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Shock Absorber

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Fast Shipping
Free Shipping on orders over $99.
We ship from multiple warehouses across the country, so you get your part as soon as possible.
Industry Leading Warranty
Free, one year (or more), unlimited mileage warranty. Covers everything; parts and shipping costs.
Easy Returns
Return for any reason within 60 days for a full refund.
guaranteed exact fit
We've reviewed over 1,000,000 fitments to guarantee exact fit.
Shock Absorber

Shock Absorber

 
 


Shock Absorber

In search of shock absorbers for your car, truck or SUV? Buy Auto Parts offers you a huge selection of high quality affordably priced shock absorber replacement parts for a wide range of vehicle makes and models. Whether you're looking for OEM parts or aftermarket replacements, our inventory offers you exceptionally low prices on shock absorbers that have been tested to meet or exceed the highest industry standards.

Use our convenient search tool to find the right shock absorber for your vehicle, or reach out to us by phone or email if you don't find what you're looking for, and one of our auto part specialists will help you find what you need. For over 20 years, Buy Auto Parts has been helping vehicle owners like yourself get the best possible prices on parts, even those that our hard to find. By not having a brick-and-mortar store and selling online, we're able to pass the savings on to you for all of the parts we sell, including car shock absorbers.

We also know that when you need a part replaced, you can't afford to wait around for a replacement part, especially when it comes to something like a shock absorber. That's why our advanced shipping system and multiple warehouse locations are designed to get you your car shock absorber set as quickly as possible. Use our search tool to find the right shock absorber set for your vehicle or contact us today with any questions you might have, and we look forward to helping you get back on the road as soon as we can.

Over the years we've worked with lifelong mechanics, individuals who like to work on their cars on the weekend and those just starting out learning about their vehicle. That's why our How-To guides, blog, articles and other online resources are designed to help you learn more about vehicle repair and replacement parts.

 

Function of a Shock Absorber

Buy Auto Parts offers you an extensive selection of shock absorbers to help you find the right ones for your vehicle. And to help you better understand the importance of ordering shock absorber replacement parts through Buy Auto Parts, the following overview will help clarify the system for you.

Shock absorbers absorb vibrations and dissipate energy for your vehicle. Their purpose is to control the movement of the springs and the suspension of your car, truck or SUV. More accurately referred to as dampers, They are located between the car's frame and wheels and prevent sudden jerky movements while driving on rough roads.

There are two main types of dampers: shocks and struts. And while they do the same job, and the words are used interchangeably, shocks and struts are two very different types of dampers. You cannot use a shock absorber in the place of a strut, and vice versa. This can naturally lead to some confusion when trying to order the correct parts for your car.

In a setup that uses traditional shocks, the vehicle is primarily held up by the springs, and the shocks are located nearby. Since the springs bear the weight of the vehicle, you can technically drive a vehicle with no shocks whatsoever, though doing so is dangerous and ill-advised. Shocks can be used with coil, leaf, air springs or torsion bars. Shocks are also easier to install than struts because of their location on the vehicle's suspension system, and usually cheaper to produce and buy because the design of the individual part is simpler.

A MacPherson strut is the other type of shock absorber. In this type of suspension, the strut contains the mounting points for a coil spring and a dampening element, which has the same internals as a standard gas-filled shock absorber. The strut, with a coil spring wrapped around it, is a structural component of the car that holds it up. On the front wheels, the strut is also part of the steering system, since on most vehicles, it attaches to the hub carrier or steering knuckle, and some alignment settings are adjusted directly on the strut. The advantages to this design are mainly packaging concerns. Since the strut fits inside of the coil spring, the combination takes up less room under the vehicle, especially since the vehicle has coil or air springs instead of unwieldy leaf springs or torsion bars. This design also makes initial assembly of the vehicle easier, since the spring, strut, hub and brakes can all be attached to the vehicle on the production line as one unit

Because both types of shock absorbers help in maintaining a smooth ride over uneven terrain or bumps and ruts in the roads, any deviation in its performance will obviously result in a bumpy and uncomfortable ride. And so it's important to pay attention to your vehicle to know when it's time to service your shocks or struts. Most vehicles won't give any direct notification, like a check engine light for suspension work, but you may notice a clunking or knocking noise from under the vehicle, especially over bumps or rougher roads. If you ignore these signs, your vehicle may ride worse, your tires could wear unevenly or at a faster rate, and your vehicle simply will not be as safe.

