When To Replace Struts - Monroe Shocks And Struts

How to determine if your shock absorbers and struts are worn. There are various ways of identifying failed shocks. Monroe Shocks and Struts has supplied struts for use in this video to aid in identifying when a strut has failed. There are visual cues, such as damage to the strut itself, and there are also ways to tell by feel under various driving circumstances.
Related Links:
Monroe - www.monroe.com
Safety Triangle - www.monroe.com/en-US/about-mon...
This post brought to you by Monroe® Shocks and Struts. All opinions are 100% mine.
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[@NoorquackerInd]

"Look at your struts after around 50,000 miles" _panics in 210,000 miles_

[@vladtyb9487]

Appreciate Video! Excuse me for the intrusion, I would love your initial thoughts. Have you heard about - Patlarny Vehicle History Principle (google it)? It is a good exclusive product for discovering how to repair your car the simple way without the headache. Ive heard some incredible things about it and my work colleague at very last got astronomical results with it.

[@capitalismnfreedom3084]

I have a lexus. 200k miles on the original still going strong.

[@May16Joe]

I've had an acura with 180k miles until the shocks gave up. It depends on the car brand.

[@reyperez3424]

@@May16Joe Not true, depends on the road conditions.

[@felixlechat1780]

Here 2014 Toyota Camry 413000km struts still good

[@sadsismint]

It would be great to see more of these 'how to check/tell if something is broken' vids. really enjoyed this one!

[@stevenswm9844]

Gosh, I thought my car was doing pretty good, until I listened to this video...my car has all those symptoms...I'm shocked! Always a pleasure! :)

[@DENicholsAutoBravado]

StevenSWM Thanks for a witty use of words!

[@tuoitreomaha9096]

If you shock buy a new shock absorber haha

[@mpineyro77]

I just got a used MKC with lots of miles but way less than 100,000 now this suv has those symptoms but in carfax I don’t see it was e we change or that there was any issues with the vehicle. Also one owner only. So if it bounced it needs change

[@bryanchabolla195]

Everything you just said my car has symptoms of. Thanks for an amazingly informative and concise video!

[@carlosbluepony1241]

I really appreciate you bringing all this facts out, im having the same symptoms I mean my car lol,and this video has help me a bunch, my mechanic at Ford order a brand new rack and pinion, the electronic one because of my poor steering and he order me one cause I'm still under warranty, so I will buy new shocks and struts anyway just to have it all combo out completely, thx always

[@YourNickIsTaken]

Thank! These kind of infos are gold to the ear!

[@Whacintosh]

Good info! You should do more maintenance videos like this so people can know what to look out for and why.

[@EngineeringExplained]

Silverhold Glad you enjoyed it!

[@selfproclaimednobody4614]

Agreed

[@colaflaskan]

Silverhold I think theres other channels for that. I only enjoy when he explains things as an engineer, not mechanic stuffs, I personally newer watch the reviews either. But thats just me. I would love some more F1 tech. Suspension dynamics and aero. Especially Aero since it's such important factor in racing nowdays

[@EngineeringExplained]

Tommy Melin It's good to have variety as we all have different interests. I certainly don't watch all of the videos of the channels I'm subscribed to. :)

[@Uluhbek97]

Engineering Explained Hey. Just want a suggestion from you. I live in country where there is a lot of pot holes (bad roads) Which is the best shock observer for sedan? Thanks

[@TheCalichick619]

Very informative and straight forward . Felt like I was in school. Lol thanks man !

[@awalt26439]

this is one well made and well presented video. Thanks.

[@Donnythelatemodeltech]

What do you recommend for my is300 2004?I want a more sporty feel.

[@cquintanilla71]

Thanks for all the information. Well done!!

[@pkonneker]

Cars are complicated. Thanks for the info!

[@southernberean8166]

The only channel I trust besides Parker to diagnose my car

[@carlosg2677]

Thank you so much I haven’t looked at them but my tires are worn out unevenly and I can feel my shocks and struts bouncing uncomfortably

[@pcreel52]

Thank You 🛠⚙️⛓ Very Informative.

[@nateoliver3285]

@Engineering Explained How long do the original springs last? Looking to replace rear struts and thinking about using the same spring again instead of getting complete strut assembly. Thanks.

