOOOOOOOO glad I saw this😆😆😆💯❤👑💪🏿. #ugotmyvote👍🏿😂

[@MakeLifeExtraordinary]

Also, check to make sure that your upper and lower control arms are intact on the front and the back. As, they can be completely detrimental to the control of your vehicle. Mine, I didn’t know were rusted in spots, and when I changed out my air shocks for my Land Rover… When the shocks went back up, it broke the one in half and if it wasn’t for the shock, essentially holding that assembly together… The wheel could’ve essentially been free to go left or right by itself and could’ve taken my vehicle out of control and wrecked it. So be on the lookout for those on your vehicle when you change out your shocks, just to make sure. Especially if it’s early 2000’s to maybe 2010… and especially if you live by the ocean or in an area where you get a bunch of snow and they salt the roads. Which can less than the life of any metal part on your vehicle.

[@Curlyim2]

1994 ford ranger. My steering is very loose. Replaced all 4 shocks and rear springs. How do I diagnose further?

[@tj4034]

Try adjusting the steering box to take out excess play. That helped mine alot. Check tie rod ends for looseness too.

[@CRAPO2011]

Check outer tie rod ends , sway bar links, bushings

[@danajay85]

I have a brand new Kia 22 and I had a nail in my tire and I got my tire changed every since then my car is not a smooth ride. It feels bumpy when I get to a certain speed what is that?

[@tannerhederson4067]

How do u know if ur on the struts bump stops ?

[@ynasra1065]

thnx

[@undergroundsounds332]

0:45 is why WnR is the best automotive KZbin channel lol

[@augustarellano197]

Having worn shocks does it also make your car oversteer?