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.

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.

[sheffielduk]

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

[bert]

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!!!

[dodobird]

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.

[chadsoucek]

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.

[adamswartz]

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

[akeemhector]

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

[stevegocrazy]

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

[michaellevin]

Just subscribed to this guy hilarious beginning

[b]

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.

[Metalheadmike]

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.

[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.

[KeyWestSaltLife]

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

[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

[tawermeister]

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?

[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.

[MeltWithU]

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.

[hammerhead]

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

[barrybennett]

Best explanation ever..
"RESPECT"!

[janpalmer]

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

[chadpugh]

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