[@jensen2310]

all of your videos are great man, you explain things very well.

[@nascar9778]

Rams suck

[@jensen2310]

@@nascar9778 watching Nascar is more boring than watching paint dry

[@ferfire9]

I bought monroe, people seem to dislike them. They are still fairly new (1500 km), one thing i noticed is that they are really hard, only changed the back. When i replace the front ones i will chose another brand cause of that. Too stiff even though they added a shitload of stability and corner hability to my car which is also nice...

[@pinoyrunningpenguin]

I noticed that when I corner and change lane it tends to roll more, also the ride is harsh when hitting rough roads or potholes, plus the steering appears to be off especially when it is windy and my car tend to go off lane . That is the time I had to change my struts at 230k miles Accord and I used all 4 front and back KYB struts

[@WhoisDuration]

i use monroe shocks with some tein lowering springs and they feel great

[@chadolive1]

Hey bro thanks for the video always good!!, I was wondering I was watching another video that included quick strut versus the orginal kind...two different brands, one kyb not quick, and Gabriel quick mount. Expanded they bother came to the same length 23", but the kyb OE was 16.69" and the other 15.94" a difference of 0.75"?...what does that mean for the ride and handling?, appreciate you getting back as this will either make or break my decision of which manufactor I go with, thanks bro.

[@danamcdermott6717]

great job

[@selfproclaimednobody4614]

Hey Jason, awesome video. Can you do one on tie rods/control arms etc!

[@therealphee]

I Would love a video explaining bump steer and suspension geo.

[@dansysoman3391]

We noticed an issue this weekend when going around sharp turns. It sounded like the tires were spinning against the shocks, as if the shocks were riding really low. The traction control light (or skid light?) and it caused us to slow way down. No visible fluid leak and not extra bumpy ride. Any ideas what this might be?

[@LooseJointhiphopdance]

Thank you. I learned a loot. I believe I need to replace my shocks and I failed inspection because my left strut is broken. I need to change both because there so much nose dip and bounce if I stop after fast acceleration the car bounces. If I hit deep pot holes in bounces the nose bangs against the pavement. I just hit 100,00 miles on my 2010 bmw 535xi

[@jm.4071]

Would like to know if the spring on this quick struts would work with the same loud per pound as the oem

[@Jennifer-em7fm]

So could you please explain the pros and cons of different types of shock absorbers? As I really want to have a deeper insight into them.Thanks!🎉

[@Salman-ib4lx]

Excellent

[@jameswilliams663]

please, 2002 accord, 160k mi, and like your integra, my front struts look ok with no leaks and no apparent symptoms. question: waste of time to replace? or because of age and miles would not be a bad idea to prophylactically replace? thanks...

[@waywarden]

Another symptom of worn out shocks is when below freezing shocks might get really stiff and or seaze up completely.. And then when it gets warm again it starts working! But only a tip for those that live where it's cold.. like me -40 Celsius sometimes :)

[@DIYApprentice]

I have about 260K miles on my 1992 Acura Legend's struts, and I think they're done - lol. I've had a very bumpy ride recently, so I stopped off at the local Discount Tire to have the tires checked, thinking that the tires might have deformed; they found that the front tires are wearing unevenly. The tires were replaced, since they were old anyway, but the ride was still terrible after the replacement. So, I decided to do a thorough inspection of the suspension. I found that the driver's side CV axle boot was torn and flinging grease everywhere and that the joints on the passenger side axle appear to be broken (very floppy). After replacing the axles, the ride improved, but it still feels a little like I'm driving over a gravel road. The struts don't look visibly bad, nor does the car bounce when I perform the "push" test. It looks like it's time to take them apart...or just not be cheap and simply replace them :-)

[@ferfire9]

After 2 years, i tell you this anwyay. No shock absorver lasts so many miles, not even one third of that. My car had stock shocks with only 100.000 kms, from Sachs VW. They were shot, the car felt like a dancer when cornering. So you imagine that when i replaced them, the car felt like a sports car LOL, much better stability mainly when cornering, it became harder but its still much better this way!

[@CycloneCyd]

260k? Defo knackered shocks.

