Dead shock absorbers: real symptoms, DIY tests, risks, and when to replace them (2026 guide)

1. What shock absorbers really do

Many drivers think that shock absorbers only serve to "make the car more comfortable." In reality, their main job is to control the movement of the springs and keep the tires glued to the ground .

In practice, a healthy shock absorber must:

• Limit bounce after potholes, bumps and bumps.
• Stabilize the body during braking, acceleration and cornering.
• Maintain constant tyre-to-asphalt contact , which is essential for the effectiveness of brakes, ABS and ESP.

When they start to discharge, comfort worsens but, above all, safety is compromised .

2. Real symptoms of worn shock absorbers

Just because the car feels a little soft isn't enough to indicate that the shock absorbers are worn out. Here we see the specific signs that we almost always associate with tired or worn suspension in the workshop.

2.1 Pitch under braking

When braking, the front of the car dives exaggeratedly and the rear becomes lighter. Typical sensations:

• steering wheel that tends to “dig” downwards;
• feeling of instability if you have to steer while braking;
• ABS kicking in more often than usual.

2.2 Excessive body roll when cornering

When cornering, the body leans much more than before, with an annoying “boat” effect:

• you have to correct the steering wheel often ;
• passengers feel a strong lateral displacement;
• the car reacts late to changes in direction.

2.3 Bounce and “sway” after a bump

After going over a bump or a pothole, the car does not stabilize immediately but continues to oscillate two or three times.

On shock absorbers in good condition the movement must be brief and controlled : just one “settling” and the car stops.

2.4 Sharp knocks and metallic noises

If the shock absorber is really worn out or if the shock absorber bushings/heads are worn out, you may hear:

• knock-knock if you pass over cobblestones or potholes;
• sharp knocks on the steering wheel or bodywork;
• creaking sounds when going up ramps or inclined curbs.

2.5 Uneven tire wear

Worn shock absorbers cause the wheels to “jump,” resulting in abnormal tread wear:

• serrated or stepped tire surface;
• smoother areas alternating with even deeper areas;
• increasing rolling noise.

2.6 Increased braking distance

With weak suspension, the tires don't stay glued to the ground as they should. The result: longer braking distances , especially on wet or rough surfaces.

3. DIY test to see if your shock absorbers are worn out

These tests are not a replacement for a regular test bench at a service center, but they do allow you to understand whether it's time to have your car checked immediately.

3.1 Rebound test (body push test)

1. Park on level ground and apply the handbrake.
2. Push down firmly on one corner of the car (first the front, then the back).
3. Let go suddenly and observe the movement.

Correct result: the body should rise and stop almost immediately.
Low shock absorber signal: Car keeps bouncing 2–3 times .

3.2 Straight road test

On a safe, flat and little-trafficked stretch:

• take the car to about 70–90 km/h;
• make a slight turn to the right and left;
• note whether the body settles immediately or continues to “rock”.

If the car wobbles more than once or forces you to make constant steering corrections, the suspension may be tired.

3.3 Visual inspection

With the car on a lift or inspection ditch (or with the help of a trusted mechanic), observe the shock absorbers:

• external oil leaks on the shock absorber body;
• cracked or deformed rubber and bushings;
• upper supports with cracks or advanced rust.

Oil leaks or destroyed bushings are a clear sign of urgent replacement .

3.4 Indications from the periodic review

During the biennial inspection, many centers have a suspension test bench. If the report indicates significantly different efficiency between the left and right sides , or values ​​below the threshold, it's time to intervene.

4. Risks of driving with worn shock absorbers

Driving with bad shock absorbers isn't just a matter of comfort: it's an active safety issue .

4.1 Longer braking distance

If the tire "jumps" on the asphalt, braking becomes less effective. In an emergency, it may take several extra meters to stop, especially on wet roads.

4.2 Reduced grip and risk of aquaplaning

With unloaded suspension the car:

• loses grip first when cornering;
• it is more unstable on manholes, joints, paving stones;
• tends to aquaplan more easily.

4.3 ESP and ABS less effective

Electronic systems (ABS, ESP, traction control) only work if the tires remain in contact with the road. Weak shock absorbers make their operation less precise and less predictable .

4.4 Accelerated wear of other components

Suspensions that don't work properly "discharge" shocks onto:

• wishbones, ball joints, steering linkages;
• silent blocks and elastic supports;
• tires and wheel bearings.

Result: higher expenses in the medium term.

5. When to replace shock absorbers: mileage, years, and typical cases

There is no one-size-fits-all mileage limit for all cars, but in the workshop we use some practical guidelines :

5.1 General instructions (normal use)

• 70,000–80,000 km : on cars used a lot in the city, with frequent potholes and speed bumps.
• 100,000–120,000 km : on cars that do a lot of motorway or main road driving.
• After 7–8 years : Even if the mileage is low, rubbers and seals still start to age.

5.2 When it is urgent to intervene immediately

• you see obvious oil leaks on the shock absorber;
• the car sways noticeably when braking or cornering;
• there are sharp shots and significant noise on every hole;
• the inspection failed the car due to insufficient suspension efficiency .

5.3 Always replace in pairs

Fundamental rule: never replace just one shock absorber per axle. They should be replaced at least in pairs (either the two front ones or the two rear ones) to maintain balance and symmetry in the car's response.

6. How to choose shock absorbers and workshop

A shock absorber isn't just “hard or soft”: it must be compatible with your vehicle's chassis, setup, weight, and electronics .

6.1 Choosing the right spare part

• always start from the chassis (VIN) and not just from the model;
• check whether the car has standard, sport or adjustable suspension ;
• check compatibility with systems such as active suspension, self-levelling, electronic shock absorbers ;
• prefer OEM or equivalent quality brands (original equipment suppliers).

6.2 Why rely on a serious workshop

Replacing shock absorbers is not just a matter of “unscrewing and screwing”: after assembly it is mandatory to:

• checking (and often adjusting) wheel alignment/convergence ;
• checking of bushings, supports, limit switches ;
• road test check of the car's behavior.

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

8. Conclusions and practical advice

Shock absorbers are as important a safety component as brakes and tires. Recognizing the real symptoms of low shock absorbers early allows you to intervene before more serious (and more expensive) problems arise.

In summary:

• don't ignore abnormal pitch, roll and bounce ;
• periodically check tires and shock absorbers for oil leaks ;
• consider replacing between 80,000 and 120,000 km , depending on use and road conditions;
• rely on quality spare parts and a workshop that also takes care of wheel alignment and related components.

Because a car with healthy suspension is safer, more precise and less tiring to drive , every day.