Sadly, most customers think that the sole job of a shock is to restrict vibrations and provide a comfortable ride. A survey states that about 70% of people felt that the shocks are installed to solely to sustain a comfortable ride in their vehicle. Therefore, replacing shock absorbers are often overlooked, since customers do not realize the importance of shocks in the safety of their vehicle. Only around 21% of people understand that shocks also contribute to the safety and handling in their vehicle, in addition to ride quality.

 

Causes of a Shock Absorber Failure

For any part in a car, normal wear and tear is the primary cause for its failure. However, improper maintenance can also result in a number of problems in the shock absorber. Since the shock absorber is filled with hydraulic fluid, any leaks can hinder its dampening performance. A low level of fluid will not absorb the vibrations properly, thereby letting them be felt all through the vehicle. The fluid can leak due to brittle or torn seals. The piston inside the shock can get bent due to an impact, thereby causing the shock to diminish its performance. The following are some of the common symptoms of a weakened shock absorber.

 

Symptoms of a Bad Shock Absorber


Deviations in Ride Height

A considerable difference in the ride height of the four corners of the vehicle can indicate that the shock absorbers have worn out. Compare the ride heights measured with that of the standard value specified in the owner's manual. If the height readings are in the lower range, it implies that the shocks need an overhaul.

Increased Stopping Distance

The brake pads or rotors are often blamed if the stopping distance of the car is increased. However, bad shocks can also contribute to the braking distance of the automobile. Bad shock absorbers can increase the stopping distance by 20%.

Bouncing/Vibration

While excessive bouncing or vibration is a definite symptom of a defective shock absorber the bouncing can also be felt in the steering wheel. The vehicle can also tilt to one side, during a bounce or vibration.

Uneven Tire Wear

As a defective shock can hinder efficient control, the vehicle can wander, resulting in uneven tire wear. Specifically, worn-out shocks can cause bald patches in the tire.

Noises/Leaks

When the hydraulic fluid leaks, you can spot wet areas on the shock absorber. A bad shock can be detected through a loud clanking or knocking noise, especially while rounding corners or riding over bumps.

If you experience any or a combination of the aforementioned symptoms, it indicates your shocks or struts need a thorough inspection. The general time to inspect and replace the shocks is often specified in the owner's manual of your vehicle.

If you find that your car's shock absorbers are not functioning properly, you should replace them as soon as possible to avoid further damage. At Buy Auto Parts you will find high-quality shock absorber replacements at unbeatable prices and free shipping. All our shock absorbers are tested thoroughly and come with a warranty. Our online catalog makes it easy to find the right auto parts. We provide OEM replacements and aftermarkets parts for every car make and model. As we have warehouses all across the country, you can be assured of receiving the ordered parts from the closest location, on time. If you have any questions regarding our auto parts, call our toll-free support line at 1-888-907-7225 or email us at [email protected].

Related Resources

Best Shock Absorber Tips to Get the Most Bang for your Buck
This article will help you choose the best shock for your car out of the many options available in the market. Here's a tip: buy online!

Know when to replace Shocks and Struts, or Ruin Your Car
This page explains two things: signs of failing shocks and struts, and the test procedure to ascertain the cause of their failure.

10 Myths About Shocks and Struts
We have explained the ten most common facts about shocks and struts that are actually myths. Check out this article and we hope it will clear up your misconceptions.

How Can I Tell When My Shocks and Struts are Worn
Symptoms exhibited by faulty shocks and struts are quite noticeable. Take a look at these symptoms and learn if your shocks and struts are on the verge of failure.

Ready to DIY? Shocks and Struts Edition
From performing simple maintenance procedures, DIYers have now advanced to replacing major components in their cars. This page is about replacing shocks and struts on your own.

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