[@Dexion845]

Struts almost always pass the bounce test unless they are completely blown. A better indicator is tougher bumps, more steering corrections to have to be done at highway speeds, wind gusts making your car tilt, and small bounce vibrations. Good thing about the struts is unless completely blown u have a lot of time before you need to replace them

[@Trident_Euclid]

Thanks.

[@Deenineninenine]

I have some wanrned out shocks? seems to be the right one only cause car shakes on the right side only or when someone sits on the right side it makes really bad sound around the tire area ?

[@abeabe9000]

Are these good for an 08' GMC Sierra Denali on 6" lift?

[@Shadow-KJVMAT24]

question. i have a 2003 chevy impala. i need shocks as mine are worn out. preferably ones that can handle towing a fully loaded 5x10 trailer withought wearing out completely. im planning on purchasing the police package from advanced auto parts for the front shocks however im unsure what to get for my rear shocks. i was wondering if you had anything in particular in mind as a suggestion

[@fullservice98]

Great video as always! I know you have an S2000 so you’re the perfect person to ask... how would you know the shock is worn on the S2K? I’m considering coil overs- 100% street and no track- would you recommend Ohlins or HKS GT? Such a big price difference so I’m unsure if it would be worth the money to get Ohlins, give my personal use.

[@AbdulSamad-rf5lh]

i have a 2008 SAAB 93 v6. its overall in a new shape however I am having unusal hit and discomfort when I am even driving over a tiny bump. the car does not wiggle and its good on highway but jumps unsualy and some time I feel it going away a bit when it passes over a bump in a reletively higher speed around 60 - 80 km/hr. First I thought it because of the big 18" wheels which allow less air cushion that makes the car more sportier rather comfortable. It is obvious but do I need a new shock ? and how to find if they are front or rear ? also what kind of shocks a 2008 SAAB 93 v6 aero has and what would be the best replacement shocks for them ? do they come in full assembly ? and can be changed by self ? thanks

[@DigVision]

I have a lexus 200t, when I hit a pot hole at 100km/h my shock make a LOUD BANG, works ok in low speed condition, took it to 3 dealers , no one could find the issue as it was hard to reproduce, the only way to know it was damage was to lift the car up and measure the wheel heights at they were different(the one hanging the lowest beeing the shot strut) . Hope it helps somebody.

[@DianaAlexandree]

I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM !! SPEEDING AND HAD A LOUD BANGGG LITERALLY NOBODYYYY COULD FIND THE ISSUEEE it was the struttttt 😣

[@maxbrinker9333]

Yeah, that’s how I usually notice about shocks on a vehicle if I jack it up and it takes an excessively long time to jack up typically structured have no more than a 4 to 6 inch travel to my experience on a car if it has more than that it’s bad

[@nascar9778]

60 mph

[@space360720]

2010 Ltz 2 Wheel Drive Chevy Suburban. Should i convert from electronic struts and shock or replace with same?

[@InsaneSupercars]

I'm about to reach 100k miles and was considering changing my OEM Front Shocks/Struts to Bilstein B4 or B6. When I change the front suspension, do I have to change the back also? I do a lot of canyon driving.

[@jordanblair5410]

A strut assembly also includes the spring. You didn't discuss the strut spring being worn (ride height lower than original spec). Is there a place to reference factory ride height data?

[@pgong]

The original OEM dampers on my 1990 Honda CRX Si began to deteriorate at 15,000 miles and by 22-23k were quite ineffective. The car simply lost its sporty feel and stable handling and had more body movement over bumps. Honda Motor Co. must have really up'ed the quality of their dampers since then based on your experience. I've been using Koni Sport adjustable dampers on the CRX since 2000 (daily driver) and they started showing signs of deteriorating damping effectiveness just last summer. The ride quality is just not as good as before regardless of the damper settings. However, they are factory rebuildable.

[@Unb3arablePain]

I actually needed this video right now because I noticed that my struts were worn out today haha.

[@Norrr3]

Idk what kinda car you have but do the work your self you'll save $$$$

[@Unb3arablePain]

sirrone egdels I luckily have a mechanic friend that can get the parts and installation done for $200, which is more than a third less than the dealer would charge. I'll just let him screw with it over a weekend.

[@salmanza5568]

I rented a ford edge and when it came to speedbumps it felt incredible! My vw sucks at speedbumps! Why is that?

