Suspension
Shock Absorber
Shock absorbers control how fast your springs compress and rebound, keeping the tires in contact with the road. We carry 172 shock absorbers from $15 to $669 by Monroe, KYB, AC Delco, Bilstein, Unity and Gabriel, with strong coverage for Chevrolet Tahoe, Silverado 1500, Impala, Dodge Dakota and Ram 1500.
Shop shock absorber by vehicle
Signs your shocks are worn
Worn shocks let the body bounce and float after bumps, dive forward hard when braking and lean more in corners. Other signs include fluid leaking down the shock body, cupped tire wear, and a truck that bottoms out over dips.
Shocks wear slowly, so the change is easy to miss. Inspect them at each tire rotation for leaks, damaged mounts and broken bushings.
Choosing the right shock
Shocks are listed as front, rear or front and rear sets. Mounting styles vary, with stud, eye and bar pin ends coded on many listings, so match the upper and lower mounts to your vehicle.
Options here include standard replacement, heavy duty, adjustable and air shocks for leveling loads. Monroe, KYB and AC Delco cover stock ride needs, while Bilstein suits drivers who want firmer control. Check the fitment table for drive type and any lift or leveling kit.
Replace in pairs
Replace shocks in pairs on the same axle so both sides react the same way. Many owners replace all four for a balanced ride. Sets in this group make that simple.
Support the vehicle on jack stands and support the axle before removing a shock, since on some suspensions the shock limits axle travel. Tighten bushing mounts with the vehicle at ride height if the instructions call for it.
Shock Absorber questions
How do I know if my shocks are bad?
Look for oil leaks on the shock body, excessive bounce after bumps, nose dive under braking and cupped tire wear. A ride that floats or wallows on the highway is another sign.
Should I replace all four shocks at once?
At minimum, replace both shocks on the same axle. Replacing all four keeps the ride and handling balanced, especially if the shocks are the same age.
What is the difference between shocks and struts?
A shock only dampens motion. A strut is a structural part of the suspension that also supports the spring and affects alignment. Your vehicle uses one or the other at each corner, sometimes struts in front and shocks in back.