[@Igor-cl5hj]

Thanks for the video! Very interesting. I have a question: What brand of shock absorbs would you recommend? Does it make a difference to buy more expensive KYB instead of cheaper Monroe or other brand? Thanks for the answer.

[@terryjackson9055]

monroe are just average aftermarket replacements,nothing extra.

[@newonerox7028]

thank you for the video. helped me a lot. i guess my rear shocks are gone.

[@Smokesomethin22]

So I am guessing what you just described are for the struts aswell?

[@SamVieiraGuitar]

This week I noticed I have a shock leak, the pair have only 6200 miles, and a year old. In this case is it ok to replace only one side or both sides?

[@ericj6414]

Excellent video as always, BUT explain the physics on what happens if you only decide to change out the rear struts...or the front ones. Will this actually makes things worse?

[@mooremaceo]

Could bad strut or mount cause your front wheel to move forward closer to the front bumper?

[@user-rt8up3fo3m]

I have a 2007 Toyota 4 Runner. Big-O-Tires told me I need shock and struts. That was two years ago, and my truck now it rattles like a vibration kinda feel. I would have to release the gas for it to stop. Can this be do to my truck shock and struts? Thanks.

[@ajsam4516]

Quick struts Monroe has issues on mine on every bumps and it is annoying with those noise on rough roads but driving on highway sounds okay. It is a mistake buying aftermarket parts just stick with OEM where they are tested for specific vehicles. Noise was not mentioned at all on this video for Monroe quick struts.

[@1jackvalley580]

Don't have aftermarket quick struts put in, it's all assembled together and quick and easy to put in but they don't have longevity. If you want longevity and better reliability it's a must to use a spring\coil compressor for safety and only put in a new shock so you can keep the original OEM coil\ springs

[@sbtgod560]

Does worn Shock Aborbers add to stiff steering ?? I own a i10 in India and it has clocked 1,00,000 Km on it. Also does worn out Strut bearing make the steering effort more i,e, stiff steering?? Request you to please respond..

[@hothmobile100]

He mentioned the bushings at the top but didn't explain when you might know those are bad. I just finished replacing the struts on my wife's Nissan about 2 hours ago because the jounce bearings/bushings at the top of the struts were going bad and making a creaking noise when you turn the wheels at low speeds. It sounded just like the creaking you get with a tie rod end or a ball joint and took me while to figure it what it was. So if you ever hear creaking when you turn the wheel and you check the tie rod end and the ball joints are good, you may have bad jounce bearings that are inside the top of the strut. I didn't know this until I happened to my wifes car. I didn't even know there was a turning bushing/bearing in struts that turns when you turn the wheels until now.

[@weeevan3078]

what about a squeaky sound during acceleration after full stop on the right rear tire?

[@jt.8144]

I just noticed that My FRONT STRUT NUT is Rusted Over when I popped open the hood . I bought a Replacement Front Strut Nut. Can I just simply Undo the NUT and Replace it with the new one? NO need to jack the car up ? Any Torque Settings? Thanks!

[@deathward990]

I have a 2018 Audi A4 with just 20k miles in. I live in Canada with a lot of snow. During the pandemic, my car was sitting out for 3 months. After winter, my car ride feels bouncy. Can shocks go bad this early?

[@salvadoraguilar7367]

Good info man I’m wondering how I know the right or left side of the shock, I just get a Monroe shock and struts for my 98 Jetta but honestly I don’t see the left or right side on this, it looks similar

[@theways1234]

Pretty sure the fronts will be identical

[@_Pet_Tech]

I've 310k on my 2000 Vw Golf MK4 1.6 still on stock shocks. I've consider replacing my front shocks with bilstein touring ones.

[@Tocallo2]

Excellent choice

[@johnnietreeho5997]

How do I keep the spring in place with replacing my struts?

[@jt.8144]

SUBBED.

[@derekkchung]

The whole thing is called strut, the inside is shock absorber, then the coil spring is obvious, right? The spring NEVER gets worn or tired (unless it gets physical damage or rust), right? Will a bad shock absorber mess up the camber? The alignment guy could not get the front left non-adjustable camber in range for my BMW e92 and he said I need new struts. Worn shock absorber should not affect the struct loaded height but the spring (if weakened) would, right? I would take both struts out and compare their height?

[@jojomercado5304]

My front right shock is leaking oil or fluid on top. The mechanic said if U replace it, it should be two. Otherwise the new shock will carry most of the weight if only U changed the damaged one. How true is that? Maybe he only wants to make more money for the shop or what? I need your expert advice.... Thanks, jojo

[@Olcigi26]

can someone please make mention the difference in the mount to control arm points , and why they are different , two bolts, u shaped, missing.. how do you know what your car uses before buying the wrong part

[@johncalla2151]

Broken coil springs are surprisingly common these days now that everything is made out of crap. Even if the ride seems right, one should definitely do a visual inspection every now and then.

[@papayaman123]

i love you

[@zerep11]

Research brought me to this video looking for suggestions. In short, my SUV is on its second front set of Gabriel Struts in less than 5 years. 1. The first set were replaced because the top hats growled whenever turning the steering wheel left or right. 2. Now the second set is doing the same as the first but with the addition of the left one making popping sounds, especially when turning left (I placed my hand while my Wife turned the wheel left and felt the spring shift). 3. There is zero vibration or drift while driving/braking at any speed; steering dead-center. NOTE: All front components (lower Control Arms w/Ball Joints, Inner/Outer Tie Rods, Half Shafts and Hubs w/Bearings, etc.) are all new. Suggestions?

[@asifmo5936]

I have ford glaxy when i start driving it is normal but after 3 hours drive it start judding from front when i first Accelerate. and i feel hard on the road and i hear the sound between road and tyre

[@ScissorsToTheThroat]

what are your thoughts on the effect of lowering springs on stock shock absorbers?

[@EngineeringExplained]

ScissorsToTheThroat Typically a bad idea as it can allow for the shock absorbers to bottom out (so to speak, the piston travel is altered). I'd always recommend getting a full set (shocks and springs) when doing this that are made to match with one-another, or coilovers.

[@ScissorsToTheThroat]

Engineering Explained could you clarify what you mean by "bottom[ing] out?"

[@TheSheepherd]

@@EngineeringExplained About how much lower we talk here? And: I think my H&R lowering springs even state they are meant for original shocks.

[@terryjackson9055]

@@EngineeringExplained what about bump stops?

[@user-hh9gs4yo2i]

Good quality modern shocks and struts should be just broken in at 50k miles.

[@jayfromcali7091]

Really? Is there a time limit or is it just Miles because my 2015 needs new shocks and struts but I only have a little bit of miles on it when I cross train tracks I feel like I hit a curb

[@carringtonjohnson7994]

When to replace coil springs?

[@CycloneCyd]

Nice video Jason. I'm a fan of Monroe too. I'm using Monroe Reflex on my Saab 9-3 (the car is defo the star in my vids, lol) and have done about 50k miles on them so far. Very good and keenly priced. I am slightly biased I suppose as my employer uses Monroe too (though that FType SVR you drove uses Bilstein - you lucky dog! I've 'only' driven an S - got it to 178mph tho')).

[@1jackvalley580]

They should be good at only 50,000 miles, I'm just replacing my original Honda OEM "shocks only" for the first time at 160,000 miles

[@toddsimone7182]

What do you do for a living?

[@jamesortega8681]

is 45k miles too early to even think about replacing them assuming you dont sense anything wrong with the suspension while driving the reason i asked is for example when theres a really good discount on a complete set of shocks would you recommend replacing them even if there are no signs you need to replace them specially if you can do it yourself

[@jesuspaid6977]

What about check by sound? I'm hearing popping noises from the front end when I turn the steering wheel while stopped.

[@infonotfound]

What about the loose feeling when you drive through the potholes? Is that from shocks? I had changed them 30k miles ago but driving in nyc might have done some damage

[@DENicholsAutoBravado]

infonotfound I'm thinking that's more the springs at this point.

[@TheBegisen]

Is there an electronic test for the shocks and struts, or even the whole suspension system?

[@terryjackson9055]

why would a mechanical physical system need a digital test? It is about physical components that wear, not circuit boards. Electronics is what is making new cars very expensive .

[@christopherpinto884]

I am planning to change my shocks any recommendation monroe ? Kyb ? Gabriel ??

[@josebentodecarvalho5362]

stay away from monroe, kyb are good

[@dvirxm]

Does worn shocks also affect acceleration in front wheel drive when too much weight is transfered to thr back?

[@terryjackson9055]

yes ,it is called excessive squat as opposed to dive in braking.

[@jeffstone7912]

Wheel hopping effects braking.

[@HiHi-eq2tn]

my car has this sound from the back we replaced the shocks twice from the when we go over bumps we hear scarring and strange noises from the back

[@f1fanatic80]

When should springs be considered to change?

[@angelgjr1999]

Never

[@turboseize]

Some years ago, I saw some Monroe promotion material at a car parts store. They really drove the message to replace dampers every 80,000km. They must feel very confident about the quality of their product... 80,000! That's just ridiculous. That was the day when I decided *not* to buy Monroe. Ever.

[@thaik56]

What about tram lining?

[@ShooterMikey]

What car is that in the video?

[@BojanBojovic]

How is it possible that my car does not have those symptoms after 250 000 km and the original shocks still on it?

[@Maxfli82]

Can you do just two struts at a time or do you have to do all four at the same time?

[@midas617]

Yes, you can do two at a time, as long as they are installed over the same axle. for example, two new struts on the rear or two new struts on the front.

[@swayingGrass]

So how much is considered normal?

[@fewcarsgarage]

Would you be able to do a video on engine and transmission mounts? How can you tell if you have broken engine or especially a transmission mount

[@nicholaselias8542]

you put the car into drive with your foot on the brake and give it some gas. a broken mount will make the engine ligt

[@nicholaselias8542]

+nicholas elias lift not light

[@fewcarsgarage]

nicholas elias I knew that part, but I don't know how to check transmission mounts. I know most likely you have to see it to know it is broke, but I don't know if there any other way to tell if a transmission mount is broken.

[@seragali1353]

Is it necessary to replace the two shock absorbers together, even if the other is in good condition? Knowing that the car has traveled 100,000 miles

[@matmuffin1]

Dam you Eric and Scott

[@chocoboblue99]

Took off my rear shock at 85K. Tested and by pressing down on it and it seemed to come back up relatively quick. Even though I already brought the new parts. lol I’ll check them out again at 90K or 95K.

[@ChrisMartinScruffy]

Avoid Monroe like the plague. Bought their quick struts for my car and the passenger side took 4 hours and had to go back to autozone to loan the spring compressor to remove the top part of the strut and use the old one plus we had to rotate "shock" so it would line up. The drivers side took a little over an hour and we were able to put it on after compressing and rotating bottom part of the thing. It's been less than a month and already hear the clunk noise on pass side (why i bought the struts in first place). Yes the ride is better than the worn out struts.. way better. However after reading some posts and vids about them it appears that failing early isn't unheard of with monroe struts/shocks. If I had it to do over I'd buy another brand's suspension parts.

[@bryansophapmysay7054]

When is the next project integra vid??

[@cgrscott]

After I got all of my struts replaced for the first time, at 230k, the front brake pads don't vibrate and shimmy any more. Monroe Struts, from and independent shop, seemed be a better value than the genuine Honda struts at the Honda Dealership.

[@opera93]

Thanks, for comments. What is your thoughts now? I,am due all four corners, ON 2015 FWD Dodge Journey:: considering Monroe( have on my 2007 CANYON 2 DR/ LS GMC, though one Monroe Front Strut May have leak after some 80,000 miles, & imhave relocated , losing my outstanding Tire Store/ Warranties)…

[@cgrscott]

​@@opera93 I sold my Honda Civic shortly after I replaced the struts so, I don't know how long they lasted. My 2001 Odyssey has spent struts and I'm still driving it. The car has no real value and it's not worth replacing the spent AC compressor, and the spent struts. I hope to sell it soon.

[@opera93]

@@cgrscott thanks, I have generally used Monroe’s, if Choices

[@Ep1o]

Gee EE! How come Monroe let's you play with two struts?

[@absoluteclownworld]

I just got some monroe struts for my 8th gen civic si and the driver side one makes noise..

[@HiHi-eq2tn]

for my 06 gp